Bio | AKA The Syndicate

Band Bio: AKA The Syndicate

Origin: South-East England
Genres: Ska, Reggae, Rocksteady, Pop, Soul, 2 Tone,

Punk

Years Active: 2019 - Present

Live Band Members:

Laura Betts - Lead Vocals
Simon Peet - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Jamie Franklin - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Bob Dear - Drums
Gary Knight – Keyboard
Sean Williams – Saxophone
Dave Steptoe – Trombone

Past Band Members/Writers/Friends/Collaborators:

Clara Byrne, Aaron Two Tone Malone, Bobby Blencowe, Roddy Byers, Monty Neysmith, Reg Shaw, Connor Jackaman, Maxine, Paul Gray, Dave Devonald, Martin Parrott, Richard Coppen, Jim Paterson, Dan Seran, Adam Faulkner, Jamie Yates, Steve Yates, Keith & Tex, Sarah Smiley.

AKA The Syndicate are a high-energy seven-piece from South-East England, blending ska, reggae, 2 Tone, soul, rocksteady and pop into a sound that’s genre-blending, melodic and unmistakably their own.

Fronted by vocalist Laura Betts, the band combine soaring melodies, driving rhythms, Hammond-style keys and a punchy brass section with sharp, often humorous observations on modern life.

Since forming in 2019, AKA The Syndicate have built a reputation as a formidable live act, performing at festivals and venues across the UK and in Germany. Highlights include Stone Valley, Skamouth, Guilfest, Freedom Sounds Festival in Cologne, Birmingham International Ska Festival and Concorde 2 Brighton, where they have supported acts including Bad Manners, The Slackers and Death of Guitar Pop.

The band have released two full-length albums — AKA The Syndicate (2021) and It’s Our World (2023) — followed by the Reversions EP in 2025. Their 2023 album was voted Best Album of 2023 by listeners of Button Down Radio and features a track written and performed by reggae and ska legend Monty Neysmith of Symarip. They are currently recording their third album.

With influences ranging from The Specials, Madness and The Selecter to Amy Winehouse, Blondie and No Doubt, AKA The Syndicate bring a fresh, contemporary energy to the ska and 2 Tone scene.

As Jim Paterson of Dexys Midnight Runners put it: “The best British ska / soul / reggae band going.”

Quotes:

“They came onstage and launched straight into Two Sides of The City which set the stall out for the night ahead. Infectious and catchy soul grooves were on offer. There must be a big interest in the band as the hall was already three quarters full” - Brighton and Hove news (on AKA The Syndicate supporting Bad Manners at Concorde 2)

“A pop-tinged reggae album that brings to mind a wide variety of other bands, from Madness at their most successful to very early UB40, and maybe even a hint of No Doubt for good measure” – Scootering Magazine

Connect with AKA The Syndicate:

Email: akathesyndicate@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/akathesyndicate
Instagram: @akathesyndicate
Twitter: @akasyndicate
YouTube: @akathesyndicateofficial