My name's Leela Misel and I'm an independent singer, songwriter and musician based in Melbourne/Naarm, Australia.
I write and perform music that mixes pop, rock and soul into a darkly uplifting experience that is energising yet melancholy. Fusing these elements together with my classical training and music theatre experience, allows me to create powerful melodies and up-beat grooves that you can't help but bop your head to.
My influences include: Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, Faith No More, Incubus, Layne Staley, John Farnham. AR Rahman, K J Yesudas, Ilayaraja.
Of Indonesian-Malaysian-Tamil heritage, I describe myself as a cultural nomad, drifting obsessively between tribes and identities. Looking outside my skin for my truth while illuminating the darkness through story-telling and catchy melodies.
Sounds Like: Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston
Latest News
I recently released my debut pop-rock single 'Switch'.
?‘Switch’ is an energising and defiant rock song that examines race and identity, while growing up as a mixed race brown girl in the suburbs of Australia. With it’s mesmerising guitar riffs and unique, bluesy-rock vocals, ‘Switch’ explores themes of racial discrimination and code switching.