Mona Lissa Chanda

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. She crafts torch songs that blend the sophistication of timeless classics with the allure of catchy pop hooks. Her inspirations include Amy Winehouse, Tracy Chapman, Melody Gardot, Sade, and Lake Street Dive. While Mona Lissa likes to explore the dark side of human nature, her music is imbued with wit, charm, and a nostalgic feel.

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. Over the years, Mona Lissa has graced the stage at renowned festivals such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and POP Montreal, showcasing her ability to connect with diverse audiences through her versatile and engaging performances.

Mona Lissa’s first full-length album titled QUEEN OF GAMES, released on April 11th, 2025, was self-produced with major contributions by veteran songwriter-producer, Paul Cargnello, who musically arranged and recorded the album 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. Love is a fundamental human need, but it can lead to pain and a loss of autonomy. This dance between vulnerability and self-preservation is where Mona Lissa finds her sweet spot as a songwriter.

“I love a catchy break-up anthem”, she says and, on this album, Mona Lissa delivers three that pack a punch. ‘Professional Victim’ is a battle cry for self-liberation set to a catchy Motown beat. In ‘Pavlova Blues,’ Mona Lissa gleefully taunts an ex-lover as a sassy harmonica player croons in the background. In her blues anthem ‘Never The Man For Me,’ she reveals the scars of past heartbreak while celebrating resiliency. Mona Lissa creates an air of mystery on ‘Secret Muse,’ ‘Casual Affair,’ and ‘Queen Of Games.’ These three songs draw you into a Neo-noir thriller, where seduction is a game and the players are always trying to remain one step ahead of one another. “Forgotten Rose” depicts a struggle with depression and loneliness, while ‘Parts Unknown’ is about embracing this struggle on our journey towards self-acceptance. On the alt-country ditty ‘Alone With U,’ she strikes a nice balance between being in a couple and being an independent woman. Echoes of the Jackson 5 can be heard on ‘Happy Place,’ a hopeful song about finding true love after many detours and false starts.

In the second single release (and title track to her debut album by the same name), ‘Queen Of Games’ explores our longing for love and connection as well as our fear of vulnerability. The enigmatic character in the single ‘Queen Of Games’ embodies this paradox, drawing countless men into her orbit while creating a fortress around her heart. Mona Lissa’s sultry voice narrates the story of this mysterious woman who’s bewitching ways mask a deep sadness. While writing the music and lyrics, Mona Lissa drew inspiration from her love of Film Noir classics and James Bond theme songs.

The music video for the single ‘Queen Of Games’ was filmed at the beautiful Montreal Art Center and Museum, located in the historic Griffintown neighborhood of Montreal, Quebec. While the song ‘Queen Of Games’ is narrated from the perspective of its female character, the video  takes the perspective of her male suitor who is lured into a seductive game of cat and mouse by a beautiful woman.

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