“Hear my voice
Know your worth
And then add taxes
Yeah that’s right
She a little pricey, so just ask nicely
I don’t waste my energy
On bad investments
You might think I’m selfish but
I just keep me happy
I am the sun
I heal, I burn…”
These uplifting lyrics belong to the latest English language independent track released by singer Chantelle Menezes or Achanté, as she is better known. Titled ‘I Am The Sun’, this powerful ode to self-love was released on August 23 of this year, on her own label Kalakaari Records. Achanté has written, composed and sung this neo soul and alternative piece and it has been produced by Elan Eisenstadt and mixed and mastered by Clyde Rodrigues.
“’I Am The Sun’ tells a captivating tale of the duality that exists within us all, personified by the sun, in the repeated lyrics ‘I heal, I burn’. It has always been my aim to take the listener on a journey, and this time the journey is set to be within one’s own consciousness layered through the past, present and future,” explains the artist.
With booming vocals set to a deep bass sound, this song sets a powerful tone. She explains, “I aim to bring attention to the sun’s destructive power contrasted against its nurturing softness. Through the lyrics and symbolism, you are invited to honour your past (Heal), so you can (Grow) in self-worth and awareness, and (Thrive) to create meaningful change, spread love, amplify art and pay it forward.”
Mumbai-bred and Toronto-based musician Achanté has spent over two decades in the performing and recording industry. Her forte lies in blending analogue with digital, and local with global sounds for a unique result, where her voice acts as her lead instrument.
“My music expresses a complex layer of identities that is anything but formulaic. It is rooted in old-school jazz and funk, interwoven with soul-pop, electronica and some Carnatic noodling,” she summarises. Achanté has performed with Bollywood biggies like A.R. Rahman and Agnee. She has been part of the backing vocals on MTV Coke Studio and MTV Unplugged, and has been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, Rolling Hype, Now Toronto, 24 Hip Hop and other prestigious publications. Her work has been included in Spotify editorial playlists and been popular on the radio. “What truly makes me light up, however, is the ability to connect human beings to themselves, to each other, and to the world through music,” she expresses.
Her live performances are much appreciated for their memorable sound, as evident from the 54 live shows she was part of just in the year 2023. She shares, “Every original song of mine tells a different sonic story. Whether it’s neo soul meets nu-jazz in my number ‘Crush on You’ or the Hindi R&B track ‘Cheeni Kum’ which featured the 4,000 year old Indian instrument ‘ravanahatha’; the self-hype Hip Hop dance track ‘PBE’ or island vibes in ‘The One Who Got Away’; the cinematic piano pop ballad ‘Serotonin Skies’ or the bossa nova-soul ‘Saudade’ performed in Portuguese and English or even my Afro-Indian cover of the jazz standard ‘Summertime’.”
She delights in her ability to blend old-school jazz, funk, soul-pop, electronica, and even Carnatic influences. It is this versatility that sets her apart in Toronto’s global music scene. It is also what makes her an artist to watch out for in India and abroad.
Achanté’s debut EP, ‘Journey to the Centre of the Hearth’ released on August 30th. “With this, listeners can expect a sonic journey that connects the eastern and western, acoustic and electronic worlds with a rich and intimate soundscape,” says Achanté. “I Am The Sun” is Achanté’s fourth and focus track of this debut E.P. which provides a peek into Achanté’s multicultural upbringing, with five tracks ranging from jazz, neo soul to ‘Carnatic Electronica’. She is also preparing for a string of performances across Toronto, including one set to take place at the Taste of India Festival and another at City Hall Live.
“Now, my new song ‘I Am The Sun’ shines a light on the concepts of duality and transformation. It is an exploration of the duality that resides within each of us. With a powerful narrative woven through my signature blend of eastern and western influences, the song’s repeated lyrics, ‘I heal, I burn’, reflect the contrasting forces of creation and destruction, echoing the very nature of the sun itself.”
She continues, “This is a song that encourages listeners to honour their past in order to grow, thrive, and create meaningful change. The track isn’t just a soulful neo jazz piece, it is an anthem for self-reflection and transformation.”
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.