Cover Alert | Janelle Monae Records David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’

Neo-soul singer Janelle Monáe recently went to the studio to record her take on David Bowie’s classic tune, “Heroes,” as part of Pepsi’s 2014 Now Is What You Make It advertising series. The track was recorded in conjunction with Pepsi’s #FutbolNow campaign joining music with soccer. An acoustic guitar playing Monáe appears in an ad produced by Pepsi featuring international soccer stars Robin van Persie, David Luiz, Sergio Ramos, Sergio Agüero, Jack Wilshere and Leo Messi. A different, electronic infused, highly danceable version of Monáe performing “Heroes” was also released via SoundCloud.

“I’m a huge David Bowie lover and comrade and he has been part of my musical DNA for quite some time, Monáe told NME. “The song just emboldens me as an artist and I wanted to embolden the people as well. It makes me feel as though we can break through any chains we may have shackling us as a humanity. It’s very hopeful and inspirational, and I think we can never have enough of that.”

“He’s mysterious and I love the mystery,” said Monáe about Bowie to Rolling Stone. “He’s reinvented himself over and over again. Even now, he’s morphed into something that no one else is doing. That’s what I love most about him; he’s transcendent. He’s a true time traveler and I think that that is a part of who I am and the legacy that I want people to remember. I will never expire. Nor will David Bowie. And I say that with humility, but with the utmost confidence.”

[Andy Kahn is Senior Editor at MediaNet and runs the music industry and discovery website Editor’s Mix.]