Live at Ropetackle on Saturday 3rd May 2025, 8pm

Some musical collaborations are born out of industry matchmaking. Others happen because two artists sit down, start talking, and realise they have a whole lot to say—and the tools to say it with groove. AYRA is firmly in the latter camp.

A project fronted by pianist/composer Janette Mason and singer/songwriter Juliet Roberts, AYRA is what happens when years of musical experience, mutual respect, and a shared desire to speak truthfully about womanhood collide.

The Origin Story

Janette and Juliet had both been working across genres—jazz, pop, soul, dance—for decades before their paths properly crossed. When they did, Janette immediately clocked that something interesting could happen if they started writing together. Regular meet-ups followed. Sometimes with a musical idea in hand, sometimes with a cup of tea and a conversation about the state of the world (or something a friend had said that stuck). Out of those chats came lyrics, melodies, stories—and eventually, a body of work that felt distinctly theirs.

That project became AYRA: a name with Buddhist roots meaning “spiritual warrior,” which feels apt for two women who’ve been navigating the music business with integrity and humour for years.

What They’re Writing About

AYRA’s songs are original, soulful, and grounded in real-life experience. Not the shiny, filtered version—but the layered, complicated, joyful, maddening reality of being a woman today.

Some ideas come from shared stories, some from world events. Others emerge from the things that are said between the lines. As they put it: “We talk, we laugh, we sometimes rant, and then something starts to form.” The aim, they say, is to give a voice to women of their age—and to make music that’s as heartfelt as it is fun to move to.

The Dynamic

What’s refreshing about AYRA is the genuine sense of partnership. There’s no big ego in the room. They’re not afraid to disagree—and they have. One story involves a debate over how a song’s outro should end. One of them wasn’t convinced. They tried it out live. The audience loved it. That pretty much settled the debate.

Outside of writing, they’ve pulled together a top-tier band to bring their material to life, including bassist Yolanda Charles (who’s played with everyone from Paul Weller to Hans Zimmer), drummer Nicolas Py, trumpeter Lily Carassik, and vocalist Bex Gold. It’s an ensemble built on talent, trust, and a mutual love of music that grooves.

Where They’re Headed

AYRA is still a relatively new project, but the early reception has been strong. Audiences are connecting. Feedback has been emotional. There’s talk of an EP in the works, and they’re already thinking about collaborating with other artists too.

Right now, though, it’s about building something authentic. Writing songs that mean something. Sharing stories that don’t often get told on stage. And continuing to enjoy the process of making music without the pressure to fit into a box.

If you’re curious about what that sounds like in practice, they’re performing at Ropetackle on Saturday 3rd May 2025 at 8pm. It’s your chance to hear two seasoned artists doing something they genuinely care about—with a lot of heart, a bit of funk, and a whole lot of soul.

Get your tickets here!