Akasha: The Ethereal Voice of UK Electronic Soul
Akasha is a British electronic music duo known for their sophisticated fusion of soul, jazz, and breakbeat rhythms. Formed in London, the group achieved notable success in the late 1990s with their debut album, which became a staple in the burgeoning UK dance scene.
Early career
The duo, consisting of vocalist Christine Hinds and producer/multi-instrumentalist Chris Franck, officially formed in 1996. Their sound was cultivated in London's diverse musical landscape, drawing from Franck's background in jazz and Hinds' soulful vocal style. Their first releases were a series of well-received 12" singles on the independent label Dorado Records, which built a dedicated underground following.
Breakthrough
Akasha's breakthrough arrived in 1999 with the release of their debut album, Elastic, on the respected dance label Dorado Records. The album's lead single, "The Way," received heavy rotation on BBC Radio 1, particularly on Gilles Peterson's influential show, propelling them into the mainstream consciousness of the UK's electronic music audience.
Key tracks
The Way — This signature track defined their sound and became their most commercially successful single, receiving extensive radio play.
Rise — Featured on the Elastic album, this song showcased their talent for crafting hypnotic, jazz-inflected downtempo grooves.
Casualty — A later single that demonstrated the duo's evolution, incorporating deeper house and broken beat influences.
Space Cowboy — A notable collaboration with Jamiroquai, highlighting their connection to the UK's funk and acid jazz movement.
Following their initial success, Akasha released their second album, Cinematique, in 2001, which explored more cinematic and trip-hop oriented textures. Chris Franck continued to be an in-demand producer and collaborator, working with artists like Da Lata and Bebel Gilberto, while Christine Hinds pursued solo vocal projects. The duo's music has been featured on numerous compilations, cementing their legacy within the UK's electronic soul genre.
Fans of Akasha's blend of soulful vocals and intricate production may also enjoy the sounds of Morcheeba, who share a similar trip-hop and downtempo foundation. The jazz-inflected electronics of The Brand New Heavies also offer a comparable funk energy. For the broken beat and soul connection, explore 4hero, and the smooth vocal style can be found in the work of Zero 7.
Akasha's sophisticated catalog maintains a steady presence on radio stations that specialize in chillout, downtempo, and classic UK dance music. Their tracks are frequently featured in the playlists of specialist electronic music shows and on online radio streams dedicated to the trip-hop and soulful house genres, ensuring their sound reaches both nostalgic and new listeners.
The music of Akasha continues to be played on radio stations available through our website. Listeners can discover the duo's influential electronic soul sound by tuning into the various online radio stations featured on onairium.com.
