The Downes Braide Association represents the combined efforts of progressive rock icon Geoff Downes (the Buggles, Yes, Asia) and producer/songwriter Christopher Braide. Separated in age by two decades, the two Brits were first introduced by Downes' former Buggles colleague Trevor Horn, and struck up a friendship based on mutual admiration and a desire to mix pop and prog in a modern context. As a U.K. expat based in Los Angeles, Braide's successes have come in the mainstream pop world -- he's produced and co-written with high-profile artists like Sia, Lana Del Rey, and Selena Gomez. While Downes' lengthy career has been largely associated with the prog-rock world, his affinity for melodic pop has always been an important facet of his work, initially with the new wave pop of the Buggles, then later as part of the supergroup Asia. Debuting with 2012's Pictures of You, the Downes Braide Association paid homage to the lush synth-based prog-pop of the early-'80s while adding their own contemporary flair. Returning in 2015, the duo issued a follow-up, Suburban Ghosts, continuing in a similar vein. Their third effort, 2017's Skyscraper Souls, delved deeper into the classic prog approach, sporting an 18-minute title track and a variety of guests from Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond to the B-52's' Kate Pierson. ~ Timothy Monger

A native of England, Geoff Downes went to Leeds School of Music. Upon moving to London, he met Trevor Horn. Working together on commercial jingles, they formed the group the Buggles. They recorded their first album and released it in 1979, sparking a hit with the song "Video Killed the Radio Star." The video for that piece has the particular distinction of having been the first video played on MTV, a fact that has certainly earned Downes at least one spot in the annals of musical history.

Next up for Downes was a particularly unusual twist of fate. When Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman left progressive rock stalwart Yes, Brian Tate, who managed both bands, contacted the Buggles to see about bringing them in as the replacements. The two groups hit it off and Downes and Horn became the newest members in the perpetually changing lineup called Yes. The group released the Drama album with this lineup, and went out on tour. However, musical times were changing and older fans were not so willing to accept a Yes without Anderson, so the group broke up.

Like a phoenix rising from the ash, Steve Howe and Geoff Downes hooked up with Carl Palmer and John Wetton to form Asia. Their first album planted them firmly on the musical map, netting them a couple of hits and a best-selling tour. As lineup changes much like those that haunted Yes began to strike Asia, Downes was the only constant in a sea of change. He has done some solo work and another Buggles album, but Asia remains his primary focus. ~ Gary Hill