Check One, Two—Jameson Launches New Global Music Platform
At the intersection of music, culture, and community lies Jameson Distilled Sounds, a vibrant new initiative that's bringing together artists from around the globe to craft boundary-breaking music. With guidance from global superstar Anderson .Paak and key partners like Fender and NTS, Jameson has created a platform that fosters collaboration and creativity, giving a diverse group of musicians the space to unite their unique sounds. Over three music-filled days at the Sound Distillery in Ireland, these artists came together for workshops, jam sessions, and immersive musical experiences, resulting in some incredible new tracks that capture the essence of the cross-cultural experimentation this new platform intends to foster.
With the tracks that come from the platform available on the official Jameson Youtube channel, here's a closer look at the artists who are distilling their sounds into something entirely new.
Ian Hooper x Branko
The first track to emerge from Jameson Distilled Sounds is "Go Back," a collaboration between German singer-songwriter Ian Hooper and Portuguese record producer Branko. Hooper, the frontman of indie-folk band Mighty Oaks, brings a soulful, alt-folk influence to the track, while Branko infuses it with the percussive rhythms of Lisbon. The resulting song blends their distinct styles into a beautifully textured soundscape. Reflecting on the process, Hooper noted, "I would have never gone down the path to make a beat like that but it was fantastic." Branko added that the collaboration was a chance to merge their respective worlds: "The drums for me are important as they represent Lisbon... I believe that we really put different worlds together in a beautiful way."
KAIIT x Claudia
Neo-soul dynamo KAIIT, whose honeyed tones have earned praise from legends like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, teamed up with Malaysian sensation Claudia for their track “Draw Me.” KAIIT’s smooth, jazzy vocals flow seamlessly alongside Claudia’s infectious pop melodies, showcasing the beauty of blending different cultural influences. Claudia, who rose to fame with her viral hit "Toast," remarked on how much she learned from the global community at the Distillery, while KAIIT expressed gratitude for the “industry tips and tricks” she picked up from her fellow collaborators. The result is a dreamy, genre-bending track that perfectly captures the cross-cultural spirit of Jameson Distilled Sounds.
Aoife Nessa Frances x Freak Slug
Aoife Nessa Frances, the Irish artist known for her psychedelic pop and folk-infused sound, joined forces with Freak Slug, the UK-based indie darling, to create “Bunny.” Their collaboration brought out new depths in each other’s creativity, merging Frances’ ethereal melodies with Freak Slug’s lo-fi sensibilities. For Aoife, the experience of working alongside Anderson .Paak was an inspiring highlight, while Freak Slug expressed excitement at collaborating with another female artist for the first time. Together, they crafted a haunting, experimental track that explores love, loss, and transformation with raw, poetic emotion.
Lady Donli x L’Rain
Nigerian singer-songwriter Lady Donli and Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist L’Rain came together to create “Not Your Mate,” a track that pushes the boundaries of both artists' musical styles. Lady Donli’s blend of Afrobeat, highlife, and funk pairs unexpectedly yet beautifully with L’Rain’s avant-garde, experimental approach. L’Rain, a two-time A2IM Libera Award winner, found the experience both challenging and rewarding, noting how her collaboration with Lady Donli pushed her out of her comfort zone. Lady Donli echoed these sentiments, saying that Jameson Distilled Sounds has helped her “push her boundaries” and connect with a global music family.
Seedhe Maut x Shekhinah
Delhi-based Hindi rap duo Seedhe Maut and South African pop sensation Shekhinah came together to craft “Change,” a powerful track that melds their distinct musical influences. Seedhe Maut, known for their hard-hitting, razor-sharp rhymes, found common ground with Shekhinah’s delicate, soulful voice, creating a dynamic fusion of Hindi rap and contemporary pop. Shekhinah, who first gained attention on Idols: South Africa, reflected on how this collaboration took her out of her comfort zone, while Seedhe Maut said the experience gave them “new friends and new music” to take home to India.
In a time when regional sounds are gaining global attention, Jameson Distilled Sounds is playing a pivotal role in genre experimentation—connecting artists, distilling new sounds, and sharing their creative journey with the world.
As the collaborations from the project continue to roll out, fans around the world can witness the magic that happens when artists from different corners of the globe come together to create something entirely new. Each collaboration not only showcases the unique talent of the artists involved but also highlights Jameson’s commitment to fostering creativity, community, and connection through music. Stay tuned to Jameson’s YouTube channel to catch the latest performances and discover fresh sounds from the global collective.