ARIYA ASTROBEAT ARKESTRA

The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra is a Leeds-based afrobeat band that takes influence from Fela Kuti's Africa 70 band amongst many others. Although their music uses Afrobeat rhythm and language, they also owe part of their sound to the space Jazz pioneers of the 70’s and the free jazz trailblazers of the 60’s. The band have been quoted to credit James Brown and Tony Allen for having a large influence on their music.  The band was founded in 2007 after a series of jam sessions at the Leeds basement bar and music venue 'Sela Bar'. In 2009 after a couple of years defining their sound, the band were signed to independent record label First Word Records.  In 2010 the band performed throughout the UK at venues such as London's Plan B, Vibe Bar, The Wardrobe  in Leeds, Limetree Festival and Shambala festival. On the 30th of October 2010 the band read more...