Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and actor JanelleMonáe has signed an exclusive, worldwide administration agreement with Sony Music Publishing, the company announced on Tuesday. Her longtime collaborators Nate Wonder (above left, with Monae) and Chuck Lightning (right) have signed on with the company as well.
In addition to her eight Grammy nominations and four albums, Monáeco-founded her own label imprint, Wondaland Arts Society, which recently launched its production arm, Wondaland Pictures. As an actorMonáehas starred in such films as “Moonlight,”“Hidden Figures,”“Harriet,”“The Glorias,” the television series“Homecoming” and the horror film“Antebellum.” Next,Monáewill begin filming the sequel“Knives Out 2.”
“As an artist who is constantly reinventing myself, I feel like I’m just getting started,”said JanelleMonáe.“I am excited about partnering with Big Jon and the rest of my new Sony family to help shape the future of music in the record industry as well as the fashion, and tv and film space.”
Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt said,“I have been chasing the opportunity to work with Janelle since the beginning of her career. 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.”
“JanelleMonáe’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,”said Sony Music Publishing President, Global Chief Marketing Officer Brian Monaco.
Recently,Monáehas been working on new music alongside Wonder and Lightning. Wonder is also a member of the duo Deep Cotton, scored his first feature film,“Antebellum,” last year, along with Roman GianArthur, and produced Monáe’s anthem “Turntables” for the documentary“All in: The Fight for Democracy.”He plans to release his debut album later this year.
Lightning is co-founder and chief creative officer of Wondaland Pictures and Wondaland Arts Society and is currently writing and developing several film projects, including the horror film“Black Apples,” “Mad Crazy Visionz,” and“The ArchAndroid,” a science fiction film based on Monáe’s albumof the same name.
“As an artist and writer, 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. And 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,”added Chuck Lightning.
“As an artist and music producer in the record industry, tv, and film space I am quite excited about this next chapter with Sony,”said Nate Wonder.“I hope to help shape hearts and minds with the wonderful gift that is music.”
