Revisiting the Birth of ’World Music’ and Unpacking its Relevance in 2023 w/ Sheila Chandra
Iconic British-Asian Singer/Author/Coach Sheila Chandra speaks to T.L. Mazumdar
''Real World Records are delighted to announce the re-issue of a British Asian World Music pioneer Sheila Chandra’s landmark trilogy of solo voice albums on 16th June. These austerely beautiful records forged a new global vocal vision out of a re-imagining of myriad vocal traditions - and sound just as radical and passionate now, as they did when they were first released, 30 years ago''. - Press Release, Real World Records.
In Sheila Chandra's first reappearance on on Tapasya Loading, we explore the arc behind a piece of musical history timeless in its sound, artistry, and socio-cultural relevance, decades later.
The 2-hour conversation revisits this journey with the older, mature Sheila Chandra, who works today as an artist-coach and author, having left a performing career as "one of the most innovative, provocative singers in any genre" (Billboard Music) due to health constraints.
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Editorial update (July 2026): Since this conversation was recorded, Sheila Chandra has announced a new live album, 'Echo' — likely her final release, out 25 September 2026, with pre-release singles from 29 July.
Pre-order and hear more here.
The interview itself remains unchanged.
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This episode is brought to you by:
www.holisticmusicianacademy.com
Recorded on a Zoom Podtrak P4 kindly sponsored by:
Connect with Sheila:
- Website: https://www.sheilachandra.com/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheila_chandra
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesheilachandra
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheila.chandra.1
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sheilachandra0000
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilachandraartistcoach/
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sheila-Chandra/e/B0034Q533Q
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheila_Chandra
- IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1291550/bio/
Connect with T.L.
Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com
Episode Notes / Text : www.tlwrites.com
Musician/Author/Artist Coach
Real World Records are delighted to announce the re-issue of a British Asian World Music pioneer Sheila Chandra’s landmark trilogy of solo voice albums on 16th June. These austerely beautiful records forged a new global vocal vision out of a re-imagining of myriad vocal traditions - and sound just as radical and passionate now, as they did when they were first released, 30 years ago. Unable to make music any longer, Chandra regards them as the pinnacle of her creative career. (More https://realworldrecords.com/news/classic-sheila-chandra-trilogy-set-for-re-issue/)
Music bio https://www.sheilachandra.com/sheila-chandra-music/sheila-chandra-music-biography/
Discography https://www.sheilachandra.com/sheila-chandra-music/sheila-chandra-discography/
Author bio https://www.sheilachandra.com/sheila-chandra-books/sheila-chandra-biography/
Musician/Educator, Founder: Holistic Musician Academy
Indian-German Producer/Singer-Songwriter T.L. Mazumdar grew up on 3 continents and 4 countries.
Mentored by a series of iconic musicians like Kenny Werner, Kai Eckhardt, Dr John Matthias, and the late Gary Barone, his artistic journey has aptly been described by Rolling Stone magazine as one that ‘...personifies multiculturalism’.
Time Out Mumbai has referred to him as ‘’...amongst a handful of Indian (origin) musicians who don't have to play sitars or tablas''
He has been nominated for German Music awards
Bremer Jazzpreis and Future Sounds Jazz Award, and been called ''...a major talent'' by Jack Douglas (Producer: John Lennon, Miles Davis, etc.). .
