Kerala-born, Bengaluru-based R&B pop artist Mary Ann Alexander is making waves as the first Indian musician selected for Jameson Distilled Sounds 2025, a prestigious program curated by three-time Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak. This unique initiative brings together a select group of just over 20 genre-defying artists from across the globe to Ireland for an intensive week of collaboration, creation, and performance, running from August 13th to 20th, 2025.
Alexander's participation marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning international career. It highlights her unique ability to blend her Indian musical heritage with contemporary R&B and pop sensibilities, a fusion that has garnered attention from music industry heavyweights. Praised by the likes of Sid Sriram, SZA, Craig David, and D Smoke, Alexander is quickly establishing herself as a transformative voice with universal appeal.
Jameson Distilled Sounds 2025 emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration, providing a platform for artists to connect, inspire, and reshape the sounds of tomorrow. Under the mentorship of Anderson .Paak's creative collective, APESHIT INC., participants gain access to invaluable resources and guidance, fostering an environment of artistic growth and innovation. Alexander expressed her excitement about the program, stating, "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".
This year's cohort represents a diverse range of musical styles and cultural backgrounds, with artists hailing from six continents, including India, South Africa, Portugal, Nigeria, Indonesia, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Malaysia, and Ireland. Among Alexander's fellow participants are South African soul sensation Lloyiso, Portuguese experimentalist EU.CLIDES, East African singer Xenia Manasseh, Irish drill innovator Skinner, Indonesian vocalist Monica Karina, Kazakh musician Moldanazar, and Malaysian alt-pop visionary Saint Kylo, Kenyan multi-instrumentalist Kethan, Nigerian singer Manny Wellz and Namibian hip-hop artist Kp Illest.
The program's focus on blending genres and encouraging artists to step outside their comfort zones is expected to yield groundbreaking musical creations. With the increasing popularity of unexpected sound combinations, such as Punjabi drill meeting Parisian trap and Alté artists merging with Afrobeats, the potential for innovation is immense. By fostering a sense of community and providing a nurturing environment, Jameson Distilled Sounds 2025 empowers artists to develop their unique voices and contribute to the global music landscape. Alexander's participation not only highlights her individual talent but also underscores the growing recognition of Indian artists on the world stage.
