The “Year of the Eargasm” is in full swing. New music from Janelle Monáe!! “Tightrope” features Big Boi (Outkast) and is the first taste from her forthcoming album The Arch Android, to be released on her own independent label, Wondaland Arts Society, a subsidiary of Bad Boy/Atlantic, May 18. Not sure if with this release will be the start of the original plan — which is to serialize releases due to the changed face of how people buy music now; we would gladly welcome receiving music from Ms. Monáe quarterly and hope that plan still stands.

“Tightrope” is typical high energy Monáe, with that funky James Brown-esque flavour. I can see her performing this already and I can’t wait! You’ll be able to purchase the single from Jonelle Monáe‘s website as of tomorrow. But in the meantime, check it out below and let me know if you’re excited! I know I am!

“Tightrope” feat. Big Boi

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Any artist given the opportunity to be affiliated with P. Diddy and be signed to his Bad Boy Entertainment label, would think his muscle would be a sure symbol of success. I was skeptical of this Bad Boy/Janelle Monáe union as major labels generally don’t know what to do with eclectic artists and this woman cannot, nor would we want her to be tamed. And that is exactly what happened with Janelle Monáe; her Metropolis: The Chase Suite received moderate sales leading her to pursue other options to continue her musical endeavors.

Despite this, Monáe won hearts through her tireless schedule of performances throughout the country. I’m now constantly checking her website for updates on new releases. She recently performed at the My Coke Fest earlier this month and from that event, collaborated on the pop single “Open Happiness,” with a few artists who also performed at the Fest (Cee-Lo, Brendon from Panic At the Disco, and Travis from Gym Class Heroes).

Now working independently through her Wondaland Arts Society label, where their plans are to release material quarterly, like serialized programs, due to the changed face of music distribution and consumers having the ability to buy single songs at a time or get free downloads.

If, by some strange fluke, you do not own Metropolis: The Chase Suite, do get it. I’ve got a strong feeling some noodles will hit by summer.