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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Get to Know the Global Artists Redefining Collaboration with Anderson .Paak and Jameson
Collaboration has long been among the most inspiring things an artist can do. It's more than just mixing sounds—it's about trading ideas, mixing energies, and building something that couldn't exist in a vacuum. That's what makes Jameson's Distilled Sounds so spirit of togetherness has anchored Jameson since its start. Its Distilled Sounds platform amplifies that value in one of the most creative situations for its second year, this program brings together artists from around the world for an experience that's less about chasing hits and more about creating meaningful connections. And at its helm, is a man who has mastered the art of collaboration, Jameson's Music Distiller, Anderson .Paak. .Paak has been in groups, duos, featured on classic albums, produced tracks, and even laid down backing vocals—if it involves music, chances are he's been a part of it. He's a musical savant, but more than that, he's one of the greatest collaborators of our time around, he's teaming up with his creative house, APESHIT INC., to help handpick a new wave of international talent. Artists from South Africa, Nigeria, Malaysia, Portugal, and beyond are heading to Jameson's home turf in Ireland to create without limits.'We're celebrating global creativity and helping artists connect beyond borders,' says Lynda Cody, Jameson's Head of Experiences, Partnerships & Advocacy. 'This aligns with our belief that if people share the same spirit and values—smooth, welcoming, and light-hearted—then no matter where they're from, they Must Be A Jameson.'This year's lineup is stacked with genre-defying voices like Monica Karina, Saint Kylo, Xenia Manasseh, Kethan, Mannywellz, and more. And trust—this is just the beginning. Keep reading to meet the artists shaping this year's Distilled Sounds and find out how their worlds are coming together through The pride of Portugal, brings an eclectic flavor to Distilled Sounds this year. With roots in Cape Verde and a background in classical guitar, he pulls inspiration from music from everywhere he's been–church choirs, Parisian jam sessions, global tours, and deep personal reflection. It's his wide variety of sounds that make him the kind of artist who can spark something unexpected in any This man sings with soul and passion every time he steps up to the mic. Lloyiso delivers music that is incredibly resonant, and whether it uplifts or allows reflection—you feel every word. At his core, he's all about honest storytelling and using his voice to speak on love, growth, and the kind of vulnerability that sticks with you. This South African talent that specializes in Afropop brings a big, emotional sound to any collaboration he's part COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess. If anyone has home court advantage in the Distilled Sounds booth, it's Skinner. A homegrown talent straight out of Dublin, he brings a fresh dose of new wave punk to the mix—and it's loud, raw, and refreshingly different. He's the type to leave the mistakes in on purpose, chasing that unfiltered, authentic sound. With his rebellious energy and anything-goes approach, Skinner adds a gritty edge to this global crew of collaborators that's more than Ann Alexander There's a certain style and presence about Mary Ann Alexander that makes her and her music instantly captivating. Born in Bengaluru, India, she channels the spirit of late '90s and early 2000s R&B, bringing smooth vocals and raw emotion into everything she touches. Her sound proves that music knows no borders—resonating deeply with a new generation drawn to vibes soaked in lust, infatuation, heartbreak, and reflection. With Mary Ann in the mix, every collaboration is guaranteed to pass the vibe Karina The first thing that strikes you about Monica Karina when you hear her music is her rich, soulful tone. With runs and riffs for days, she's mastered the art of blending soul, dance, jazz, and R&B over slick production to create truly addictive records. Hailing from Indonesia, Monica brings a fresh, genre-blurring perspective that reflects the vibrant, ever-evolving music scene in Southeast Asia. Her smooth versatility and global sound make her the perfect bridge between styles in this year's Distilled Sounds Manasseh Xenia Manasseh's travels have deeply shaped her sound. From Nairobi to Atlanta to LA, each stop has added a new layer of discovery and cultural influence to her music. She's no stranger to collaboration either—lending her pen and vocals to chart-topping albums and global features. With her genre-fluid style and rich storytelling, Xenia brings a deep sense of emotion, range, and polish to the Distilled Sounds sessions, making her a natural connector across cultures and Kethan's sound is rooted in emotion, culture, and storytelling. Coming from Nairobi, his music blends languages and traditions to create something deeply personal yet widely relatable. With a background that spans both group work and solo artistry, he brings a unique perspective on collaboration—balancing introspection with a desire to connect. At Distilled Sounds, Kethan adds a grounded, soulful energy that invites others to slow down, tap in, and create with Mannywellz brings a genre-blending style that feels both soulful and futuristic. Born in Nigeria and raised in Maryland, his music fuses West African rhythms with hip-hop, R&B, and rich, melodic storytelling. With a sound that's intentional, emotional, and rhythmically sharp, he creates space for vulnerability while still keeping the energy high. Mannywellz adds depth, texture, and a global perspective that's perfect for building something bold and boundary-pushing. Perfect for Distilled Kylo 'Ya bwoi is boutta show 'em what Malaysia's made of,' is how Saint Kylo announced his spot in Distilled Sounds—and honestly, he's already repping the country loud and proud. With one of the grooviest, funkiest sound palettes in the mix, his style is tailor-made for high-energy collabs—especially with a funk connoisseur like Anderson .Paak at the helm. Saint Kylo's the kind of artist who lights up any room he walks into, so expect him to bring serious vibes to every Illest When it comes to turning ideas into fully-formed records, few do it like Namibia's own KP Illest. This MC is a lyricist, engineer, creative mind, and all-around collaborator. With a sharp pen and a clear vision, he blends precision with personality, offering a sound that's as polished as it is honest. This summer, he's pulling up to Dublin with that DIY spirit and global mindset, ready to bring structure, energy, and a distinct voice to the When you listen to Moldanazar, you really start to understand two things: music is a universal language and a good vibe is a good vibe, no matter where it's from. Coming from Kazakhstan, Moldanazar has got this wild blend of pop, funk, and moody rock that lives somewhere between synth-pop daydreams and late-night dance breaks. When he steps into the Jameson Compound for some dope collaborations, expect his unique sound to turn heads — and help put his country on the global music map. Related Products Blue Note Records Gil Evans Orchestra - Great Jazz Standards LP (Tone Poet Vinyl Series) $38.98 , Fat Beats Madlib - Sound Ancestors [Arranged By Kieran Hebden] (LP) $27.99 , EMPIRE Anderson Paak - Malibu CD $12.98 , Dirtybird Store Audiojack: Stay Strong Vinyl $15 Related News Kehlani Offering Free Laundry Services to Mothers in Celebration of 'Folded' Success Akademiks, DJ Vlad Respond to G Herbo Challenging Them to Donate $100,000 to Chicago Nonprofits COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess. Making Culture Pop. Find the latest entertainment news and the best in music, pop culture, sneakers, style and original shows. Solve the daily Crossword


News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Anderson .Paak To Mentor Indian R&B Star Mary Ann Alexander In Ireland
Mary Ann Alexander becomes the first Indian artist at Jameson Distilled Sounds 2025, joining Anderson .Paak and global talents for a week-long music residency 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 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. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.