Hejira

Hejira is a melodic metalcore group from Maryland, United States, active from 2013 onwards. The name also appears in connection with other acts, but this group is the Maryland-based band referred to here.

The band draws on a range of overlapping styles, with tags including post-rock, jazz, downtempo, folk and alternative. Its line-up is made up of Sam Beste, Rahel Debebe-Dessalegne, Alexis Nunez and Alex Reeve.

The members come from varied backgrounds and have experience performing in different styles. Before and alongside Hejira, they have worked with artists including Amy Winehouse, Tom Jones, Nitin Sawhney, Eric Lau and Connan Mockasin. Their music is described as combining that experience into a direct, intense sound that still leaves room for tenderness.

Hejira also develops its live activity through a monthly event called Traum, which starts at Servant Jazz Quarters and later moves to the Shacklewell Arms. The event brings together artists from London’s avant-pop scene, including The Invisible, Micachu & The Shapes, Kwabs, Kwes and Gwilym Gold, and helps build a community around performance and collaboration.