DJ Lubi presents…
Yaatri feat. Zuheb Ahmed Khan + Awen Ensemble
Friday, 19 May 2023
Brudenell Social Club / Leeds / UK
19:30
Bio:
Influenced by the momentum of the rhythms of India, immersive timbres of electronic music, and energy of rock’n’roll, Leeds-based quintet Yaatri’s blend of complex composition and ethereal soundscapes captivates the heart as well as the mind.
Raised in ten countries around the world by Indian / American parents, Yaatri was born of a desire to explore guitarist Liam Narain DeTar’s cultural identity with an emphasis on his South Asian heritage.
Combining the multicultural sounds of DeTar’s upbringing with psychedelic soundscapes, intricate arrangements and musicianship beyond their years, Yaatri’s music has been described by fans as emotionally transportive and capable of taking listeners to a higher spiritual place. Driven by lyrical melodies and propulsive grooves, the five piece is compelled by the desire to push the boundaries of modern songwriting.
The quintet have rapidly gained a reputation for being among the most forward-thinking and unique creative forces in the North of England, receiving praise from BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6, Jamie Cullum, Rolling Stone Magazine India, Jamz Supernova’s Selector Radio, Jazz FM (plays, interviews, playlist), British Airways inflight show "Next Big Thing", and more.
Their debut EP ‘Reach’ and first album ‘Lucid’ have accumulated over 150k streams on Spotify alone, securing places on Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists, with over 200 vinyl records sold to fans as far afield as Australia, Japan and The United States.
Yaatri have performed alongside some of the leading names in contemporary British jazz-influenced music, including Noya Rao, Richard Spaven, Jasmine Myra, Cykada and Myele Manzanza. Their self booked, 16 date album release tour included a packed house at the legendary jazz club Pizza Express Live Soho, a sold out show at the 400 capacity Tung Auditorium in Liverpool, a showcase performance at Southbank Centre during EFG’s London Jazz Festival, and a standing ovation at their album launch show at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, dubbed by promoter DJ Lubi as one of the best received gigs he’d put on in years.
Since the project’s conception, Yaatri have been supported through showcase performance bookings, funding, mentorship and support by Help Musicians’ Peter Whittingham Jazz Award, Leeds Conservatoire’s Artist Development Program, Manchester Jazz Festival’s Hothouse scheme, Jazz North’s Introduces and Northern Line schemes, Launchpad, Sage Gateshead’s Summer Studios, and Help Musicians’ MOBO Award.
