Yaatri
Yaatri is an award winning five-piece art-rock/jazz crossover group formed in Leeds in 2018. Their blend of complex composition and ethereal soundscapes captivates the heart as well as the mind. Influenced by the momentum of the rhythms of India, immersive timbres of electronic music, and energy of rock and roll, their music has a strong sense of purpose and journey.
Led by Indian/American guitarist and composer Liam Narain DeTar, Yaatri is Felix Bertulis-Webb on keys, Rosie Miles on vocals, Joe Wilkes on bass and Dom Kilsby on drums.
Yaatri have rapidly gained a reputation for being among the most forward-thinking and unique creative forces in the North of England. Combining the multicultural sounds of DeTar’s upbringing with psychedelic soundscapes, intricate arrangements and musicianship beyond their years, their 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, Yaatri is compelled by the desire to push the boundaries of modern songwriting.
Supported by organisations such as Leeds Conservatoire, Manchester Jazz Festival, and Jazz North, their self-released debut EP ‘Reach’ has accumulated over 130k streams, been featured internationally in publications including Rolling Stone Magazine India and championed by the likes of Jazz FM’s China Moses.
Following in the footsteps of artists such as Siweto Kinch and Roller Trio, Yaatri received the esteemed Peter Whittingham Jazz Award in November 2020, enabling them to collaborate with revered producer Sam Hobbs (Kefaya, Keeley Forsyth) on their debut album, ‘Lucid’. The ensemble’s recent releases have been on Jazz FM’s Playlist, were among Music Is My Sanctuary’s most popular exclusive premieres of 2021, featured on editorial playlists on Apple Music and Spotify, and were broadcast internationally on shows including BBC Radio 1, BBC6, Jamz Supernova’s Selector Radio, Bandcamp Weekly, Soho Radio, Totally Wired, and more. Their self booked 2022 ‘Lucid’ release tour included a sold out show in a 400 capacity theatre in Liverpool, a packed house at Pizza Express Live Soho, and a standing ovation at their album launch show at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds.
“Beautiful melting pot… If you liked Hiatus Kaiyote, these guys might be up your street” – Sian Eleri, BBC Radio 1
“…an absolute masterclass in multicultural modern jazz” – 45 x RPM
“Soulful sophisticated pop with impressive instrumental interplay and delicately dextrous female vocals” – Trust The Doc
“…pretty much perfect.” – Alan Raw, BBC Music Introducing West Yorkshire
“Yaatri presents an exciting direction for the future of music” – NARC magazine.