Arkayla - Doba
Single • Doba — from EP Back To Belle Vue (out August 21, 2026). Manchester, UK.
Arkayla Bring Manchester's Guitar-Rock Tradition to a New Generation
Arkayla are a Manchester-based indie-rock quartet featuring Cal Blakebrough (vocals and guitar), Finley Rubens (guitar), Joe Harley (bass) and Dylan Murphy (drums). Combining anthemic guitar melodies, energetic rhythms and emotionally direct songwriting, the band draw on Manchester's rich alternative-rock heritage while developing a contemporary identity. Their 2025 EP Don't Look For Answers helped establish their reputation, supported by radio exposure, festival appearances and increasingly successful live performances. With sold-out UK headline tours and appearances at major festivals, Arkayla are building a grassroots audience through energetic performances and melodic, guitar-driven music.
Doba: An Extraordinary Life Inspires an Anthem About Following Dreams
Released on June 22, 2026, “Doba” takes inspiration from Aleksander Doba, the Polish adventurer who completed extraordinary solo kayaking journeys across the Atlantic Ocean and later climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of 74. His determination to pursue ambitious goals regardless of age or expectations provides the emotional foundation for the song. Produced by Jolyon Thomas, the single combines driving guitars, energetic percussion and memorable melodies, transforming an exceptional personal story into an uplifting indie-rock anthem.
The song celebrates courage, perseverance and the freedom to pursue personal ambitions, encouraging listeners to challenge limitations imposed by themselves or others. Its accompanying music video incorporates archival footage and previously unseen family photographs of Aleksander Doba, creating a personal tribute to his achievements. Rather than presenting adventure as something reserved for youth, “Doba” emphasizes the possibility of reinvention and meaningful achievement throughout life.
Why It Matters: Indie Rock Celebrates Determination and Personal Freedom
“Doba” reflects the continuing appeal of inspirational storytelling in contemporary guitar music, where real-life experiences provide an emotional connection beyond conventional relationship themes. By celebrating an unconventional explorer, Arkayla transform a story of endurance into a broader message about independence, resilience and pursuing dreams. The combination of accessible melodies and an uplifting narrative gives the song relevance beyond its immediate indie-rock audience.
For Arkayla, the single became part of their four-track EP Back To Belle Vue, which also includes “Run Kid,” “Vivian” and “My Number.” The release combines personal histories, Manchester connections and ambitious storytelling, strengthening the band's identity as a new generation of British guitar musicians. “Doba” turns an extraordinary adventure into a universal message: ambition has no age limit, and meaningful achievements begin with the courage to try.
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