Menaka | Public figure
Menaka
Phone: +61 421 345 699
Reviews
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25.01.2022 3 years ago, nearly to the day, I recorded my song "Hold You In My Arms" in the studio. It was written as a welcoming song to my daughter as I reached my final stages of pregnancy. The next day, I went into labour. I am excited to announce that the official music video for this song is ready to be released. To give you a preview to the story behind the song and the making of the music video, check out this short documentary piece that gives you a glimpse into the personal journey of the song, as well as the creative and collaborative process of making the music video. Hope you enjoy it!
24.01.2022 Thank you to all who supported me to put together Friday night's production 'On The Horizon' for BEMAC LIVE. From the inspirational musicians and artists, technical crew, family, friends and well-wishers- I can't do any of this without you! More photos to follow over the next little while, so stay tuned! #bemaclive #bemac #queenslandmulticulturalcentre ... #livemusic See more
23.01.2022 Exactly one year ago - 25th May 2019 - I was on cloud nine, with these wonderful musicians, at the amazing Queensland Multicultural Centre, singing this song "Lift Your Voice". This was the last song of the night - the launch of my debut album "My Eyes Can See". Feeling so blessed to have experienced this opportunity. Thank you with all my heart to everyone who made this experience possible - you know who you are :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrvUaYZaRsM
23.01.2022 We're about to go live!! Click here to join :) https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=791391164977638&id=110715432054
23.01.2022 Tonight- I attended the first class of a 4 month intensive music mentoring program. In this program, I have the blessing of being mentored by these amazing musicians - Kesley Giarola @kelseygiarola and the awe inspiring Pauline Maudy @mzazamusic This program is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland @artsqueensland Tonight's class with Kelsey tickled my Physio and Yoga therapy bones- we talked voice anatomy, breathing, alignment and tailoring 'warm-ups...' to different voices and vocal needs. Just fascinating. At the end of a long day, you had me buzzing with energy @kelseygiarola ! #artsqueensland #professionaldevelopment #musicdevelopment #learningcurve #ilovelearning #vocalcoaching
21.01.2022 This last month has been one heck of a ride. Recurrent laryngitis and a resurgence of chronic health issues has forced me to pull out of multiple shows and put teaching on hold. The latest show I have sadly had to leave is the iconic Women In Voice at the Brisbane Powerhouse this weekend and at Redlands the following. I managed to get through 2 out of 3 weeks of rehearsals, showing up even with no voice. The team were so nurturing and supportive the whole time. I was just gra...teful to experience what it feels like to be a 'real' musician, turning up to work to create a show and sing! It was a dream. As sad as I am, I am also grateful to have met such a dynamic, talented, warm and nurturing tribe of creatives in the Women In Voice clan. I'll be forever grateful for the experience. For now, the feet are going up and the focus is on rest, recovery and strengthening. Thanks for your support thus far
20.01.2022 Setting up for 'On The Horizon', livestreaming from the BEMAC page at 7.00 Brisbane time https://www.facebook.com/BEMACpresents/ Getting excited... And nervous! All the same thing, right?
19.01.2022 And it begins! Rehearsals are starting as we gear up for Women In Voice, which is less than a month away. I am lucky to be mentored by this special lady Leah Cotterell . We are scheming up a very delicious set that will bring our stories together- while still having a bit of fun. The event is close to selling out... so look into grabbing a seat if you haven't already!... Here is the link https://brisbanepowerhouse.org/whats-/event/women-in-voice/
18.01.2022 Excited to share with you the interview with Ashwin Segkar that was aired on the Saturday morning program on 2nd January. It features live performances of 2 songs and finishes with a new single "Feel the Joy". One of the best features is the beautiful piano of the amazing Meg Burstow Ashwin Segkar - I really enjoyed our chat. Thanks for inviting us in. I'm sure there is a whole lot more we could talk about, including the hope and importance of changing the face of "mainstr...eam/popular" music to be more inclusive of world sounds. Some other time :) Thank you Meg for coming along - was so fun to play with you. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts! #abcradiobrisbane #RadioInterview #worldmusic #liveradio https://soundcloud.com//radio-interview-menaka-and-ashwin-
18.01.2022 UPDATE! Only 15 tickets left for my upcoming show 'On The Horizon' on May 8th! Book now to get your seat! Here is the direct ticket link https://anywhere.is/event/horizon/
18.01.2022 I'm so excited to share with you a creative piece that's in the mix as we speak! Here's a short impromptu video to explain. Watch this space as more to come as June approaches...
17.01.2022 Love this picture captured by Brian Sullivan @opus125brian. The lighting was low, but he was able to capture the mood and emotion so seamlessly. No more words- only gratitude #bemaclive #bemacpresents #queenslandmulticulturalcentre ... #livemusic #worldmusic #musicphotography #singingfromtheheart See more
16.01.2022 So excited to share with you a sneaky sound byte of a fun new song- 'Feel The Joy'. This is a song written in response to the collective turmoil and struggle of today's world. Tonight I had fun rehearsing and developing the song with fellow collaborators- the amazing duo Old Semeil and percussionist Tsoof Baras. Just missing the lovely Sophie on viola from this sneak peak. #rehearsal #musiccollaboration #worldmusicians #newsongsoon
15.01.2022 This Friday night, 3rd July, I am so excited to share with you "Music of Mountains and Mystics"; a very special Facebook Live concert with these amazing World Music artists - Tenzin Choegyal and Shen Flindell. Tenzin and Shen have greatly influenced and supported my musical journey over the years. One of my first encounters with world fusion music was with Tenzin and Shen as a guest with their amazing group, Tibet2Timbuktu. My experience playing with them inspired me to con...tinue to explore the realms of world fusion music. Both Shen and Tenzin feature on my debut album. I will forever cherish and appreciate their amazing contribution. Come and join us Friday night, 3rd July, on this page (Menaka Music), at 7.00
14.01.2022 Emotive photos from Saturday's show 'On The Horizon' (part of the Anywhere Festival). So grateful to have had this opportunity. I feel like I have really grown from this experience. Much appreciation and admiration for the amazing team @megburstow @bindurajendren @tsoofbaras @the_evstr . Blessed to have collaborated with you. Thankyou @arcanabrisbane and @anywherefest for making this experience possible!... Special appreciation to all who attended and supported us on the night. Loved singing to all of you. Photographs: Raj Kallath #musicphotography #anywherefest #arcanabrisbane #livemusicbrisbane #feelinggrateful
14.01.2022 Super excited to have this opportunity to perform at QMC to an intimate live audience and live-streamed online audience on Friday November 13. I have titled the show 'On The Horizon' and it will feature new original songs that capture the struggle of 2020 and hope on the horizon. The audience will be a mixture of cabaret style (!) And tiered seating. Only 40 seats available though...so get in quick! ... So good to experience the live music scene again. Thank you BEMAC for this wonderful opportunity. #bemaclive #bemac #queenslandmulticulturalcentre #brisbanelivemusic #livemusic #worldmusic
14.01.2022 Nerves... With limiting self-beliefs. All part of the experience for me just before a show... "Are you prepared enough?... Could you have done better? Is this show good enough...?" And then I spot this sign as I walk along with these thoughts... And feel a strange sense of comfort and reassurance from it. A timely reminder... Hopefully it helps you trust where you are today too...... I'm looking forward to tonight's show!
14.01.2022 I'm excited to present to you the offical music video for "Hold You In My Arms" from my debut album "My Eyes Can See". It is special to release this video today on the birthday of my daughter. 3 years ago today, I sang this song to my baby girl when I held her for the first time. What you hear is what I recorded in studio 2 days prior to her birth. What you see are the magical illustrations of Jennifer Horn, who has captured the emotion of the song through imagery, metaph...or and symbolism. I am forever grateful to have met Jennifer Horn (Jen Horn) and am so inspired by the energy I experienced from this collaboration. You can also view this video on my YouTube channel via this link https://youtu.be/kBrOLMiBhO4 (please subscribe while you are there!) Enjoy!
14.01.2022 A year ago, death claimed a friend. In my reflective moments of late, I remember her. I remember the one time she literally "nudged" me to sing despite my self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. This seemingly fleeting moment has left a deep impression in me, especially since her passing. I cherish this moment as her special lesson to me - a reminder to still keep offering despite the voice of the internal or external critic. This blog is a record and reminder of this memory, penned in one of the quiet moments of connection with my friend. https://www.menakathomasmusic.com/blog/a-nudge-from-beyond
13.01.2022 After 15 years...I think I can finally say I am closing the chapter on the struggle with my eye health. Today, I walked out of the Ophthalmology clinic with the words of the specialist behind me- "I think we are done. See you in a year". So here I am- sitting at a local cafe, celebrating with a chai latte (the closest to chai I can find), wearing my new glasses, taking a moment to acknowledge the journey travelled. Amidst the challenge, the path of offered me so many gifts- s...upport, connection, perspective... And impetus for my debut album "My Eyes Can See". I'm an awkward, shy selfie taker, but this moment calls for one :) Thank you to all who travelled thus far with me.
13.01.2022 My Eyes Can See- Facebook Live Concert with Menaka and friends
13.01.2022 I can't believe it has nearly been a year since I had the opportunity to launch and perform my album to an amazingly supportive audience at Queensland Multicultural Centre, May 2019. It was such a raw, emotional night and a big milestone achievement in my life. To celebrate, I will be offering a Facebook Live Concert this Friday, from my living room to yours. There were so many amazing musicans alongside me that night. From this crew, I am lucky to have Tsoof Baras, Meg Burstow, Evan Osborne coming along (thanks to the slight easing of social restrictions here in sunny Qld!). Donations welcome - but your support, loving vibes and attendance are more appreciated! So link in and join us this Friday night for a relaxed, cosy and intimate musical journey.
13.01.2022 Kirtan Connection - free weekly online singing classes - re-commence tomorrow night at 7:30pm. It received a warm reception when it was initiated 3 months ago, so I have decided to continue these offerings every Sunday night, 7:30pm (GMT +10:00, AEST) during QLD school terms. If you would like to join, please send me a message or email and I will send you a zoom link. Looking forward to sharing more music with you :)
12.01.2022 The many faces that were a part of last Friday's performance at the QMC. Photos were taken by the very talented, kind and generous Brian Sullivan. He is always so giving of his time and support, a generosity that is so rare. Thank you Brian- forever grateful. More of his amazing photos to come!
12.01.2022 "Music of Mountains and Mystics" presented by Tenzin Choegyal (Tibetan singer), Menaka Thomas (Indian-fusion singer) and Shen Flindell (Tabla)
11.01.2022 Every Sunday night, I offer "Kirtan Connection", a free one-hour online zoom class, teaching Bhajan and Kirtan (traditional devotional Indian music) to anyone interested. An intimate and supportive community is now steadily growing. It is a surreal and somewhat weird and unusual experience. I am singing to a group of faces on my computer. I can see them closing their eyes, many smiling and swaying to their own song. However, I don't hear them and I am often just going by my ...own pace and intuitive "feel" of the group. One one such night, I shared my feelings of uncertainty with the group, seeking feedback on their experience. After that session that very night, one of the singers, Cath, sent me a recording of her singing along with me and adding some amazing harmonies to the songs. Cath herself is a very accomplished choir director so having the gift of her voice in harmony with mine was very exciting for me. What touched me the most - she sent me the recordings because she wanted me to know that I was not singing alone. I wanted to somehow capture this unheard, silent duet that we are now doing every Sunday night in our individual homes. And here it is... Thank you Cath for putting this video together and thank you for the gift of your harmonies. https://www.facebook.com/cathjay/videos/10165037612060643 #kirtan #bhajan #menakamusic
08.01.2022 Tonight's Kirtan Connection free online class is themed "Songs of Saints and Modern Day Composers". I will be teaching a beautiful Bhajan from the Saint Meerabai, plus others from composers that lived in our midst in the modern era. To join, please email me at [email protected] or send me a PM so that I can send you the zoom link and lyrics. "Kirtan Connection" is a series of FREE online classes that were initiated during COVID-19 restrictions. They run every Sunday night, 7:30pm - 8:30pm (GMT +10:00, Australian Eastern Standard Time)
08.01.2022 Had a ball on Friday, recording a new song "Feel The Joy" with Gav and Sophie from Old Semeil @old_semeil and Tsoof Baras at Radio 4eb. Lots of belly laughs, meaningful conversation and great support from the team at Radio 4eb. #radio4eb #studiorecording #musicmasala ... #oldsemeil #menakamusic #worldmusic #newmusic @ 4EB See more
07.01.2022 Here is a fundraising page specifically for raising funds for the 'Unite for India' concert, set up by the amazing Dr Charulatha Mani . Please donate towards this cause- every bit counts. #UniteForHumanity #covidrelief #goodcause ... #donate See more
07.01.2022 Feeling the love from 4zzz thank you for including 'Feel the Joy' on your playlist for Balkan Beats on Zed digital. Love your work! #balkanbeats #4zzz #zeddigital
07.01.2022 A review of last Friday's performance in The Westender by Frederica Caso #westender #musicreview #livemusic2020
06.01.2022 Lots of fun singing with Tenzin and Shen last night. Thank you to all who 'turned up' to support the online event.
05.01.2022 A real treat to catch up with Ashwin Segkar @abcbrisbane this afternoon. Meg Burstow also came along with me and we had a chat about music, and played a couple of songs together live in the studio. Tune in tomorrow Saturday 2nd January 9.30am to 612 ABC Brisbane to hear more! Thanks Ashwin @ashwinsegkar and Meg @megburstow for the fun time and awesome opportunity! Let's do it again soon... #abcradiobrisbane... #ashwinsegkar #radiointerview See more
04.01.2022 Happy New Year! Here in beautiful Brisbane, 2021 started with the most amazing rainbow, the most brilliant one I have ever seen. Nature's magic heralding in the new year
03.01.2022 Peace prayers for troubled times
02.01.2022 The human health crisis in India is beyond heartbreaking. Please join us, local musicians in Brisbane, to raise funds and awareness. Support our heartfelt contribution through your attendance, donation and sharing of this event. Blessed to contribute alongside amazing artists Dr Charulatha Mani, Bindu Rajendren, Shen Flindell, Tenzin Choegyal and many others! Friday 28 May at La Boite theatre, 4.00pm.
02.01.2022 Thank you to all the amazing people who supported me in my musical journey this year. Words fail to adequately express the deep gratitude I feel for all your support, encouragement and inspiration. May 2021 connect us again in music and friendship. (Photo taken by Brian Sullivan) #gratitude
