Monsoon

"Monsoon" is a British-Bengali fusion band formed in the early 1980s, best known for their unique blend of Western pop/rock music with traditional South Asian influences. Here are some facts about the band:

1. Formation and Early Years: Monsoon was formed in London in 1981 by musician and producer Steve Coe, along with singer Sheila Chandra and bassist Martin Smith. The band aimed to create a fusion of Western pop/rock with traditional Indian music elements, drawing inspiration from Sheila Chandra's Indian heritage and Coe's background in electronic music production.

2. Debut Album "Third Eye": In 1982, Monsoon released their debut album titled "Third Eye". The album featured a groundbreaking fusion of pop/rock instrumentation with Indian classical music influences, showcasing Sheila Chandra's haunting vocals and Coe's innovative production techniques. "Third Eye" received critical acclaim for its adventurous approach to blending diverse musical styles and earned Monsoon a dedicated fan base.

3. Hit Single "Ever So Lonely": Monsoon achieved commercial success with their hit single "Ever So Lonely", which was released in 1982. The song became a chart-topping hit in the UK and several other countries, earning Monsoon widespread recognition and acclaim. "Ever So Lonely" showcased the band's distinctive sound and Sheila Chandra's mesmerizing vocals, drawing listeners in with its infectious melody and evocative lyrics.

4. Influence and Legacy: Monsoon's pioneering fusion of Western pop/rock with Indian musical elements helped pave the way for subsequent artists and bands exploring similar cross-cultural collaborations. The band's innovative approach to blending diverse musical traditions resonated with audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the world music scene. Monsoon's influence can be heard in the work of contemporary artists blending Western and South Asian musical styles.

5. Disbandment and Solo Careers: After the release of their debut album "Third Eye" and the success of "Ever So Lonely", Monsoon disbanded in the mid-1980s. However, Sheila Chandra went on to pursue a successful solo career as a singer-songwriter, releasing several acclaimed albums that further explored the fusion of Western and Indian musical influences. Steve Coe continued his work as a producer and musician, collaborating with various artists across different genres.

Overall, Monsoon's innovative fusion of Western pop/rock with Indian musical traditions helped break new ground in the world of music, showcasing the power of cross-cultural collaboration and paving the way for future generations of artists to explore and embrace diverse musical influences.