Janelle Monáe Honoured with SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award

SoundExchange announced today that Janelle Monáe has been honoured with the “SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award.” The honour recognizes Monáe as one of the most streamed creators in the organization’s 20-plus-year history of administering digital performance royalties.

Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange, states:

“Janelle Monáe is as authentic and genuine a creator as the world has ever seen – a true trailblazer of the digital age. An influential performer whose musical achievements are rivalled only by her notable roles as an actor, Monáe is also an inspiring activist and fashion icon. We are proud to present Janelle Monáe with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award.”

Monáe responds:

“I appreciate SoundExchange so much – this is such an honour. I work really hard on creating album experiences and music that really means something to, not just myself, but the community that I make it for. Thank you to all the fans who have made this possible and here’s to many more experiences together! And thank you to SoundExchange for recognizing me this way.”

Monáe has been a SoundExchange member since 2010 and entrusts SoundExchange to collect worldwide neighbouring rights royalties on her behalf through more than 75 agreements SoundExchange has with international counterpart organizations, covering 87 percent of the available global neighbouring rights market.

After touring in support of her 2023 album, The Age of Pleasure, Monáe recently announced publication of the long-awaited The ArchAndroid graphic novel, starring Janelle Monáe. Due next year, she is collaborating with writer Chuck Lightning and illustrator Chad Weatherford on the story of android Cindi Mayweather, a concept unveiled on Monáe’s 2007 debut solo EP Metropolis and expanded upon on her 2010 debut studio album, The ArchAndroid.

Janelle Monáe receives the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award, photo by Respective Collective | Faith Nguyen