Artist Spotlight: CHITRA

Chitra. Image credit: Maggie Luu

For fans of Julia Jacklin, Way Dynamic and Jordana. 

Chitra has been on my periphery for a minute now — someone my bandmates and I have long admired from afar, often hearing praise for her in conversations with peers.

She’s shared stages with many of our favourite artists and heroes — Good Morning, Vacations, Julia Jacklin, Sorry — the list goes on. A true musician’s musician.

Late last year, Chitra opened up about the uncertainty she felt in finding herself as an independent artist again, writing: “I had to ask myself... am I not quitting because I don’t want to say ‘I quit,’ or is it because I actually want and need to do this? Ultimately, I decided I want and need to do this. But on my terms and as sustainably as possible.”

It takes real courage to acknowledge those feelings publicly — and even more to take a step back, prioritise your wellbeing, and find joy in other parts of life so you can return renewed and ready to go the distance.

That bravery runs throughout Chitra’s new music. Speaking about her upcoming album You Can See It In The Dark, she says: “I committed to writing what I craved to hear, not what others expected me to sound like.”

Her latest single Big Shot is a perfect example — diving headfirst into this bold new direction. The vigorous, almost post-punk instrumental provides the ideal vessel for Chitra to channel her anger: “Big Shot came from this awful dinner party where I sat there as men I barely knew talked about women in absolutely disgusting ways. I did speak up somewhat, but drove home absolutely seething at myself for not saying more.”

Transform it into catharsis — and ultimately triumph: “Performing it live has shifted something in me,” Chitra says. “I'm learning that I don't need to squeeze myself into someone else's definition of belonging. The real freedom comes from being honest with myself and connecting genuinely with the people who matter.”

Chitra is back — stronger than ever — and there’s no better time to get acquainted with her work.

Listen to ‘Big Shot’ below.