Sheila Chandra Music Biography
“Chandra is one of the most distinctive, imaginative and unbelievable vocalists you’ll ever hear.”
What's On
In 1981 Sheila Chandra met Steve Coe in London and became the lead singer of Asian fusion band Monsoon which then signed to Polygram.
Sheila signed to Indipop for a one-off album “This Sentence is True” (The previous sentence is false) which is released April 2001 by Indipop/Shakti (Narada).
Sheila Chandra - UK Chart Placings
Mar 1982
Ever So Lonely
Monsoon
Phonogram/Universal
Jun 1982
Shakti
Monsoon
Phonogram/Universal
Feb 2002
Ever So Lonely
Jakatta
Rulin’ Records/Ministry of Sound
Shortcut Recommended Listening
Moonsung
A Real World Retrospective Real World 1999
The Indipop Retrospective
Indipop/Narada 2003
Description of Music
Career Path
Worked exclusively in Asian Fusion in for almost three decades. Was the only full-time artist in Asian Fusion in the 80’s. A self-taught musician and writer. Made her writing debut in 1984 on her second solo album ‘Quiet’. Apart from her start with ‘Monsoon’ (signed to Phonogram) has worked with independents or small labels in order to retain artistic freedom. Has not generally favoured remixes (a few illicit ones have slipped through) and has never released a single as a solo artist. Manages herself. Only played live for 2 years in the early 90’s, but returned briefly to live performance in the mid noughties until vocal stamina problems and pain issues forced her to retire . In 2001 ‘Billboard’ stated that ‘In the past five years a new round of second generation British Asian Musicians have emerged… all owe a debt of gratitude to this 36 year old singer’s pioneering work’.