Mona Lissa Chanda’s “Professional Victim” Sets the Stage for Her Bold New Album Queen of Games

Montreal-based singer-songwriter Mona Lissa Chanda is gearing up to release her much-anticipated debut full-length album, Queen of Games, this spring. The lead single, “Professional Victim,” dropped on January 31, 2025, and it's already making waves with its infectious Motown groove and sharp commentary on boundary-setting and self-love.

With a voice that resonates with the emotional depth of icons like Amy Winehouse, Sade, and Tracy Chapman, Mona Lissa’s music blends timeless jazz, blues, and soul influences with catchy pop hooks. Her latest track is an unapologetic anthem for those who have learned the importance of putting their own needs first, especially after giving too much to people who take advantage of their kindness.

“Professional Victim” was inspired by Mona Lissa’s personal experiences with codependent relationships and her frustration with those who manipulate others for sympathy or control. The song offers a clever twist, blending heavy subject matter with humor, as seen in the playful music video where Mona Lissa triumphs over a manipulative partner in a satisfying, poetic ending.

Produced by Paul Cargnello, who also co-composed and performed on the track, "Professional Victim" is a perfect preview of Queen of Games, which showcases Mona Lissa’s love for blues-rock, soul, R&B, and Americana. The album promises to be a timeless collection of songs that will transport listeners to the golden age of vinyl, with fresh and captivating melodies.

Mona Lissa’s creative journey is just as unique as her music. Raised in the culturally rich environment of Sept-Îles, Quebec, she has an educational background in fine art and neurosciences, in addition to training in vocal jazz and Italian Bel Canto singing. Her eclectic upbringing, which included immersion in French Canadian culture and the musical treasures of Europe and Asia, has deeply influenced her artistry. In fact, Mona Lissa’s scientific background includes research on the neurochemistry of music, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Daniel J. Levitin, a renowned neuroscientist and best-selling author.

With Queen of Games on the horizon, Mona Lissa is ready to shine brighter than ever. The album’s launch party is set for April 12 at Casa Del Popolo in Montreal, QC.

Lee’s Musical Journey: From Hip-Hop Roots to Global Soundscapes with The Reprieve

Lee, a gifted musician from Clewiston, FL, has spent decades honing his craft and evolving into one of the most unique voices in contemporary music. His career began in the 1990s as part of the dynamic hip-hop duo Straight Coffee For George, alongside his longtime friend Antonio “T-Lyfe” Humphrey. The pair quickly gained recognition in the local scene for their innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics. As Straight Coffee For George, Lee learned the ropes of the music industry, developing a distinct style that blended the raw energy of hip-hop with thoughtful musical arrangements.

After the duo disbanded, Lee sought new creative directions, forming The Square Egg, a collective known for its eclectic fusion of hip-hop, funk, jazz, and soul. The group gained traction not just in Florida, but in New York as well, where Lee would ultimately spend much of his musical life. In New York, Lee’s career took a new turn. He began performing in some of the city’s most prestigious venues, drawing crowds with his electrifying stage presence and his ability to seamlessly mix genres.

As a solo artist, Lee’s sound continued to evolve, creating music that is both expansive and intimate. His solo debut, Naked (2010), was a testament to his ability to blend influences from around the world while staying true to his own soul-driven sound. He followed that with Reasons To Buy This Album (2014) and 2+2=5 (2017), both of which earned him acclaim for their depth and musical complexity.

In 2022, Lee released Maybe Now, an album that marked a profound shift in his sound. Deeply influenced by his life in Buenos Aires, the album infused rich Latin rhythms and textures into his already diverse musical palette. The lush arrangements and layered vocals on Maybe Now demonstrated Lee’s growing mastery of blending genres and cultures, further solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.

Now, with his latest release, The Reprieve, Lee has once again raised the bar. The album is his most ambitious to date, featuring a dizzying array of world-class musicians, each adding their unique voices to Lee’s adventurous and soulful compositions. The album was organically recorded at LeChateau Studio and Aguaribay Espacio Musical in Buenos Aires, Argentina, capturing the raw energy and collaborative spirit of the session. The result is an album that feels as much like a global celebration as it does an intimate reflection of Lee’s artistic vision.

One of the standout tracks from The Reprieve is the sublime “Perfect,” a song that perfectly encapsulates Lee’s musical versatility. The track is featured here in its original album version, along with three exclusive mixes that offer new takes on the song’s haunting melodies and soulful grooves. Each mix provides a fresh perspective, showcasing Lee’s ability to experiment with sounds while maintaining the emotional depth and complexity that is central to his artistry.

As Lee continues to evolve and explore new sonic territories, The Reprieve stands as a testament to his journey—one that has taken him from the hip-hop underground to the farthest reaches of the global music scene. With this album, Lee proves that he is not just a musician, but an artist who continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to create truly genre-defying music.

Peter White’s Light of Day: A Musical Journey of Hope, Optimism, and Reflection

Peter White, the celebrated genre-defying acoustic guitarist, is back with his 17th album, Light of Day, releasing February 14 via Lobster Music Inc. After a six-year hiatus, the new record marks a triumphant return for the multi-time Billboard chart-topper. This collection of ten songs explores themes of hope, resilience, and optimism, offering an antidote to the darkness brought on by the pandemic. The album also coincides with two major milestones in White’s career: his 50th anniversary as a professional musician and the 35th anniversary of his debut album, Réveillez-vous.

Known for his fingerstyle guitar work, White’s unique sound blends elements of pop, Latin, R&B, and jazz with his signature expressive lyricism. On Light of Day, however, he delves deeper into introspective territory, tackling weightier themes with an authenticity that reflects the global challenges of recent years.

"I chose the title Light of Day because it symbolizes hope," says White, who plays guitar, bass, keyboards, accordion, recorder, and handles much of the programming on the album. "Through the darkness, there is always light, and better times ahead."

The album opens with the vibrant "Catalonia," an energetic piece inspired by the northeastern region of Spain. The single is already gaining momentum, with radio and playlist support. The international flair continues with “Cityscape,” a song inspired by White’s memories of walking through London on a warm summer night. Other tracks, like "Carefree," feature playful basslines and whimsical melodies, while the poignant "Till I See You Again" is a tribute to the late jazz guitarist Nick Colionne.

Other highlights include the energetic “Overdrive,” featuring harmonica from Marc Macisso and trumpet by Ilya Serov, and the romantic “I Love You Still,” which features rising saxophone star Vincent Ingala. The album also includes a bold eight-minute journey, "Odyssey," featuring White’s longtime collaborators Eric Valentine (drums) and Nate Phillips (bass), as well as the beautifully composed "Enchanted," which includes a stunning saxophone solo by two-time GRAMMY-winning legend Ernie Watts.

The album closes with the title track, “Light of Day,” a final affirmation of hope, determination, and the belief that better days are ahead.

Peter White’s Light of Day isn’t just a musical project—it’s a celebration of life, love, and the strength to persevere through challenging times. Fans can also look forward to hearing these new songs live, as White embarks on a global tour, including dates in South Africa, Namibia, the Netherlands, the UK, and across the U.S.

Tracklisting:

1. Catalonia
2. Cityscape (featuring Rick Braun)
3. Carefree
4. Till I See You Again
5. Overdrive (featuring Ilya Serov)
6. I Love You Still (featuring Vincent Ingala)
7. Dreaming of You
8. Odyssey
9. Enchanted (featuring Ernie Watts)
10. Light of Day