Ishta is an exciting, eclectic world music fusion band from Aotearoa/NZ. Featuring sitar, double bass, percussion, flute, sax, guitar, didge and vocals their live sets encompass a diverse range of styles from uptempo ethnic groove to dub/roots to blissful lounge. Ishta have been performing around Auckland for three years. During that time their sound has evolved into an uplifting blend of Eastern and Western influences featuring the funky bass grooves of Monsieur Escargot, soulful sitar playing by Rob Croft, stirring flute and sax arrangements by Ben Campbell and the soaring, sensual vocals of Josephine Costain and Tui Mamaki.

Additional members include Yair Katz on percussion, Eyal Lutz on Didgeridoo and tabla virtuoso Basant Madhur. The album is 100% acoustic and was painstakingly recorded over the last two years by Monkey producer Nigel Braddock and mastered by Chris Winchcombe at York St. Special guests on the album include flautist Trudi Lile (Mohave), Kingsley Melhuish (Brassouls, Spargo) on trumpet and Haydn Godfrey (dDub) on Trombone. Ishta have performed regularly around Auckland in venues such as Galatos, Odeon Lounge, Leigh Sawmill, Rakinos and Khuja Lounge and have toured the country several times over the last few years. They have performed at Splore, Kaikoura Roots, Prana, Visionz, AUT Orientation and AK05 delighting festival audiences with their unique, exotic summery sound.