Anderson .Paak To Mentor Indian R&B Star Mary Ann Alexander In Ireland
Kerala-born, Bengaluru-based R&B-pop sensation Mary Ann Alexander has created history by becoming the first Indian artist to be selected for the prestigious Jameson Distilled Sounds 2025 programme. Curated by three-time Grammy Award-winning American R&B icon Anderson .Paak, the global initiative brings together just over 20 visionary, genre-defying musicians from across the world for an intensive week of collaboration in Ireland.
The 2025 edition, running from August 13 to 20, will see Mary Ann join artists from six continents—including South Africa's Lloyiso, Portugal's EU.CLIDES, East African star Xenia Manasseh, Irish drill innovator Skinner, Indonesian vocalist Monica Karina, Nigerian singer Manny Wellz, Kazakh musician Moldanazar, Malaysian alt-pop talent Saint Kylo, Kenyan multi-instrumentalist Kethan, and Namibian hip-hop artist Kp Illest. Together, they will write, record, and perform original music inspired by themes of community, connection, and culture.
Speaking about the milestone, Mary Ann said, 'Being invited to join Jameson Distilled Sounds feels like a natural evolution in my artistry. Collaborating with Anderson .Paak and musicians from such diverse backgrounds fills me with excitement. I can't wait to weave my own unique sound, culture, and ideas into a space which allows artists to inspire and to be inspired."
Under Anderson .Paak's creative collective APESHIT INC., participants will receive mentorship, access to world-class production resources, and a collaborative platform to shape the sounds of tomorrow. Mary Ann's inclusion highlights her growing reputation as a transformative voice, known for seamlessly blending Indian musical heritage with global R&B and pop influences.
A Rising Star with Global Appeal
Mary Ann's journey began in Kerala, where she recorded her first track at the age of seven. Relocating to Bengaluru, she immersed herself in the city's vibrant music scene, developing a style that fuses early-2000s R&B warmth with contemporary pop and hip-hop sensibilities.
Her discography reflects fearless experimentation—debut single In My Zone (2022) introduced her soulful lyricism, while Bling Bling (2024) showcased her playful, confident side. She has also contributed to film soundtracks (Sthuthi in Bougainvillea, Ulfat in CTRL), collaborated with producer NATE08 on the deep-house track You're The Reason (2025), and released the well-received singles The Lovey Dovey Song and Round 2.
A festival favourite, Mary Ann has performed at Magnetic Fields, Echoes of Earth, and Vh1 Supersonic, earning praise for her captivating stage presence. Endorsed by artists like Sid Sriram and Neeraj Madhav and recognised by Rolling Stone India as a voice to watch, she continues to embody her personal mantra—choosing courage over comfort.
With Jameson Distilled Sounds 2025, Mary Ann Alexander is poised to take her artistry to the next level, bringing an authentic Indian voice to a global creative stage.
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