"Music Is Like The 5th Element Where I Come From" - Erykah Badu On Why She Sings

"Why do you sing?" asked MONTREALITY of the glowingly mystic Erykah Badu at a press day Q&A during last month's Montreal Jazz Festival. Her answer to a seemingly simple question, called upon her earliest memories of music in the household, delving into the very first piano that she ever player (supplied by her dear grandmother,) something less philosophical than almost primal. She quotes Joni Mitchell (who never lies) and lays out a blueprint for any aspiring musician or vocalist, prompting them to draw from within. You can watch it down below, but if you're looking for an intimate glimpse into just what those years of prep amount to, be sure to catch Erykah Badu on the road this summer, performing eight shows across the country, beginning with this Friday's outing in Chicago. Peep the dates below and hold tight for her next transmission.

Tour Dates:

July 15 @ FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island – Chicago, IL

August 03 @ The Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk – Brooklyn, NY

August 04 @ Tower Theatre – Upper Darby, PA

August 06 @ Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia, MD

August 12 @ Chene Park Amphitheater, Detroit, MI

August 13 @ Eaux Claires Festival – Eau Claire, WI

September 08 @ Hopscotch 2016 – Raleigh, NC

September 10 @ Lakewood Amphitheatre – Atlanta, GA