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 the likes of Amy Winehouse, Tracy Chapman, and Sade.
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.
On April 12, 2025, Mona Lissa released her first full-length album, “Queen Of Games.” This bold debut was self-produced in collaboration with veteran Montreal singer-songwriter/producer, Paul Cargnello. “Queen Of Games” combines a vintage blues and soul aesthetic with contemporary storytelling. It’s a compelling sonic experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Born of the COVID-19 pandemic and deep personal loss, Mona Lissa’s lyrics express her ambivalence regarding love and intimacy. This dance between vulnerability and self-preservation is where she found her sweet spot.
The album teaser single, “Professional Victim,” is a celebration of healthy boundary-setting with a catchy Motown Groove. Within mere weeks, “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.
Finally, Mona Lissa is a Ph.D. neuroscientist. Driven by her dual passion for music and research, she has published scientific articles on the neurochemistry of music and the effects of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll on the brain with Dr. Daniel J. Levitin, the New York Times best-selling author of This Is Your Brain On Music and I Heard There Was A Secret Chord: Music As Medicine.
Name:
Mona Lissa Chanda
Genre:
Blues, Soul, Jazz, and Pop
Founded:
2014
# of Albums:
I’ve released 3 EPs and 1 full-length album
Latest Album:
Queen Of Games
Latest Single:
Queen Of Games
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
It was a tie between Prince and Kate Bush!
Favourite musician now:
Ouf, that’s hard! Artists I keep coming back to are Amy Winehouse, Stevie Wonder, Gil-Scott Heron, Joni Mitchell.
Guilty pleasure song:
Anything by Sia (e.g., Chandelier, Cheap Thrills, etc.).
Live show ritual:
In the days leading up to the show, I select my outfit and visualize myself wearing it on stage, having a great time! The morning of the gig, I meditate, do yoga and/or cardio, and drink lots of water and herbal tea. In the early evening, I do my vocal warmups and pour myself a small drink to sip on as I’m putting on my makeup and outfit.
Favourite local musician:
Hanorah, Dawn-Tyler Watson, Paul Cargnello
EP or LP?
I like LPs because they take the listener on a journey. They enable the artist to go off on tangents and reveal different facets of themselves, while still keeping it coherent. My musical taste is very eclectic, and I enjoy blending genres. So, making my latest album “Queen Of Games” enabled me to explore a wide range of styles from blues and classic soul/RnB to Americana. That said, I also see the advantage of EPs and am not averse to releasing another one in the future.
Early bird or night owl?
I’m definitely a morning person. My thinking is clearer, and my outlook is more positive early in the day. But when I have music gigs in the evening, I’m usually able to get a second wind!
Road or studio?
Not sure! I haven’t been on the road yet, but it’s my dream to do it one day. I enjoy both the studio and live performance settings for different reasons. Studio work is an exciting challenge – so many interesting learning curves and (mostly pleasant) surprises. But I love the instant gratification of live shows, where you get real-time audience feedback and that warm, fuzzy feeling afterwards.
Any shows or albums coming up?
I have some shows confirmed for the spring/summer:
March 21 at Montreal Art Center, 1832 rue William, Montréal, QC. Doors 7 pm. Shows at 8 pm, 9:30 pm & 11 pm.
April 25 at Café La ligne Verte, 2531 Ontario St E, Montréal, Quebec. Show from 5-7 pm.
August 8 at Casa del Popolo, 4873 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC.
More details (i.e., ticket links) and additional show dates will be announced on my website.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Star Of India (for Indian food), Restaurant Roberto (for Italian), Pois Penche (for French), Mai Thai Cuisine (for Thai), and PM Restaurant (for fresh, affordable, and quick Chinese).
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
It’s hard to pick just one favourite. But I enjoy Wellington Street because it has great music venues, restaurants, and terraces. It’s also fun to stroll along the pedestrian walkway in the summertime.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Parc Lafontaine, because it’s central and so vibrant in the summertime. It also has impressive trees, a nice man-made lake, and a large dog park.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Montreal Art Center – it’s my second home! The staff and artists are like family to me. I also love the lavish interior design and decor. It’s got this Baroque feel to it, jam-packed with gorgeous antique furniture and lamps, and eye-catching paintings on almost every square-inch of wall-space (or so it seems!). The owner, Allan Diamond, has done an amazing job with the space!
What is your favourite music store in your city?
When I first moved to Montreal to attend Concordia University, I used to go to Cheap Thrills a lot. So, it has a special place in my heart. I used to shop at Archambault as well. I’m so sad that it closed!
