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ABOUT

MY STORY (LONG AND SHORT BIO)

SHORT BIO (95 words)

Award-winning Indian-Australian singer Menaka draws on her heritage to write songs that seamlessly blend traditional Indian vocals with contemporary influences. Together with accomplished instrumentalists, Menaka weaves a tapestry of sounds at the intersection of East and West, lending her incredible voice to music that seeks to connect, inspire and unite.

When a deterioration of her health nearly claimed her vision, Menaka turned to songwriting for comfort. Since then she has gone from strength to strength, quickly becoming a stalwart of the Australian World music scene and delivering inspired performances at major events and musical platforms.

SHORT BIO (150 words)

Award-winning Indian-Australian singer Menaka draws on her heritage to write songs that seamlessly blend traditional Indian vocals with contemporary influences.

When a deterioration of her health nearly claimed her vision, Menaka turned to songwriting for comfort. Since then she has gone from strength to strength, quickly becoming a stalwart of the Australian World music scene and delivering inspired performances at major events and musical platforms.

In 2023, Menaka received a Queensland Music Award for Best Song (World) for her collaboration with Brisbane songwriter mou.

Together with accomplished instrumentalists, Menaka weaves a tapestry of sounds at the intersection of East and West, lending her incredible voice to music that seeks to connect, inspire and unite.

Menaka is also passionate about supporting artists to create and thrive. Menaka was the Assistant Producer for the BrisAsia Festival in 2023 and continues to support organisations to coordinate and produce events that showcase diverse talent.

SHORT - MEDIUM SIZE BIO (400 words)

Award-winning Indian-Australian singer and composer Menaka is renowned for her ability to seamlessly fuse traditional Indian vocals with contemporary musical influences. Together with accomplished musicians, Menaka weaves a tapestry of sounds at the intersection of East and West, lending her incredible voice to music that seeks to connect, inspire and unite.

Menaka began her musical journey at the age of five under the guidance of her mother, Vijaya Visvanathan, founder of the Sri Krishna Music Academy in Brisbane. Her early training in Carnatic music laid the foundation for a lifelong exploration of voice and sound. In recent years, she expanded her practice through formal study in contemporary voice at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University, deepening her understanding of vocal technique and performance across diverse styles.

Her distinctive sound and powerful stage presence have earned her invitations to perform at major festivals and venues including Woodford Folk Festival, Brisbane Festival, Queensland Multicultural Festival, Festival of Tibet, BrisAsia Festival, and Queensland Theatre. In 2022, she was a featured cast member in Brisbane Powerhouse’s iconic “Women In Voice,” and in 2023, she received a Queensland Music Award for Best Song (World) for her collaboration with Brisbane songwriter mou. Most recently, in 2025, Menaka is a music co-composer and featured performer in Queensland Theatre’s production "Back to Bilo"

Menaka’s songwriting emerged from a deeply personal place—following a sudden health crisis that nearly claimed her vision. In response, she began composing music as a form of healing and expression, culminating in her debut solo album *My Eyes Can See*, launched to a sold-out audience at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in 2019.

Beyond performance, Menaka is a passionate advocate for artistic collaboration and cultural representation. As Assistant Producer for BrisAsia Festival in 2023, she played a key role in curating programs that spotlight diverse voices and foster meaningful artistic exchange. She continues to support artists and organisations in producing inclusive, community-driven events.

Menaka remains active as a performer, educator, and producer. Her vision is clear: to use music as a vehicle for connection, transformation, and cultural celebration.

LONG BIO

"Menaka oozes presence and calm and quiet confidence the minute she walks on stage and one feels the instant connection between herself and the audience...Menaka’s remarkable breath control and the power and versatility of her voice belies her small stature..." - Christine Venner-Westaway (Magda Community Artz)

Menaka studied the traditional art of South Indian (Carnatic) music from a young age of 5 from her mother, Vijaya Visvanathan, the founder of the Sri Krishna Music Academy and one of the first Indian classical music teachers in Brisbane.

Menaka performed with her mother as a child and teenager on many musical platforms, including Woodford Folk Festival, Queensland Multicultural Festival and a multitude of community events.

As a young adult, she has been featured as a solo artist in the Folklorica program at Woodford Folk Festival, The Encounters India Festival, Festival of Tibet and Brisbane's Yoga Fest. She has had the privilege of exploring the fusion of Indian music with other world musicians, including Tibetan singer Tenzin Choegyal, Tibet2Timbuktu, and jazz guitarist Ravi Welsh.

Menaka was also a part of the world music trio “Spirit of Bhakti”, with Rebecca Bornstein and Shen Flindell. She recorded on the band's debut album "Open Door" in 2015 and has toured with the band throughout Brisbane, Byron Bay, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sydney and Central New South Wales.

After a sudden deterioration in her health that nearly claimed her vision, Menaka found herself writing songs to help her overcome the challenges she was facing. This was the catalyst to putting together her debut solo album, “My Eyes Can See”. Her sound is a fusion of traditional Indian vocals with contemporary and other world influences, an intersection of East and West. She launched her album on 25th May 2019 at the Queensland Multicultural Centre to a sold-out audience.

"The event was a complete success, with a sold-out audience totally enthralled for the duration of the show. Menaka's performance was impressive and assured...the audience was left breathless..." Ant McKenna, BEMAC Program Manager

Her distinctive sound and powerful stage presence have earned her invitations to perform at major festivals and venues including Woodford Folk Festival, Brisbane Festival, Queensland Multicultural Festival, Festival of Tibet, BrisAsia Festival, and Queensland Theatre. In 2022, she was a featured cast member in Brisbane Powerhouse’s iconic “Women In Voice,” and in 2023, she received a Queensland Music Award for Best Song (World) for her collaboration with Brisbane songwriter mou. Most recently, in 2025, Menaka is a music co-composer and featured performer in Queensland Theatre’s production "Back to Bilo"

In 2023, Menaka pursued further study in the contemporary voice, completing a Graduate Certificate in Music Studies (Vocal Pedagogy) at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University.

Menaka experiences a great sense of fulfilment and freedom in being able to blend Indian and world music sounds to express emotion and personal narrative. Together with accomplished instrumentalists, Menaka weaves a tapestry of sounds at the intersection of East and West, lending her incredible voice to music that seeks to connect, inspire and unite.

Beyond performance, Menaka is a passionate advocate for community engagement and cultural representation. As Assistant Producer for BrisAsia Festival in 2023, she helped curate programs that spotlight diverse voices and foster meaningful artistic exchange. She continues to support organisations and artists in producing inclusive, community-driven events.

Menaka continues to perform and create music, teach, record, and facilitate artist showcases. Her vision is to unite, connect and inspire people through music.

experience

MUSIC EDUCATION

· South Indian Classical
(Carnatic) Music from the Sri Krishna Music Academy (Brisbane) 1989 – 2006

·
Graduate Certificate in Music
Studies: Vocal Pedagogy (Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith
University) – December 2023

CAREER PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

·
Music co-composer and
performer for “Back To Bilo” (Queensland Theatre, Brisbane Festival 2025).
Upcoming performance in Darwin Festival of 2026.

·
“Finding Our Voice-
Backstage with Women in Voice” (Queensland Museum, 2025)

·
Featured performer at
Brisbane Jazz Club for International Women’s Day, 2024

·
“Reverberations” –
collaboration with visual artist Kuweni Dias Mendis (Queensland Multicultural
Centre, 2024)

·
Featured artist in
"Songs of Hope" - QPAC, 2023

·
Performer in “Durga
Chronicles” (Bunjil Place, Melbourne, 2023)

·
“Women in Voice”
(Brisbane Powerhouse, 2022)

·
Creative Producer and
performer in “Into the Light” with QLD Ballet, Thomas Dixon Centre, 2022

·
Artist Residencies: Wild
Mountains Song Writing Retreat (2022) and the Brisbane Powerhouse, BrisAsia
Festival (2022)

·
Co-creator of "Soul
Gazing: A Sonic Journey through the Cosmic Skydome" at the Sir Thomas
Brisbane Planetarium, as part of the BrisAsia Festival, 2023

·
Featured artist BrisAsia
Festival (2022 – 2024)

·
Performing artist in
"LIVE Hypnotica" at the Brisbane Powerhouse as part of BrisAsia
Festival, 2022

·
Featured artist in BEMAC
Live series in November 2020 and 2023

·
Launch of debut album “My
Eyes Can See” at the Queensland Multicultural Centre (2019) and second album
“Bittersweet” (2024)

·
Album launch with band
"Spirit of Bhakti", Queensland Multicultural Centre, June 2015

·
Toured with musical group
“Spirit of Bhakti” in Cairns, Byron Bay, Sydney and Central NSW

·
Notable venues performed
at: Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC),
Queensland Theatre, Queensland Multicultural Centre (QMC), Brisbane
Powerhouse, Brisbane Jazz Club, Thomas Dixon Centre (Brisbane), Metro Arts
(Brisbane), Oodies Café (Bundaberg), Queensland Museum (Brisbane), Redlands
Performing Arts Centre (RPAC)

·
Festivals: Woodford Folk Festival, Brisbane Festival, National
Multicultural Festival (ACT), Queensland Multicultural Festival, Festival of
Tibet (Brisbane), Anywhere Festival (Brisbane), Brisbane Fringe Festival,
Encounters India Festival (Brisbane), Brisbane YogaFest, Ekam Yoga Festival
(Central NSW), 4eb Carnivale (Brisbane), FESTURI (Sunshine Coast), MOSAIC
Multicultural Festival (Brisbane), BrisAsia Festival, Sydney Super Retreat,
SPARK Festival (Ipswich), The Ground Beneath Us Festival

Production Experience

·
Assistant Producer for
the BrisAsia Festival, 2024

·
Creative Producer for
“Into The Light” – a production with QLD Ballet, Thomas Dixon Centre, 2022

·
Event Producer for
Harmony Day Festivals for the Vedanta Centre (2023 and 2024)

recording experience

·
Recorded soundtrack for
play “Back to Bilo” (Queensland Theatre) in 2025

·
Recorded album
“Bittersweet” at Hunting Ground Studios, Brisbane, in 2024.

·
Recorded single
"Beyond Skin Deep" at Radio 4eb studios, Brisbane, in 2023.

·
Recorded 2 singles as
part of the Wild Mountains Song Retreat in 2022

·
Recorded single "On
the Horizon" at Radio 4eb studios, Brisbane in 2021.

·
Recorded single
"Feel The Joy" in August 2020 as part of the "Music
Masala" project 2020

·
Solo debut album "My
Eyes Can See" recorded at Hunting Ground Studios, Brisbane – launched
2019

·
Recorded single
"Madhura Meenakshi" at Radio 4eb in Brisbane as part of "Music
Masala" project, 2019

·
Recorded for soundtrack
for short film "Refraction", 2017

·
Recorded with band
"Spirit of Bhakti" on debut album "Open Door", launched
2015

Workshop and Teaching Experience

·
“Weaving Worlds” – Children’s
workshop at McIlwraith State School and Gin Gin Community Centre (Wide Bay
region, QLD), funded by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), 2025

·
“Weaving Voices” –
community workshop at Oodies Café, Bundaberg, 2025

·
Guest teacher for the
MOSAIC Multicultural Choir in 2025 (Brisbane)

·
“Maal – One Spirit” –
workshop collaboration with Indigenous Elder Uncle Glenn Barry and Japanese
Koto player Takako Haggerty for BrisAsia Festival, 2025

·
“Boomerang Banter” –
Collaboration with Indigenous Elder Uncle Glenn Barry for the BrisAsia
Festival, 2024

·
“Yoga for the Singing
Voice” – March 2024, Brisbane

·
“Weaving Worlds –
Immersive Workshops in World Music and Rhythm” (Bundaberg, 2024) – funded by
the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)

·
Guest facilitator at
“HeartSong” retreat in Springbrook, 2023 and 2024

·
Guest workshop
facilitator at Wild Mountains Song Writing Retreat, 2022

·
Online workshop
"Looking After Your Singing Voice" - 2021

·
"Kirtan
Connection" - 10-week online course offered during COVID-19 social
restrictions,

·
Workshop "Find Your
Voice" - Yoga Retreat in Springbrook QLD, 2019

·
Workshop "Sound
Meditation" - Yoga Retreat in Springbrook, 2019

·
Workshop "Tuning In:
Learn to Sing Traditional Kirtan" - 6-week workshop in Brisbane, 2018

·
Workshop "Tuning In:
Learn to Sing Traditional Kirtan" - 1 day workshop in Myocum, NSW, 2018

·
Teaching of South Indian
Carnatic music to children and adults since 2014

·
Workshop
"Introduction to Indian Classical Music" - Byron Bay, 2012

Press and Media Presence

·
612 ABC Brisbane Morning
program with Rebecca Levingstone and Ashwin Segkar

·
"The Big Note"
with Cameron Stephen on 3MDR 97.1FM (Victoria)

·
"What Do You Reckon?" evening program on 612 ABC Brisbane

·
"The Rhythm
Divine" on ABC Radio National

·
"Breakfast with
BEMAC" on Radio 4eB Brisbane

·
"World Beat"
with Rick Heritage on 4zzz

·
"Global
Grooves" with Rick Heritage on 4eb

·
"Women's
Profile" with Maureen Mopio on 4eb Gig Highlights

AWARDS

·
Recipient of the Regional
Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant to deliver workshop “Weaving Worlds” to
rural schooling communities outside of Bundaberg, 2025

·
Recipient of the Regional
Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant to deliver workshop “Weaving Worlds” in
Bundaberg, 2024

·
Winner of the 2023
Queensland Music Awards (World Music Category) for the single
"Space", alongside musical collaborator Mou

·
Nominated as finalist in
the 2025 Queensland Music Awards for single “Bittersweet”

·
Nominated as a finalist
in the 2022 Queensland Music Awards for single "On the Horizon"

·
Nominated as a finalist
in the 2016 Queensland Music Awards for single "Open Door",
alongside musical collaborators

·
Received a "highly
commended" Queensland Music Award in 2020 for single "Feel the
Joy", alongside musical collaborators

·
Successful recipient of
the BrisAsia LIVE Creative Residency Fellowship 2022

Reviews

"We were recently very privileged to host the album launch of Menaka Thomas ‘My Eyes Can See’ which featured a great number of prestigious talents including Tenzin Choegyal, Shen Flindell and many more. The event was a complete success, with a sold-out audience totally enthralled for the duration of the show. Menaka’s performance was impressive and assured, even with a large multi-instrumental ensemble that even swelled to include a 30 strong choir for the final song. The audience was left breathless and as a venue we were so satisfied with the result [...] We expect big things for this artist and will be right behind her as her career continues to grow and bloom.” -Ant McKenna, BEMAC Program Manager

"Menaka Thomas’ launch of her new CD My Eyes Can See on 25th May at BEMAC was a truly uplifting experience. She oozed presence and calm and quiet confidence the minute she walked on stage, and one felt the instant connection between herself and the audience. It was more than a concert it was an experience that delighted and delivered on every level: a cultural, musical, spiritual, auditory and sensory immersion. Menaka’s personal stories and reflections preceding the songs were warm, honest and at times raw. The title itself echoing and honouring her journey into and out of illness, that included a period of blindness, lent an extra depth to her musical integrity and prowess [...] Menaka’s remarkable breath control and the power and versatility of her voice belied her small stature. The repetition of sound and words had a mesmeric quality that drew you in, carried you down and

then landed you gently back.

"Like a good, strong pot of Indian tea My Eyes Can See is best consumed away from the hustle and bustle of life, allowing it to brew and linger within and leave you looking forward to the next time round!" - Christine Venner-Westaway (Magda Community Arts)

Menaka

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