Dukes of the Orient are an English and American AOR and progressive rock band formed in 2017 by lead vocalist, guitarist and bassist John Payne and keyboardist Erik Norlander.

Asia Featuring John Payne remains active in a touring capacity, and members and former members of the group; Jay Schellen, Bruce Bouillet, Guthrie Govan, Jeff Kollman and Moni Scaria, have contributed to Dukes of the Orient's debut album.

[3][4] In 1991, Payne joined British progressive rock group Asia, to replace their original lead singer and bassist John Wetton.

[6] Following this, Payne formed GPS with fellow expelled Asia members Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums), with Ryo Okumoto of Spock's Beard on keyboards.

Having received a record deal from Sony Music Entertainment, the band embarked on recording a new album under the name Architects of Time (a name that was eventually given to a Payne solo project[7]) and later Americana[8] In 2009 they released an EP entitled "Military Man", featuring re-recorded "2009 versions" of Asia songs from Payne's time in the band.