Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Bristol, Chandra, the bold and exciting artist, has marked his re-entry with a compelling new single titled ‘Pretty’. The track, a rhythmic ballad infused with a punky edge, showcases Chandra’s artistic evolution and knack for crafting music that resonates with intimate lyrical prowess.
In ‘Pretty’, Chandra weaves a captivating narrative that explores the concept of self-love and authenticity. The song’s sonic landscape is a masterful blend of crunchy electric guitars, laid-back drums, and a dynamic bass line, providing the perfect foundation for Chandra’s distinctive vocal performance that gracefully navigates the boundary between speech and singing. The artist’s profound connection to the subject matter is palpable throughout the track, as he delivers an evocative and passionate performance.
On the new release, Chandra shares:
“We should all strive to create a world where we can simply be ourselves without prejudice. For me this stems all the way back to being a mixed race kid in school, being called racist slurs on a daily basis, through to being a teenager in a band, wearing eyeliner and having colour in my spiky hair (I felt like Camden Town was the only place in the country I didn’t get stared at in disgust). Certainly my particular experience shows that we’ve progressed but we’ve still got a very long way to go. It’s not about accepting any one particular ‘thing’ (be that spiky hair, a disability or how you identify); it’s about challenging yourself to be more accepting of anything at all that you don’t find ‘pretty’ and that you deem to be ‘different’… even if you find it uncomfortable. Otherwise we’ll never grow as a society.”
Chandra’s musical journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. Influenced by iconic acts like The Beatles, David Bowie, and The Carpenters through his parents’ eclectic taste, he further refined his musical palate during his teenage years with artists like Suede, Blue, Oasis, and Radiohead. The pivotal moment that ignited his love for live performances was REM’s 1995 Monster Tour at Milton Keynes Bowl, an experience that left an indelible mark on his aspirations. Reflecting on that moment, Chandra shared, “from then on, I knew that all I wanted to do was perform my own songs live to thousands of people.”
Chandra’s musical journey has been rich and varied, including fronting the alt-rock band Circa during his late teens, showcasing his innate ability to command a stage and captivate audiences.
With ‘Pretty’, Chandra delivers a feel-good anthem that encourages listeners to embrace self-acceptance and authenticity. The song’s empowering message is complemented by a melodic charm and skillful instrumentation that adds a touch of grit to the emotional undercurrents. For those drawn to emotional tracks with a raw edge, ‘Pretty’ is poised to become a favorite in their playlists.
Listen below:
