Sheila Chandra

Sheila Chandra (born 14 March 1965 in London) is a former English pop singer of Indian descent. In recent years, Burning Mouth Syndrome prevented her from singing or even speaking and forced her retirement from music in 2010.
Sheila Chandra: A Musical Genius of Our Time
Sheila Chandra is a name that often gets overlooked in discussions about world music, but to ignore her contributions to the music industry would be a huge mistake. As an influential artist, she has made an indelible impact on the British music scene, with her fusion of Indian classical music and Western pop influences. In this article, we will explore the musical biography of Sheila Chandra, her contribution to the music genre, her best songs and some of her famous concerts and a critic.
Sheila Chandra's journey in music began when she was just a teenager. She formed the group Monsoon with her friends and burst onto the music scene in the 1980s with their debut album Third Eye. The group fused Indian classical music, pop, and rock, which marked a turning point in British popular music history. The hit single Ever So Lonely from that album, which reached number 12 on the UK charts, remains an iconic piece of music till today.
After the success of Monsoon, Chandra embarked on a solo career and released her debut album, Quiet, which was a departure from her earlier work. The album features a cappella songs, which showcase her stunning vocal range and perfect intonation. She continued to make music with a distinct Indian classical music influence, and her work has inspired many artists in the world music scene.
When it comes to her music genre, Sheila Chandra is often considered one of the pioneers of world-fusion music. Her music genre is a unique blend of Indian classical music and Western pop music. What sets her apart is her ability to blend traditional elements with modern, which adds to the approachability of her music for listeners all over the world. She is also highly respected by musicians and music critics for her innovative approach to music.
In terms of her best songs, there are so many to choose from, but among her most popular is Ever So Lonely from Monsoon. From her solo career, Speaking in Tongues III features her iconic use of a cappella to create intricate and nuanced instrumentals. Lament of McCrimmon/Song of the Banshee showcases her powerful vocal range and ability to adapt classical Indian music into her compositions.
Sheila Chandra's live performances were known for their high energy and musical mastery. One such concert was a performance at the bandstand in Hyde Park, London, where she was performing with her band and dancers. Her presence on stage was awe-inspiring and left the audience mesmerized. Her contributions to the music industry have been recognized over the years, and she was awarded an MBE for her contribution to music in 2011.
Critic, Jason Birchmeier, describes Chandra's music as breathtaking and awe-inspiring, yet also incredibly soothing and peaceful. Her music has a distinct style and is a unique blend of different musical influences, perfectly executed to create beautiful pieces of art.
In conclusion, Sheila Chandra is a unique artist whose contributions to the music industry have shaped the world music scene. Her fusion of Indian classical music and Western pop music has had a massive influence on other artists, and her work remains timeless. Her voice is one that has the power to evoke emotions within us and transport us to different worlds, a testament to her incredible talent. We hope this article has sparked an interest in Sheila Chandra's music and inspired you to explore it further.