This father and daughter are keeping Goa's retro soul alive

It started with a simple guitar lesson in Santa Cruz, Bombay (now Mumbai) for this Bandra boy. For Ashley Fernandes, music wasn’t just a hobby, it was destiny. Taught by the legendary Bismarck Rodrigues at the age of five, he picked up the guitar and never let go.

Over 45 years later, Ashley stands as a stalwart of Goa’s retro music scene. But what makes his journey extraordinary is not just his mastery of blues and classic rock, but the fact that he now shares the stage with his daughter, Aelita Lee Fernandes, creating a father-daughter musical combo that resonates with emotion, nostalgia, and artistry.

This father-son duo is keeping Goa’s musical legacy alive

FROM BOMBAY TO GOA

“I started playing in bands in Bombay as a teenager,” says Ashley. “We were playing serious, sight-read music at Oberoi's six nights a week. Goa happened much later. I moved here in 2005 and in 2007 started Music Oasis, my band. Music has been part of my life full time, even though I also run an electronics business.”

But music, as it turns out, would become a familyaffair. In May 2013, Aelita, then a shy, unassuming young woman, joined her father on stage for the first time. “I was really nervous at first,” she admits. “I didn’t think I’d get into music seriously. But dad’s guidance and our constant rehearsals helped me grow.”

Ashley Fernandes, musicianWe were playing serious, sight-read music at Oberoi's six nights a week. Goa happened much later. I moved here in 2005 and in 2007 started Music Oasis, my band.

MELODIES FROM ANOTHER ERA

Twelve years later, the duo, often joined by Aelita’s younger sister when available, is a familiar name on the live music circuit in Goa. Performing under a retroacoustic setup, their gigs span venues like Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Benaulim; The Fisherman's Wharf, Panjim; Caravela Beach Resort, Varca; Pentagon Garden Restaurant and Pub, Majorda; The Red Ginger, Colva; and Heritage Village Resort, Arossim.

Their performances are unapologetically old-school. Live instrumentation, no backing tracks (except for programmed drums), and setlists that go deepinto retro English and melodic Hindi — from Eric Clapton, Bee Gees, and CCR to Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Mohammed Rafi.

ON THE MUSIC TRAIL: Their music is built on family bonds and old-school soul.

VERSATILE RETRO DUO

Aelita plays the keyboard and offers backup vocals, while Ashley leads with guitar and vocals. “We play what we love, songs that tell stories, that have soul,” says Aelita. “There’s a lot of Eagles, Dire Straits, and also timeless Hindi classics like Chhu Kar Mere Mann Ko and Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh.”

But Aelita’s role in music isn’t limited to performing. She is also a qualified music teacher, currently working with Sonata Music School in Gogol and Pilar Music School in Borda, where she teaches the keyboard.

A product of Goa’s Trinity College training system, she’s completed all eight grades in keyboard performance and seven grades in music theory, a testament to her technical proficiency.

A product of Goa’s Trinity College training system, Aelita has completed all eight grades in keyboard performance and seven grades in music theory, a testament to her technical proficiency.

FROM LEARNER TO MENTOR  

“The Trinity exams can get really challenging at the higher levels,” she says. “But it all comes down to how prepared and focused you are. They test your technical skills, your musicality, and your application.”

A former student of Sonata Music School herself, Aelita has grown from being a learner to a mentor. Yet, she speaks candidly about how student engagement has shifted in recent years.

“Nowadays, students are so preoccupied, that they don’t get timeto practice. That affects how quickly they progress. Music needs patience and discipline.”

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ALL GLORY TO DAD AND MOM

Despite teaching and performing, Aelita is humble about her musical future. “I’m not a full-time singer,” she clarifies. “Dad’s the main vocalist. I enjoy playing, learning, and being part of this journey with him. Honestly, without his support and my mom’s, I wouldn’t be here.”

The Fernandes family’s sound is not just music, it’s heritage. Each performance is shaped by the rootsof Bombay and the rhythm of Goa. Ashley’s blues and retro influences blend seamlessly with Aelita’s classical training and quiet strength, making their act both emotionally compelling and technically sound.

Aelita Fernandes, musicianDad’s the main vocalist. I enjoy playing, learning, and being part of this journey with him. Honestly, without his support and my mom’s, I wouldn’t be here

“We don’t perform to chase trends,” Ashley says. “We play to connect. When we’re on stage together that’s the magic. That’s what keeps it going.”

In a world that’s increasingly digital and disposable, Ashley and Aelita are proof that some melodies and bonds are meant to last.