Chakra Bleu is—hands down—one of the most original and distinctive pop/rock/Americana artists ever to grace the underground Nashville music scene. Inspired by everything from transcendent New Age thought to the soulful styling of bands like Heart and the Cowboy Junkies (with whom her co-producer David Henry worked), she has forged, over the past decade, some of the most uplifting, eclectic, thought-provoking, and empowering pop/Americana ever created in Music City. “Underground Nashville” recently interviewed Chakra Bleu about her career and new album “You’re the One.” (more on this review + blog @ press/review section) by Dave Carew/Underground Nashville
Chakra Bleu scored big with her latest single, 'Hopelessly In Love', making it to sixteen on the national A/C (fmqb) charts trumpeted by Tom Mazetta, a top national radio promoter whose roped in substantial airplay for artists such as Elton John, Martina McBride, Paul McCartney, LeAnn Rimes, Delbert McClinton, Heart, Eric Clapton, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks and dozens more.
Her brand new cd, 'You're the One' was co-produced by Chakra Bleu and David Henry.(Henry's credits include Ben Folds, Widespread Panic, Steve Earle, Mindy Smith, Guster, Relient K, Jars of Clay, Indigo Girls, Jill Sobule, Cowboy Junkies and more.) Claimed to resonate with the essence of the Sunflower (happiness, hope, prosperity, vitality, serenity, freedom, devotion, fulfillment), this CD was purposefully designed to be light-hearted, showering the listeners with all the highs being in love has to offer. Without a doubt, these newly released songs are a perfect distraction needed to offset the economic challenges of these unsettling times, imbuing upbeat vibes that rub off like a lucky charm.
Experiencing the vitalizing music of Chakra Bleu is like a natural shot of adrenaline that infuses a person with an invigorating surge of energy and a feeling of well-being. ‘Bleu’ invokes a person to feel deeply with a magnetic vibe that carries intensity and passion, offering a perspective that has a bridging and unifying effect. Her occasional selections of insightful and empowering songs stir an emotional current that radiates to the inner core of the listeners heart, mind and soul which are also inclusive to all ages, social-economic, ethnic and even religious backgrounds. The well crafted lyrics are far from mundane and shallow. They express a purposeful direction and are substantial by all means. She is not afraid to pull any punches for the point of conveying integrity, truth, and self-awareness. For example, the song 'Steamroller', talks about determination vs. procrastination; 'Shoulda, Coulda, Would've' is a song about 'guilting' ourselves for things done in the past, obsessing and worrying about things in the future, and most importantly reminding the listener that the power to change one's life is in the present; 'Zombie' speaks of the monotony of how life can get, when stuck in a rut of a stifling job, relationship, environment, etc., that lacks room for creative expression; 'Playing The Victim' speaks about how we get stuck in our own dramas whereby we play the role of a victim, enabling us from taking responsibility for our own life. This usually results in a repetitive pattern leading to blaming others for our own unhappiness; ’Black Madonna' weaves mystical messages in between the lines - a riddle that leads the listener on a treasure hunt to the Holy Grail; and ‘Seize the Day’ reminds us all that life is a gift to be lived to its fullest potential.
Chakra Bleu has been the showcase/spotlight artist several times in top listening venues, as well as being the headliner act for BMI shows. She was also granted the 'Arena Award' February 1999. This prestigious honor has been granted to few other acts such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Jo Dee Messina, Margaret Thatcher and others, who have contributed an inspiring presence in their community. Her first CD, titled the 'Hidden Mirror', received strong airplay on AAA, Americana, NPR and college format stations across the United Sates, as well as radio stations in several countries in Europe. Chakra Bleu's 2003 CD titled 'How Long' also received favorable airplay on AAA and college stations. ‘Seize the Day’s’ single, as mentioned above, launched Chakra Bleu onto the A/C charts. This album was produced by Chakra Bleu, Steve Alexander, and Chip Woody-who has worked alongside producer Peter Collins; including credits Elton John, Indigo Girls, etc.)
Intriguing, playful, soul-searching, enticing, enriching, mystical, embracing, inspiring, daring and honest are words to describe how this captivating artist connects to her audience. Chakra Bleu will surely move you, rock you, and infuse you with a vibe you’ll never forget!