MY STORY (LONG AND SHORT BIO)
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 (284 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.
Menaka studied the traditional art of South Indian (Carnatic) music from a young age of 5 from her mother, Vijaya Visvanathan, founder of the Sri Krishna Music Academy in Brisbane. In recent years, Menaka underwent further study in the contemporary voice through the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University.
As a singer, Menaka has featured on many musical platforms, including Woodford Folk Festival, Queensland Multicultural Festival, Festival of Tibet, Brisbane Fringe Festival, BrisAsia Festival and the Anywhere Festival. Menaka was a featured cast members for Brisbane Powerhouse's "Women In Voice" for 2022. In 2023, Menaka received a Queensland Music Award for Best Song (World) for her collaboration with Brisbane songwriter mou.
Menaka’s career in song writing unexpectedly commenced 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”. She launched her album in 2019 at the Queensland Multicultural Centre to a sold-out audience.
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.
Menaka continues to perform and create music, teach, record, and facilitate artist showcases. Her vision is to unite, connect and inspire people through music.
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
Menaka has featured on many musical platforms, including Woodford Folk Festival, Queensland Multicultural Festival, Festival of Tibet, Brisbane Fringe Festival, BrisAsia Festival and the Anywhere Festival. Menaka was a featured cast members for Brisbane Powerhouse's "Women In Voice" for 2022. Menaka’s music has been highly commended in the world music category of the Queensland Music Awards on several occasions, alongside musical collaborators. In 2023, Menaka received a Queensland Music Award for Best Song (World) for her collaboration with Brisbane songwriter mou. She also featured in the Woodford Folk Festival in 2023.
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.
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.
Menaka continues to perform and create music, teach, record, and facilitate artist showcases. Her vision is to unite, connect and inspire people through music.
