Who are we?
The Maitree Express are a 7 piece band from Bath that is fast developing a following for love of their original, soulful take on roots music, ska, hip hop, swing and funky beats. The band’s sound appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds and never fails to get people dancing.
The Story So Far:
The band formed in December 2014 simply to have some fun with friends. They we're constantly asked at the studio who they we're, if they had any CDs and when they were next playing a gig all to which they had no answer to. From this the band realised people may want to hear their music so decided to make a name, logo and record some of the songs they'd been creating.
The band then recorded, mixed and mastered their first EP titled "Building Steam" with no outside help and chose the name "The Maitree Express". The Maitree Express (Moitree Express or Dhaka-Kolkata Express) is an International passenger train serving the railway connecting the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka and the Indian state West Bengal's capital Kolkata. The direct translation means friendship train which they felt was very befitting.
With a sense of mystery building from friends, armed with an EP, logo and a band name they then launched The Maitree Express to the world on June 5th 2015 as their EP launch to a sell-out crowd of friends and family which went down amazingly well. This was the catalyst for a summer of relentless bookings which for such a new band was overwhelming to say the least.
In the summer of 2015 they played to thousands of people on Bath's biggest event stages and in iconic venues around the southwest such as the royal parade gardens, queens square, the Louisiana and many more as well as in many clubs and bars up and down the UK and headlining gigs for organisations such as Greenpeace and Oxfam.
In 2016 the band have been even busier. They played a weeklong winter tour of the French Alps in February playing in various venues throughout Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz.
They've already been the main support act for Jamaican reggae star Jesse Royal as well as hip hop greats The Mouse outfit, Brit reggae stars Shanty, London reggae/ska band The Majestic, 90s pop hit sensation Republica, The soulful Normantion Street, Sounds of Harlowe, Jenna G and Channel One Sound which shows the range of audiences and genres the band can appeal to.
They've also shared the stage with acts like Eva Lazarus, Solo Banton, Foreign beggars, Dub Phizix, Asian Dub Foundation, General Roots, Lionstar & Junior Dread which is testament itself to how well the band are being received.
They've headlined Afrofest in Sheffield as well as playing at festivals such as Boomtown fair, The uk's biggest reggae/ ska festival One Love, Nozstock, Kaya fest & Calnefest to name a few whilst clocking up over 3200 miles on the road in 2016 so far alone.
With all that exposure the band has rapidly gained valuable experience and showmanship enabling them to create a unique and lively set of a range of genres and styles whilst keeping their original "Maitree Vibe"
The band are currently recording their second studio album.
Reviews:
Greenpeace - "We asked legendary local band The Maitree Express to headline a Greenpeace themed live music event/ benefit gig. We were thrilled when they obliged and wow! What a performance! They delivered a knockout show and brought with them exactly the sort of excitement, fun, and energy that we wanted our event to convey. The full to capacity crowd loved them and the whole venue were on their feet dancing. Fantastic band, lots of fun, and ensured our event was a huge success! A massive thank you to The Maitree Express!"
Jesse Royal - "A great band with a unique sound"
The Nest, Bath - "Baths Rising Stars"
The Pig & Fiddle, Bath - "Bath's Local party favorites"
Sheffield Afrofest - "A fantastic band! We will definitely be booking them again next year"