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Draft:Akasha (rock band)

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Akasha
Akasha in 2023
Akasha in 2023
Background information
OriginSan José, Costa Rica
GenresAlternative metal, Hard rock, Alternative rock, Pop rock
Years active2005–present
LabelsIndependent
MembersMauni Villa (Manuel Villalobos)
Emmanuel “Emma” Sotela
Pablo "Pab" Mejía
Andrés Contreras
José Bolaños
WebsiteOfficial website

Akasha is an internationally recognized alternative metal band from Costa Rica, formed in 2005 in San José. Blending heavy guitar riffs with melodic rock elements and introspective lyrics, Akasha has established a significant presence and following not only across Latin America, but also Europe and the United States. Their music has garnered millions of streams on digital platforms and music videos, while singles from their discography have achieved broadcast rotation on major music television networks including MTV Latin America (MTVLA),[1] Telehit, and MTV Tr3́s in the United States.

History

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Akasha was founded by guitarist Emmanuel Sotela in 2002, officially solidifying its lineup in 2005. Over the years, the band has undergone lineup changes while expanding its musical footprint internationally. The current members are:

  • Mauni Villa (Manuel Villalobos) – Lead Vocals
  • Emmanuel “Emma” Sotela – Guitar
  • Pablo Mejía – Guitar
  • Andrés Contreras – Bass and Backing Vocals
  • José Bolaños – Drums

Each member brings a unique educational background, ranging from graphic design and film production to law, classical music, and marketing, contributing to the band’s multifaceted creative process.

International Tours and Festivals

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Akasha has performed at some of the largest music festivals in Latin America, including Vive Latino in Mexico,[2] an event that draws over 80,000 attendees.[3] They have also performed at Hell & Heaven Metal Fest, Force Fest, Tecate Sonoro in Mexico,[4] and have worked closely in Mexico with OCESA, the country’s largest concert promoter, as part of their international touring.[5] Festival Imperial in Costa Rica, Festival Nuestro in Argentina,[6][7][8] and Empire Music Festival (EMF) in Guatemala.[9] They also performed at the International Tattoo Music Fest in Colombia.[10]

In 2016–2017, Akasha embarked on an extensive European tour covering over 10 countries, including performances in Spain, Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy.[11][12] Their inclusion in international lineups has been highlighted by international media such as the Los Angeles Times, covering their participation in Latin American digital music festivals.[13]

Supporting Acts

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Akasha has opened for international rock icons including Aerosmith, Evanescence, Korn, P.O.D., and Limp Bizkit, performing before tens of thousands of fans in major stadiums and arenas across Latin America.[14][15][16]

Recognitions & Awards

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Akasha won the Best Costa Rican Artist award at the Los 40 Principales Awards held in Madrid, Spain, in 2009 and 2011, recognizing their impact on the Costa Rican music scene and growing international presence.[17] Their nomination and recognition at the awards were also covered by Billboard.[18] Additionally, Akasha won the ACAM Award twice for Costa Rican Artist with Most International Projection.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

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Akasha is sponsored by internationally renowned guitar manufacturer PRS Guitars. Their partnership with PRS was highlighted on the company’s official website, showcasing Akasha’s endorsement and global recognition within the professional music industry.[19]

Environmental Advocacy

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Akasha served as official ambassador for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), representing Costa Rica in the global campaign Earth Hour, raising awareness on energy consumption.[20]

Productions and Collaborations

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Akasha’s discography includes collaborations with internationally acclaimed producers. Their album Cerca del Sol was recorded in Los Angeles, California, in the legendary United Recording Studios in Sunset Boulevard (Formerly Ocean Way Recordings) and produced by Benny Faccone, a multi-Grammy Award-winning producer who has worked with artists such as Barbra Streisand, Ricky Martin, Carlos Santana, and Maná. Their latest album Aurora was produced by Erik Canales, lead singer of the Grammy Nominated Band Allison, and mixed and mastered by renowned producer Taylor Larson, known for his work with Asking Alexandria, Periphery, From First to Last, I See Stars, Veil of Maya, and Within Temptation.

Discography

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  • Descriptar (2006)
  • Cerca del Sol (2010)
  • Renacer (single) (2013)
  • Revoluciones (2015)
  • Aurora (2019)
  • Auroras Live (2023)

Musical Style and Influence

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Akasha’s music blends alternative metal with melodic rock, exploring themes of personal struggle, introspection, and social commentary. Their diverse professional backgrounds enrich their compositions, contributing to a unique sound that resonates across cultures.

Former Members

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  • Julio Najera – Lead Vocals[21]
  • Roberto (Bob) Artavia – Guitar[22]
  • Alberto (Beto) Cartín – Guitar
  • Narayan Barrantes – Drums

References

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  1. ^ "Akasha le pone el ojo al canal MTV Latino". La Nación. 14 November 2006. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  2. ^ "Banda Akasha buscará conquistar público Vive Latino". Telediario. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  3. ^ "Acuden 80 mil asistentes a la segunda jornada del Vive Latino". La Razón. 20 March 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  4. ^ "Akasha trae su rock desde Costa Rica". Expreso. 10 October 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  5. ^ "De Costa Rica para México llegará el potente y explosivo rock alternativo de Akasha". OCESA. 5 February 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  6. ^ "Las Pelotas, Cuarteto de Nos, Las Pastillas del Abuelo tocarán en el Festival Nuestro". Pronto. 25 April 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  7. ^ "Las Pastillas del Abuelo, Las Pelotas, Cuarteto de Nos, Nonpalidece, Bersuit y mucho más para disfrutar". Todo Noticias (TN). 9 February 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  8. ^ "Entrevista a Akasha en Festival Nuestro". El Bondi. 24 April 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  9. ^ "Empire Music Festival 2016: Lista de todos los artistas y escenarios". Guatemala.com. 8 April 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  10. ^ "Tattoo Music Fest 2022 confirma su cartel". Rockaxis. 18 January 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  11. ^ "Akasha anuncia gira europea para el 2016". La Nación. 1 February 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  12. ^ "Akasha triunfa en Europa: "fue inolvidable"". Diario Extra. 12 April 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  13. ^ "Hoy LA MUS: un festival impresionante de música latinoamericana y todo por internet". LA Times. 3 December 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  14. ^ "Akasha ya se presentó en el Estadio Nacional". La Nación. 20 October 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  15. ^ "Público ovaciona a Akasha en concierto de Evanescence". La Nación. 25 October 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  16. ^ "Mañana será el día de Korn y P.O.D. en Alajuela". La Nación. 26 April 2010. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  17. ^ "Akasha gana premio a Mejor Artista Costarricense en 40 Principales". Los 40 Costa Rica. 13 December 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  18. ^ "Los 40 Principales Aiming for Growth in Latin America". Billboard. 1 December 2007. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  19. ^ "Akasha Releases New Album "Aurora"". PRS Guitars. 20 August 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  20. ^ "AKASHA, Embajador de Costa Rica para la Hora del Planeta". WWF. 12 March 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  21. ^ "Akasha seguirá un nuevo camino tras la salida de Julio Nájera". La Nación. 7 September 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  22. ^ "Akasha despide a un gran amigo". La Nación. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
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