“[Mona Lissa Chanda] writes like someone who’s studied the heart from both sides of the microscope...you feel the scars behind the seduction.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Mona Lissa Chanda is a Montreal-based singer-songwriter who was born and raised in Northern Quebec to a German mother and an East Indian father. Mona Lissa crafts torch songs with pop-savvy hooks inspired by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Tracy Chapman, and Sade. While she likes to explore the dark side of human nature, her music is imbued with wit, charm, and a nostalgic feel. Over the years, she has graced the stage at the Montreal International Jazz Festival and POP Montreal, showcasing her ability to connect with diverse audiences through her versatile and engaging performances.
In 2014, Mona Lissa recorded her debut EP, Tip Of My Tongue, in collaboration with Juno Award-winning sound engineer Robert Heaney (collaborator of Cirque du Soleil and Patrick Watson). Critics praised the haunting folk-pop release, comparing it to Sarah Brightman’s acclaimed album DIVE. On April 12, 2025, Mona Lissa released her first full-length album, Queen Of Games, which combines a vintage blues and soul aesthetic with contemporary story-telling. It's a compelling sonic experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
The album “teaser” single, Professional Victim, received critical accolades and radio play in 30+ countries as well as the front covers of both Cashbox magazine and Record World. Mona Lissa's full-length album, Queen Of Games, has garnered press internationally, including in Billboard Canada and The Montreal Gazette.
Mona Lissa also holds a PhD in neurosciences. Driven by her dual passion for music and science, she has published papers on the neurochemistry of music and the effects of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll on the brain.
LATEST ALBUM RELEASE
Mona Lissa’s first full-length album titled QUEEN OF GAMES, released on April 11th, 2025, was self-produced in collaboration with veteran songwriter-producer, Paul Cargnello, in Montreal, Quebec. On QUEEN OF GAMES, Mona Lissa explores her love of blues-rock and classic soul/R&B, with a tip of the hat to Americana. It features Mona Lissa’s sultry vocals and haunting melodies alongside Cargnello’s powerful guitar hooks and rhythm sections. This timeless collection makes you feel as if you are discovering hidden vinyl gems from the 60s and 70s. However, Mona Lissa keeps it fresh through her use of contemporary themes and creative genre-blending.
Mona Lissa began writing for QUEEN OF GAMES in 2022, which was a challenging year for her. After emerging from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was hit by significant personal loss. The grief prompted her to do some much-needed soul-searching. As a neuroscientist who has studied the effects of music on the brain, Mona Lissa was well aware of its therapeutic properties. Harnessing the power of music as medicine, she turned to songwriting as part of her healing journey. Thematically, her songs express feelings of ambivalence towards relationships and intimacy. This dance between vulnerability and self-preservation is where Mona Lissa finds her sweet spot as a songwriter.
PAST RELEASE
The debut ‘teaser’ single from QUEEN OF GAMES, titled ‘Professional Victim’ was pre-released internationally in January 2025. In mere weeks, ‘Professional Victim’ received critical accolades from music reviewers around the word and extensive radio play in more than 30+ countries to date as well as the front covers of both Cashbox magazine and Record World.
WHAT THE PRESS HAVE SAID ABOUT ‘PROFESSIONAL VICTIM’…
“…catchy pop hooks in a timeless and sophisticated setting...songs that explore life from her unique perspective via wit, charm and a nostalgic touch…grooving rhythms and exquisite vocal performance…an instantly memorable jam of her dazzling artistic vision..."
PLASTICMAG“...fuses smooth Motown rhythms with thoughtful and observant lyrics...Chanda has delivered an anthem that is catchy, bold and empowering…"
TEETHSOUND
“...a vibrant sound driven by catchy guitar riffs and a danceable rhythm….With this powerful foretaste, "Queen Of Games" promises to be a powerful album, where soul, blues-rock and Americana combine to give birth to a timeless work."
IGGY MAGAZINE
"Her unique style, which blends jazz, blues, and pop, allows her to tackle complex topics in an accessible and engaging way.”
RADIO CLICK DIGITAL
"unmatched style...music of the best quality…"
INDIE DREAM
"Blending elements of Retro Soul, Contemporary R&B, and Jazz, she gives a musically textured and thematically fascinating song…unfolds like a confessional, shrouded in smoky melodies and a groove that persists long after the last note tails off…”
HYPEHUB MAGAZINE
“...a classic Motown feel...timeless soul music with a modern twist...a refreshing perspective on vulnerability.”
HONK MAGAZINE
“...already making waves with its infectious Motown groove and sharp commentary on boundary-setting and self-love...”
JAZZ CHILL“...inspired and heartfelt….sensual and sophisticated...bright and charismatic….”
INDIE DOCK MUSIC BLOG
“...a powerful and provocative song...thought-provoking and addictive."
CANSEI DE SER POP MAGAZINE
“...the sophistication of timeless classics with the charm of catchy pop songs...”
CR INDIE
“...“Professional Victim” sets a high bar for what’s to come...”
MusicEarshot
“...a masterful fusion of dimensional jazz, neo-soul, and Motown grooves...a compelling sonic experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern...Professional Victim dances between vintage soul aesthetics and contemporary storytelling...”
KARL IS MY UNKLE
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 - Mona Lissa Chanda / Ta Gueule Dandy / Paul Cargnello & The Truth (Casa Del Popolo, Montreal, QC)
NOVEMBER 29, 2025 - Showcase of three women singer-songwriters MONA LISSA / TIFFANY.P/ FLONA KIMIA (Casa Del Popolo, Montreal, QC)
SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 - Exposé: A night of bilingual music with MONA LISSA + TA GUEULE DANDY (L'Escogriffe Bar, Montreal, QC)
APRIL 12, 2025 - Mona Lissa Chanda “Queen Of Games” Album Launch Party (Casa Del Popolo, Montreal, QC)
MARCH 1, 2025 - Performance for Nuit Blanche a Montreal (Montreal Art Center, Griffintown, Montreal, QC)
JAN - DEC, 2024 - Bi-monthly Live Jazz and Lounge-style pop with Mona Lissa (Montreal Art Center, Griffintown, Montreal, QC)
JULY 31, 2023 - Live Jazz with Mona Lissa Chanda, accompanied by the Jeff Louch Trio (Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill, Montreal, QC)
NOVEMBER 23, 2017 - Live Jazz with Mona Lissa Chanda accompanied by Billy Georgette & The Paradise Band (House Of Jazz, Montreal, QC)
SEPTEMBER 17, 2017 - Performance at the IMTL Day Party & Brunch (POP Montréal - Divan Orange, Montreal, QC)
JULY 7, 2017 - Billy Georgette & The Paradise Band + guest Mona Lissa Chanda (Montreal International Jazz Festival, House Of Jazz, Montreal, QC)
Press photos
