On Tuesday (June 22), Sony Music Publishing announced the signing of Janelle Monáe in an all-encompassing, worldwide administrative deal covering her current music catalog and future works.
“As an artist who is constantly reinventing myself, I feel like I’m just getting started,” Monáe said in a statement. “I am excited about partnering with Big Jon [Platt] and the rest of my new Sony family to help shape the future of music in the record industry as well as the fashion, TV and film space.”
Monáe, who co-founded her own label imprint, Wondaland Arts Society, in 2015 and recently ventured into production, with Wondaland Pictures, is bringing a couple collaborators along for the deal. Sony has also signed agreements with Nate “Rocket” Wonder and Chuck Lightning, the company announced, who helped shape Monáe’s albums Metropolis: Suite I: The Chase (2008); The ArchAndroid (2010), The Electric Lady (2013), and Dirty Computer (2018).
“I have been chasing the opportunity to work with Janelle since the beginning of her career,” said Sony Music Publishing chairman and CEO Jon Platt in a statement. “I am very grateful to welcome her to Sony Music Publishing and I look forward to building something incredible with Janelle and the Wondaland Arts family.”
Sony Music Publishing president and global chief marketing officer Brian Monaco added, “Janelle Monáe’s powerful influence as a songwriter is undeniable. Her music speaks volumes for so many. We are proud to partner with Janelle and her team to further amplify her voice and create the best opportunities for her songs across all platforms.”
“I’m incredibly excited to impact culture, hearts and minds in bold new ways with the broad expertise and resources of our new Sony family,” said Lightning in a statement. “I continue to believe that great music is needed more than ever right now, as a universal language that spreads wonder, change and understanding throughout the world.”
“As an artist and music producer in the record industry, TV and film space I am quite excited about this next chapter with Sony,” added Wonder. “I hope to help shape hearts and minds with the wonderful gift that is music.”
