Astra (band)

Astra is a rock band from San Diego, California. Their sound is in the style of the 1970s progressive rock and psychedelic rock, and includes a variety of synthesizers, mellotron and long jams.

Astra
Also known as	Silver Sunshine (2001-2006)
Origin	San Diego, California, United States
Genres	Progressive rock, psychedelic rock, space rock
Years active	2001–present
Labels	Rise Above Records Metal Blade Records
Members	Richard Vaughan Conor Riley Stuart Sclater Brian Ellis
Past members	Iain Sclater David Hurley Paul Marrone
Website	www.astratheband.com

History

Astra was formed in San Diego in 2001 by Richard Vaughan (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Conor Riley (vocals, guitars, keyboards), and brothers Iain (drums, percussion) and Stuart Sclater (bass guitar) under the name 'Silver Sunshine'. Following the departure of Iain Sclater and the subsequent recruitment of guitarist Brian Ellis and drummer David Hurley to the line-up, the band underwent its name change to Astra. This line-up of the band went on to produce the band's first two albums, 2009's The Weirding and 2012's The Black Chord, both of which were released on Rise Above Records in the UK and on Metal Blade Records in the USA. A further line-up change occurred in 2013 with David Hurley departing to be replaced on drums by Radio Moscow drummer Paul Marrone. Due to some members focusing on other musical projects and some members relocating across the U.S., Astra is currently on an indefinite hiatus.

Personnel

Current members

• Richard Vaughan – vocals, guitars, keyboards (2001–present)
• Conor Riley – vocals, guitars, keyboards (2001–present)
• Stuart Sclater – bass guitar (2001–present)
• Brian Ellis – guitars, moog synthesizer (2006–present)

Past members

• Iain Sclater - drums, percussion (2001–2006)
• David Hurley – drums, percussion, flute (2006–2013)
• Paul Marrone – drums, percussion (2013–2016)

Discography

Albums

• The Weirding (2009)
• The Black Chord (2012)

External links

• The official Astra website
• 2010 interview with Richard Vaughan and Brian Ellis on Prog-Sphere.com