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"Poetry on jazz beats" (JazzFM)
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Neo Arc are a London-based band, fusing spoken word, live jazz grooves and singer-songwriter choruses.

The group are led by Ned Ashcroft (vocals) and Leonard Maassen (drums), and long-time collaborators Kielan Sheard (bass), Benjy Sandler (saxophone) and Eliana Veinberga (vocals) make up the rest of the band.
Neo Arc's debut single, 'These Days', was released in February 2022, receiving 100,000 streams within 4 months. 'These Days' was followed by 'Liquid Sunlight' and 'In Love?', both of which fully established the genre-bending potential of the band. They have received critical admiration and air time from Jazz FM. ​
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The band have performed sold out shows at MAP Studio Cafe and Next Door Records, and are beginning to attract a growing following.
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With an EP and an Album planned for 2022-23, the group are busy working on new material and performing across the UK.
Latest Release (14th August 2022)
Neo Arc Bandmembers:
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Ned Ashcroft
Ned is a singer, songwriter and spoken-word artist. The world of music was opened up to him by the work of Bill Withers and Loyle Carner. Aside from writing, he likes learning cool voicings on the piano.
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Leonard Maassen
Leonard is a German producer and drummer. He is currently studying a Master in Electronic Music at GSMD. Aside from laid-back pop grooves, he likes free jazz improvisation and techno.
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Eliana Veinberga
Eliana is a Latvian jazz singer based in London, who has previously studied jazz performance at GSMD. Major influences are Melody Gardot, Gretchen Parlato, Norah Jones and Ceclie McLorin Salvant. Eliana sings on 'These Days', 'In Love?' and 'Move!'
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Kielan Sheard
Kielan is a bassist and composer studying at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. He was the youngest finalist on BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 2020, combining an interest in free improvisation with a sensitive and soft touch. Jaco Pastorius, John Coltrane and Phronesis have all been influential.
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Benjy Sandler
Benjy is a saxophonist and composer. He has released two full-length solo albums; 'Truth and Beauty' (2019), and 'Full Moon Session' (2022), with his Montpellier-based quartet. Henry Threadgill is a major influence.
