::GET FAMILIAR:: WONDALAND RECORDS

::GET FAMILIAR:: WONDALAND RECORDS
by Daniel Harris

From left to right: Roman GianArthur, St. Beauty, Jidenna, Janelle Monáe and Deep Cotton

Something wonderful is happening in music. A renaissance of sorts. The people are speaking and they are calling for an overhaul of what has long been accepted as the norm. With the recent release and acclaim of albums like "Black Messiah," "To Pimp A Butterfly," and "2014 Forrest Hill Drive," music lovers are declaring that the Top 40 sound and celebrity worship isn't enough. Artists are almost required to be just that: artists!

When she hit the scene in 2007, Janelle Monáe's statement was loud and clear; She was here to make her music, her way. She would not let the industry or the public determine the direction of her art or her person. (as one Twitter user recently found out the hard way!) Since that time, she has enjoyed much success in her career. Additionally, she has become an inspiration, specifically to little girls, the world over.

Janelle's global success has afforded her the opportunity to reach back and help a community of artists who share her determination and drive to produce art and not succumb to the pressures and rigors of industry. What started as a gathering of minds and talent, The Wondaland Arts Society brought together artists with immense musical and visionary strengths. As a record label, Janelle Monáe and Wondaland Records seek to revolutionize the future of music, art and culture.

Although Wondaland Records' roster is small, it does not reflect their abilities. Roman GianArthur, St. Beauty, Jidenna and Deep Cotton each bring a high level of personal style, a unique sound and a genius approach to music. When these individual elements are brought together, the Wondaland collective is set to change how music, art and creativity are viewed in pop culture.

In February of this year, Wondaland Records began what is hoped to be a long standing partnership with music legend LA Reid and Epic Records. Reid says of Wondaland Records, "The collective talent of the Wondaland artists is awe-inspiring. I haven't personally witnessed a collective that sounds and looks this special in quite a while."

Want to get even MORE familiar with Wondaland Records? Check out the videos for "Yoga," and "Classic Man." Also, be on the look out for Wondaland's compilation EP, Eephus, which will be released this May.