Sheela's Bio

Growing up with the sounds of her parents' disco parties, her uncle's blaring rock music and her grandmother singing ranchero music, Sheela took an interest in music at an early age.  Her parents enrolled her into piano lessons at the age of 6 because they were tired of listening to her sing "Farmer and the Dell."

By the time she got to the 4th grade, Sheela thought she would try the violin.  The two of them didn't get along so well, so in the 7th grade she was introduced to the double bass, thanks to her teacher, Sally Porter.  Sheela fell in love with the double bass.  In Junior High she "sat" 1st chair in the school orchestra.  Also in high school, she was 1st chair in the Kansas City Junior Youth Symphony, Kansas City Youth Symphony and Kansas City Youth Chamber Orchestras.  Her Junior Year, she was asked to play electric bass with the high school jazz band.  She received doubtful looks from wanna-be KISS boys at her school but that didn't stop her.

Sheela continued her bass playing at Wichita State University with the Wichita State University Orchestra and La Banda Hispanica.  She also began singing with the gospel choir at this time.  Outside of school, she played in local bands such as Bahamamamas and Sweet Sexual Chocolate (with Janet), KSOL Boogie Band and in 1995, formed 1/2 Mad Poet with Anita Chase and Rhea Sewell.

Sheela had a brief flirtation with a pre-med major but realized that her true passion was for music.  In 1998, she earned her BA in Music at the Wichita
State University.  Sheela's fat and funky chops are perfectly suited for both
slapping and finger techniques on her 6 string Washburn.  Her groove oriented style has been compared to that of Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers.  As far as her stage presence goes, watch out for that wild-swinging hair.  She's energetic, crazy and fun to watch.  Sheela has also discovered her writing talent for melodic lines and introspective lyrics.

Sheela would like to thank her parents on behalf of 1/2 Mad Poet for their tremendous and ongoing support spiritually and financially.  Without their positive thoughts and encouragement, she wouldn't be where she is today.  P.S.   Need a pharmacy? Try Medicine Shoppe!

Sheela would also like to thank many of her influences such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Bee-Gees, David Bowie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Madonna, Go-Go's, Lita Ford, Brand New Heavies, Motley Crue, Stevie Wonder, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and Ozzy for helping her dreams come true.  Its all about music, man!

sheela@halfmadpoet.com