The first thing we learned about NYC-based singer-songwriter is that he’s friendly with the Wednesday/MJ Lenderman circle of musicians that represents the current epicenter of his favored slacker country sound. When we learned about Hercules, Nelson’s new album for the vital newish K Records imprint Perennial, the big hook was the Lenderman co-produced it and a bunch of key players from the Asheville scene were on it, including Karly Hartzman, Ethan Baechtold, Xandy Chelmis, and Landon George. That album is out this week, and it’s getting one more big boost from that community.
The new-look Asia line-up have shared a video for their brand new single, The Traveller (Into The Light). It’s the first new studio music rrom the band’s latest incarnation of long-standing keyboard player Geoff Downes, John Mitchell (It Bites, Lonely Robot, Kino, Frost* and more), Planet X drummer Virgil Donati and bassist and vocalist Harry Whitley.
The track is taken from the band’s upcoming new studio album, Indigo, which will be released through Frontiers Records on November 6. It’s the band’s first new studio album for 12 years, following on from 2014’s Gravitas.
“The first track off the album is a high-power energy piece, with a few elements of prog trickery but retaining the accessible chorus block, which was always a signature of Asia’s music from the very beginning,” says Downes. “Harry and I started working on this as one of the early ideas that seemed to come together very organically. Virgil’s dynamic and innovative drum parts drive the piece along, while John’s soaring guitars keep the momentum. Harry’s vocals are commanding and my keyboard parts hold the wall of sound together. It’s a song of great optimism, mainly about looking forward to the future and travelling ‘into the light’.”
The new album features two co-writes with the band’s former singer and bassist, the late John Wetton, Tattoo Indigo (Parts 2 & 3) and Chesapeake Bay, the latter featuring a guest appearance from former guitarist, Yes‘s Steve Howe and the former from Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy.
“The initial writing period began in 2015, following the release of our previous album Gravitas in 2014,” Downes continues. “John Wetton and I started putting our ideas together, aiming to get into the studio once more. It was with great sadness that John became seriously ill during this time and we had put on hold our plans, and sadly John passed away before we could continue and complete it. So, it was always in my mind that at some point it would be a shame not to finish off some of these songs and finally release them as part of an Asia album.
“The album was really a joy to make. I forged a close writing relationship with Harry, and I felt how great was to be working with someone who had very similar musical influences and taste once again, just as I did with John. I feel that this is one of our best albums to date. The songs are deep in musicality, with a powerful and original performance, dynamic and strong lyrical undertones—it’s an album that hopefully our fans will widely appreciate and support our cause to put Asia back on the map. Enjoy the ride!” he concluded.
Indigo was recorded throughout 2025 and produced by Downes and the band, with mixing and mastering handled by John Mitchell.
Asia: Indigo 1. The Traveller (Into The Light) 2. Change Of Heart 3. Arcadia 4. Is This The Life? 5. Tattoo Indigo (Part 1) 6. Tattoo Indigo (Part 2) 7. Tattoo Indigo (Part 3) 8. Life In The Sun 9. Hymn For The Fallen 10. Night And Day 11. Valencia (The Ghost Ship) 12. An Elegy 13. Chesapeake Bay (featuring Steve Howe) 14. On A Winters Night 15. Echo Of You
Norwegian black/folk metal outfit Paradogmata have released their new single, “Kråkevisa (Bløtkakeversjon)”, the first recording to feature the band’s current line-up. Based on the traditional Norwegian folk song Kråkevisa, the track transforms the familiar melody into a fast-paced, blackened metal interpretation while preserving its strong folk roots. The single features guest musician Ingvild “Sareeta” Strønen […]
You’re never going to believe this, but Morrissey is mad about something. Last month, the man posted a lengthy screed about an as-yet-unannounced BBC documentary about his old band the Smiths, claiming that it will depict his former bandmate and longtime adversary Johnny Marr as an “angel” at Morrissey’s own expense. Now, Morrissey claims that BBC radio is similarly biased about his own single “Notre-Dame,” claiming that he’s being blacklisted even thought the people clearly want to hear it.
Here are the dates you will be able to catch the pair:
JULY
07 – BIRMINGHAM Institute 2 08 – MANCHESTER Club Academy 09 – LONDON Islington Academy
And if that wasn’t enough, the band will also be playing a trio of headline shows following that trio of support slots. Support for them will come from Royals, who sound a lot like this:
Frontman Ted Felicetti had this to say about the run:
“We are beyond excited to get back to the UK this summer. First, a few shows opening for the legends in American Hi Fi, and then a few of our own headline plays. For those, we are bringing along our buddies in Royals out of Southampton who were our support for our very first tour over there a few years ago. For these headline shows, we will also be doing something very special and performing our brand new album For Your Consideration in it’s entirety along with some other of your guys favorites. It’s always such a special experience when we get across the pond and they always tend to be our favorite (notice no U) shows of the year!“
Legendary English rock supergroup Asia are pleased to announce that their new studio album, “Indigo”, will be released on November 6, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. More than four decades after redefining the sound of melodic progressive rock, Asia return in 2026 with “Indigo” – a studio album that bridges past, present, and future with remarkable grace and authenticity. Now featuring Geoffrey Downes alongside an inspired new lineup—Virgil Donati, John Mitchell, and Harry Whitley—Asia step confidently into a new era while honoring the legacy that made them one of the most iconic supergroups of all time.
Recorded throughout 2025 and produced by Downes and the band, with mixing and mastering handled by John Mitchell, “Indigo” captures the unmistakable spirit of Asia while injecting it with renewed vitality and purpose.
The new single “The Traveller (Into The Light)” is out now.
At the heart of the album lies an emotional connection to the band’s history. “Indigo” includes some of the final compositions written by the late John Wetton—“Tattoo Indigo (Parts 2 & 3)” and “Chesapeake Bay”—imbuing the record with a profound sense of continuity and tribute. The presence of Wetton is further felt through the extraordinary vocal performance of Harry Whitley, whose tone and phrasing evoke a striking and deeply moving resemblance to the band’s original voice.
Musically, “Indigo” stands as a natural continuation of Asia’s acclaimed 21st-century output, while subtly weaving in the sonic DNA of the band’s classic early albums. From soaring melodies to richly layered arrangements, the album delivers the signature blend of accessibility and musicianship that defined hits like “Heat Of The Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell”.
The album also features special guest appearances that elevate its scope: Steve Howe contributes acoustic guitar to the evocative “Chesapeake Bay”, while Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) delivers a powerful performance on the bonus track “Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)”.
Geoff Downes described the genesis of the album: “The initial writing period began in 2015, following the release of our previous album “Gravitas” in 2014. John Wetton and I started putting our ideas together, aiming to get into the studio once more. It was with great sadness that John became seriously ill during this time and we had put on hold our plans, and sadly John passed away before we could continue and complete it. So, it was always in my mind that at some point it would be a shame not to finish off some of these songs and finally release them as part of an Asia album.
Geoff Downes commented: “The first track off the album is a high power energy piece, with a few elements of prog trickery but retaining the accessible chorus block, which was always a signature of Asia’s music from the very beginning. Harry and I started working on this as one of the early ideas that seemed to come together very organically. Virgil’s dynamic and innovative drums parts drive the piece along, while John’s soaring guitars keep the momentum. Harry’s vocals are commanding and my keyboard parts hold the wall of sound together. It’s a song of great optimism, mainly about looking forward to the future and travelling ‘into the light’. Play it loud!”
“In 2023, when the tribute concert for John took place, I was so encouraged by the response to Asia’s music that I viewed this as the perfect opportunity to re-establish not only the band, but also to reunite with our long-time supportive label, Frontiers, paving the way for us to get back in the studio,” he continued.
Downes also added: “So, Asia was back in the room, so to speak, and we were very fortunate to have recruited Virgil Donati and John Mitchell, both of whom had worked extensively with John before, as well as our new vocalist and bassist, Harry Whitley. The tours followed to great success throughout 2024 and 2025, and finally we sat down towards the end of last year to record the album. Working with these fine musicians was a great privilege and the music just seemed to flow.
“The album was really a joy to make. I forged a close writing relationship with Harry, and I felt how great was to be working with someone who had very similar musical influences and taste once again, just as I did with John. I feel that this is one of our best albums to date. The songs are deep in musicality, with a powerful and original performance, dynamic and strong lyrical undertones—it’s an album that hopefully our fans will widely appreciate, and support our cause to put Asia back on the map. Enjoy the ride!” he concluded.
Following a resurgence of live activity across the US, Japan, and Europe, Asia are looking forward to taking to the road again.
With “Indigo”, Asia don’t just revisit their legacy – they expand it, proving once again that their music remains as vital, resonant, and timeless as ever.
The Traveller (Into The Light)
Change Of Heart
Arcadia
Is This The Life?
Tattoo Indigo (Part 1)
Tattoo Indigo (Part 2)
Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)
Life In The Sun
Hymn For The Fallen
Night And Day
Valencia (The Ghost Ship)
An Elegy
Chesapeake Bay (Featuring Steve Howe)
On A Winters Night
Echo Of You
Line Up:
Geoff Downes
Virgil Donati
John Mitchell
Harry Whitley
