Chandrika Tandon, the renowned South Asian American singer, songwriter, and producer, has made waves in the music industry by winning her first Grammy Award for her album Triveni at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Tandon’s album took home the award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album, marking not just her triumph, but also her significant contribution to the world of musical innovation and spirituality.
On February 3, 2025, the ceremony held at the Crypto.com Arena saw Tandon celebrated for her unique blend of ancient mantras and world music. Triveni features contributions from Grammy-winning South African flutist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese American cellist Eru Matsumoto, creating what Tandon describes as "a deeply meditative musical experience". The album was crafted to promote inner healing, reflecting Tandon's long-held belief in music's transformative power.
Tandon received her Grammy amid stiff competition, facing off against established artists such as Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Radhika Vekaria. With tracks like "Pathway to Light" and "Seeking Shakti," the album invites listeners on a sonic exploration of spirituality and cultural confluence.
Upon winning the award, Tandon expressed her gratitude and her vision for music, stating, "Music is love, music ignites the light within all of us, and, even in our darkest days, music spreads joy and laughter." This heartfelt acceptance underscored her deep connection to her roots and her innovative approach to music.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his congratulations on social media, noting Tandon’s enduring commitment to Indian culture and her inspirational role as both musician and philanthropist. “We take great pride in her accomplishments as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and, of course, music! It is commendable how she has remained passionate about Indian culture and has been working to popularize it,” Modi shared.
Tandon, born and raised in Chennai, India, has long been a bridge between cultures, melding South Asian traditions and Western influences. This Grammy win is the pinnacle of her artistic achievements to date, following her prior nomination for her album Om Namo Narayana: Soul Call back in 2010. Throughout her career, Tandon has released several albums under her Soul Chants Music label, which aims to make ancient mantras accessible through modern musical formats.
Her involvement with music is deeply rooted, stemming from her early encounters with Vedic chants and Carnatic music. She trained rigorously under respected mentors, building a foundation upon which she has created her art. Her past performances at prestigious venues include the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center, and her ability to share her passion for music is equally matched by her philanthropic efforts.
Beyond her musical career, Tandon has made significant strides as a business leader and humanitarian. She was the first South Asian American woman elected partner at McKinsey and has founded Tandon Capital Associates. Her philanthropic work includes chairing the Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation and supporting educational initiatives at New York University, where she also serves as trustee.
Throughout her career, Tandon has been recognized not only for her music but also for her leadership. She has received numerous accolades, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and NYU’s Gallatin Medal. Tandon's music often reflects themes of healing, spirituality, and community, driving her mission to uplift others through her art.
This year's Grammy ceremony was memorable beyond the awards, serving as a fundraiser for victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfires, which devastated communities across the city. Tandon’s win and the overall event reinforced the nuanced relationship music has with culture and society, combining celebration, recognition, and philanthropy.
Chandrika Tandon's achievement with Triveni is not just about her success but also about the threads of connection she’s woven across different musical traditions and communities. Her work continues to inspire many, providing both meditation and celebration through sound.