Anderson .Paak has been that dude when it comes to music collabs. The features? Fire. The albums? Classics. The pen? Certified. But when he teamed up with Jameson last year for Distilled Sounds—a program spotlighting top-tier talent on a global stage—he took the idea of collaboration to a different level. And now—to the surprise of no one and the delight of many—he’s back at it again this summer.
Jameson Irish Whisky has officially announced the return of Jameson Distilled Sounds this summer, with .Paak back in the driver’s seat and slew of over 20 artists in tow to deliver one of the best collaborative, creative experiences in music. Rooted in the spirit of togetherness and community, Jameson Irish Whiskey continues to champion those values through this bold and inspiring creative venture. The crew will reunite in Jameson’s home of Ireland bringing together artists from across India, South Africa, Indonesia, Portugal, Nigeria, and more.
“I’m stoked to be back for Jameson Distilled Sounds Year 2! This really is an opportunity for like-minded artists to come together, connect, and learn from one another” says .Paak. “You’ve got drill next to Amapiano, K-pop crossing over with soul, everyone bringing their own flavour, and we just build and collaborate. It’s not about hits, it’s about heart. That’s the magic.”
Described as a place where “culture and collaboration meet” by Jameson’s Head of Experiences, Partnership and Advocacy, Lynda Cody, Distilled Sounds is responding to the global moment we’re having in music right now. With the rise of non-English tracks topping the charts, running TikTok, and headlining festivals, genre lines don’t exist anymore and Distilled Sounds is living proof. That’s why Jameson took on the challenge last year to curate something incredibly unique by bringing artists from all different points of the globe together for this global music experiment with real depth and vision. From Germany linking with Portugal, America meeting Nigeria, and Malaysia crossing paths with Australia, last year’s program birthed some of the most unexpected, unique sound palettes and genre-bending greatness we’ve heard. And this year the magic’s only getting stronger.
Distilled Sounds is leveling up from last year with the inclusion of APESHIT INC., Anderson .Paak’s creative house, to help curate and combine talent for exciting and fire combinations.
“This isn’t just about what happens during the programme; it’s about where it leads,” says Krystal Miles, GM of APESHIT, INC. “We’re focused on expanding our roster beyond North America and tapping into artists who are shaping the sound of now from every corner of the world.”
This year’s Distilled Sounds line-up reflects that global vision, and features South African soul singer Lloyiso, Portugeste experimentalist EU.CLIDES, Nigerian-American R&B talent Mannywellz, and Malaysian alt-pop artist Saint Kylo, just to name a few.
Check out the short film above announcing the collaboration, then follow along at @jamesonwhiskey and #JamesonDistilledSounds to stay locked in all summer long to catch new tracks, digital performances, and exclusive BTS moments.
