We haven’t heard new music from Chitra in a while – not since 2021’s gorgeous “Give Up” – but with a BIGSOUND appearance on the horizon, she’s returned with a new single, the dawning of a new chapter in her career.
“In My Opinion” finds the Melbourne-based singer-songwriter assuredly shedding her old indie folk leanings for indie rock furnishings; the twang has been replaced by grittier vocals, the acoustic strumming gone in favour of rugged guitar lines.
It’s a decision that pays off handsomely: Chitra’s fierce delivery betrays a musician on a mission, keen to make up for lost time. As the lyrics also make clear, she’s done wasting time in her personal life, too. “I don’t want to do it no more,” she repeatedly cries, desperate to let go of the need to people please.
“I wrote this song about trying to understand how to be there for a loved one if they don’t want your help and coming to terms with that… It’s about seeing patterns of behaviour and getting frustrated but ultimately stepping aside,” Chitra says.
Produced alongside John Castle (Cub Sport, Hatchie, Angie McMahon), the track sounds polished with plenty of space left for rawness and realness.
The accompanying music video – directed by Tori Styles – shows someone sitting across from Chitra at a decadent feast. “They’re obviously very hurt and are berating her, oblivious to the beautiful meal in front of them,” the director explains. “I can relate to the struggle of someone misdirecting their emotions at you – sometimes you just want to kill them!”
Chitra was one of the artists confirmed to be heading to BIGSOUND this September, where she’ll get to showcase “In My Opinion” and other new material to the industry.
“With her bold, clarion indie-rock music, Melbourne singer-songwriter Chitra Ridwan navigates the pressures and anxieties of relationships with the grace and dexterity of a dancer,” her official BIGSOUND description reads.
Before then, she’ll launch her new single at shows this month: at The Vanguard in Sydney on Wednesday, July 26th, and at Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel on Thursday, July 27th.
Chitra’s “In My Opinion” is out now.
