VOYA are Linford Hydes, Eddie Al-Shakarchi and Jessy Allen. Influenced by the meticulous songwriting, opulent production and emotive vocals of early 80s British synthesiser based pop music, their music contrasts dark electronica with stylish new wave.

Linford trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama; his previous work was leading the art-rock band Palomino Party, captivating audiences from The Accidental Festival at London’s Roundhouse to the BBC Horizons stage at Festival No.6. His understanding of theatre and penchant for performance, combined with a classically trained, yet soulful vocal delivery will be integral to the band’s popularity and masterful live shows.

Eddie is an award-winning producer and multi-instrumentalist that shaped the sound of Boy Azooga’s acclaimed 1, 2 Kung Fu! album, which catapulted the band to international success and sold-out, headline tours. His work spans from metal legends Loathe to Spanish super-group Morgan, The Bug Club and BuzzardBuzzardBuzzard. His academic and scientific background combines with his musicality as an artist and experience as a producer, allowing him to create the perfect soundscapes for Hydes’ and Allen’s vocals.

Jessy joined VOYA after becoming an irreplaceable part of their live show. With a voice classically trained since the age of 13, she brings a rare vocal range to the stage - effortlessly fusing operatic power with a jazz-inflected, soul-stirring fragility. A standout figure in the Cardiff’s thriving music scene in her own right, collaborating with some of its most forward-thinking producers, including High Contrast, C.R.S.T & Darkhouse Family, drawing support from influential names like Joy Orbison, MJ Cole, and Gilles Peterson.

Together, they form a powerful songwriting and creative team, blending the beauty, depth and power of Hydes’ lyrics and vocal performances, Jessy’s operatic yet soulful voice, with Al-Shakarchi’s musical virtuosity and production prowess.

VOYA are based in Cardiff, Wales and recently have completed recording and producing their eponymously titled debut 12-track album, along with multiple self-directed music videos. The band are currently writing new material, working on new visual media and performing with their live band featuring the drum mastery of Private World’s (Dais) Harry Jowett.