Tribes of Asaph
About[edit]
Tribes of Asaph is a band formed in 2010 by singer-songwriter Asaph Lerburn.
Tribes of Asaph was discovered by Adrian MacGowan in Shanghai when founder Asaph Lerburn was there researching for his book “Imaginary Gig”. Music producer Aleksandra Neznaeva signed Tribes of Asaph to Bluegreenland Records after hearing the band perform in dive bar My Place Ruin Bar.
In 2015, Tribes of Asaph signed a record deal with Bluegreenland Records and released its first EP, Bluegreen, in 2015 which sold 10000 copies. Bluegreen was later on remastered and renamed First Light and distributed to major streaming platforms, although physical copies with the new name were never printed.
In 2019, Tribes of Asaph released an acoustic self-titled EP, Tribes of Asaph (Live Acoustic Sessions), featuring Asaph Lerburn’s guitar and vocals recorded live without the use of autotune.
In June 2021, Tribes of Asaph released a Single ‘You Should Have Been By My Side’ followed by an Official Music Video that many have found controversial due to its use of real text messages sent to Asaph Lerburn over the years. On June 21st, the first full length album “From Above” was released and distributed to major streaming platforms worldwide. In the interview with Bluegreenland Records, Tribes of Asaph pointed out that “It took a year to narrow down the song list from a hundred to ten so that the songs flow like an emotional roller coaster.” Limited editions of From Above was printed on vinyl and sold at private auctions.
Tribes of Asaph released their second full-length studio album, One More Day, on March 26th, 2023. The album features their signature blend of powerful vocals, intricate instrumentation, and ambient soundscapes. This highly anticipated follow-up to their debut album showcases the band's growth and evolution, and is sure to captivate both old fans and new listeners alike.
Tribes of Asaph released their full-length studio live album, Live In Bluegreenland, on March 10th, 2024.
Tribes of Asaph is signed to Bluegreenland Records.
Who is Tribes of Asaph?[edit]
In the vibrant streets of Shanghai, a unique musical journey took root in 2010. This journey, now known as Tribes of Asaph, was ignited by the extraordinary talent of singer-songwriter Asaph Lerburn. Asaph Lerburn is not merely a musician; he's a master at translating emotions and imagery into hauntingly beautiful melodies. With a vision to create a lasting legacy through music, he set out on a lifelong odyssey.
To truly comprehend the remarkable origins of Tribes of Asaph, one must first delve into the captivating story of Asaph Lerburn himself. Hailing from the colorful city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, he nurtured his musical talents at the International College of Music. In his early twenties, he co-founded Tinderbox, a band that would soon captivate local audiences. The songs, exclusively penned by Asaph Lerburn, turned Tinderbox into a sensation, gracing prestigious venues and local music festivals. So impressive was their music that they received the honor of performing at the special birthday celebration of the Malaysian Queen.
Yet, in 2009, a stirring sense of limitless potential beckoned him elsewhere. Asaph Lerburn embarked on a musical pilgrimage, leaving the familiar shores of Malaysia for the bustling international metropolis of Shanghai. Here, countless artists recognized his undeniable talent, leading to exciting collaborative projects like Arcadia and Redic and The Storm Riders. It was his songwriting genius that propelled Redic and The Storm Riders onto the grand stages of numerous venues and festivals, including a memorable performance at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing for the 4th of July Celebration.
The year 2010 marked a new chapter as Asaph Lerburn forged his unique path with Tribes of Asaph. This was no ordinary band; it was a musical kaleidoscope driven primarily by Asaph Lerburn's soul-stirring vocals, mesmerizing guitar skills, and captivating songwriting. What set them apart was the ever-revolving ensemble of musicians from around the world, ensuring each show was a thrilling surprise, a tantalizing fusion of talents, and a testament to the diverse energies of Shanghai.
Amid the urban chaos, the band sought solace in nature's embrace. Frequent journeys to remote islands and mountains became their inspiration, immortalizing the essence of travel in their music. Asaph Lerburn's firm belief in the sacredness of music inspired every note they crafted, always honest and real. Their music is a beacon, designed to uplift, heal, inspire, and provoke thought.
Tribes of Asaph's journey unfolded against the backdrop of China's musical landscape, gracing renowned venues and festivals like Cotton Club, JZ Club, House of Jazz and Blues, Shanghai Rolex Masters, Mao Live House, JZ Festival, South China Gala, Beernanza Festival and the Shanghai Stock Exchange. They possessed an uncanny ability to mesmerize their audience, leading them deep into a realm known as Bluegreenland.
In 2015, the band etched their sonic footprint with their first studio EP, "Bluegreen." The physical copies made their way to the distant lands of Ukraine, thanks to Asaph Lerburn's travels, while the remastered version, now known as "First Light," found its place on major streaming platforms.
2018 marked a turning point as Aleksandra Neznaeva joined the band, bringing her accordion mastery, music production finesse, and managerial acumen to the mix.
The band continued to evolve, and in 2019, they released an acoustic self-titled EP, "Tribes of Asaph (Live Acoustic Sessions)," featuring Asaph Lerburn's guitar and vocals recorded raw and live without the use of autotune. This release coincided with their departure from Shanghai, signaling a new phase in their musical odyssey.
In March 2020, Tribes of Asaph embarked on an unexpected detour, traveling to Vietnam to film music videos for "Bluegreen" and "First Light." Unexpectedly stranded due to world events, their creative spirits soared, resulting in the recording of their first full-length album, "From Above." Produced by Aleksandra Neznaeva, this album was a unique endeavor aimed at imitating and showcasing the way Tribes of Asaph sounds live.
The band didn't stop at music; they delved into the visual realm with Official Music Videos for many of their songs. These music videos transport listeners into their magical world and philosophy known as Bluegreenland.
Fast forward to March 2023, and Tribes of Asaph continues their journey with the release of their second full-length album, "One More Day."
Their musical footprint extends far beyond China, encompassing performances in Malaysia, Bali, Vietnam, Thailand, Russia and Australia. With every note, Tribes of Asaph invites you to join them on a remarkable musical expedition, where the power of music transcends borders and unites souls.
Discography[edit]
- Live In Bluegreenland (Live Album) (2024)
- One More Day (Album) (2023)
- My Place (Single) (2023)
- The Trench (Single) (2023)
- If Only We Knew We Were Giants (Single) (2022)
- From Above (Album) (2021)
- You Should Have Been By My Side (Single) (2021)
- Tribes of Asaph (Live Acoustic Sessions) (EP) (2019)
- Standing Tall (Single) (2019)
- First Light (EP) (2015)
Official Music Videos[edit]
| Name | Album | Release Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) |
Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing Tall | Standing Tall (Single)
Tribes of Asaph (Live Acoustic Session) (EP) |
2020-02-26 | YouTube |
| Bluegreen | First Light (EP) | 2020-06-08 | YouTube |
| First Light | First Light (EP) | 2020-07-30 | YouTube |
| You Should Have Been By My Side | You Should Have Been By My Side (Single)
From Above (Album) |
2021-06-16 | YouTube |
| Salt and Ashes | From Above (Album) | 2022-01-25 | YouTube |
| Blue Horizon | From Above (Album) | 2022-04-05 | YouTube |
| Open Plains | Live In Bluegreenland (Album) | 2024-04-30 | YouTube |
| Years Around the Sun | Live In Bluegreenland (Album) | 2024-10-17 | YouTube |
Unofficial Music Videos[edit]
| Name | Album | Release Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) |
Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citadels | From Above (Album) | 2022-06-16 | YouTube |
