Q+A: Chandra + “Kate” MP3
- story THE FADER
In 1980, NYC-bred Chandra Oppenheim had her biggest artistic hit when she was 12, writing, recording and releasing an album, Transportation as the mononymous Chandra. Her music’s jittery post-punk, recorded with adults Model Citizens and The Dance as a backing band, makes you realize that the childlike energy of punk makes a lot of sense when actually done by a child. And so, while we can all safely hide embarrassing relics of our childhood, Chandra’s youth is her legacy, especially now that Transportation (as well as some later demos), have been reissued and her young face and voice is a staple in cool record stores and on cool radio stations. Download an unreleased demo she recorded at 13 and her single “Kate” below, pick up the record, which comes with a thick book of old photos and clippings and check Alex Frank’s interview with the now very grown up (and with a child of her own) Chandra.
Download: Chandra, unreleased demo
Download: Chandra, “Kate”
