Turntables by Janelle Monáe - Analysis

Introduction

Janelle Monáe is a notable American artist known for her work in music, film, and activism.
"Turntables" is a protest song written for the 2020 documentary All In: The Fight for Democracy.
The song addresses voter suppression and other social inequalities.
The track was nominated for an Oscar in 2021.
Monáe has her own independent label, Wondaland Arts Society, and is signed to Sony Music Publishing.

Part of the documentary focusing on the 2018 Georgia Governor elections, highlighting voter suppression tactics.
1.4 million minorities were removed from the electoral roll, and many were incorrectly deemed ineligible to vote.
Music video serves as a platform to address social inequalities in America and globally.

Performance/Narrative Hybrid: Monáe sings directly to the camera, engaging the audience.
Protest Song Elements: Strong beat akin to a march, uplifting chorus typical of power ballads.
Visual and Technical Codes:
- Clothing: Diverse cultural representations.
- Iconography: Includes literal interpretations of lyrics, e.g., turntable imagery, symbolic gestures.
- Expressions and Gestures: Replicate iconic protest imagery such as the Black Power salute.
- Camera and Editing: Techniques like canted angles and fast cuts create a sense of urgency and a call for change.
- Audio: Includes voice clips like James Baldwin’s speech on racial challenges.

Non-linear: Combines past, present, future elements.
Direct Address: Engages audience with direct storytelling.
Theme: Emphasizes change and revolution with recurring lyrics like "tables about to turn".

Monáe challenges stereotypes, presenting minorities as powerful rather than subordinate.
Positive Representation: Uses cultural iconography to convey hope and empowerment.

Semiotics (Barthes): Deep meanings through signifiers like the American flag.
Structuralism (Levi-Strauss): Recognizable structure of music videos used to convey social messages.
Representation (Hall): Avoids stereotypes, promotes positive representation.
Feminist Theory (Van Zoonen) and bell hooks: Engages with ideas of feminism as political commitment, not just lifestyle.
Postcolonial Theory (Gilroy): Challenges colonial attitudes and emphasizes unity over cultural differences.

Reflects contemporary issues like voter suppression, Black Lives Matter, and inequality.
Audience Engagement: Different audiences may respond based on their social and cultural contexts.
Alludes to recent political events and movements, such as George Floyd protests and immigration policies.

"Turntables" by Janelle Monáe serves as a powerful commentary on social issues, using the music video medium to advocate for change and empower under-represented groups.