Music is a universal language, and Jameson Whiskey’s been speaking it fluently. The brand’s music initiative, Jameson Distilled Sounds, which links up with an industry legend, Anderson .Paak, to assemble emerging music artists from all over the world, is back for round two this year. Here’s what you missed.
With unmatched tunes and only the best vibes, Jameson Distilled Sounds worked with Grammy-winning Anderson .Paak to bring together over twenty talented music artists from across the globe (spanning India, Portugal, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Kenya) to curate the most innovative, genre-bending collabs.
This year, the project hit up Cavan, Ireland, where it brought cultures, languages, sounds and emotions together through culture-transcending music. Think Kazakh synth-pop mixed with Greek folk fusion, Nigerian soul - you name it. Throughout the week, artists collaborated together in workshops and jam sessions, making new music and new connections.
We linked up with Anderson .Paak to chat about this year’s Jameson Distilled Sounds.
The genres each artist brings to the table are so diverse, do you have a personal favourite?
“I can’t really pick a favourite – they all brought something special. But the one pairing that really caught me off guard was Greece and Kazakhstan linking up. At first, I couldn’t picture how those sounds would mesh – but when I heard what they created, man, it blew me away.”
What were your Ireland highlights?
“Ireland was a whole vibe. Jameson really showed love bringing me and the crew out there. One night they had a traditional Irish band playing out by this beautiful lake in Cavan. We were all just soaking up the moment and then, of course, we had to try our hand at an Irish jig. Not sure we nailed it, but we had the time of our lives trying.”
How does the Jameson Distilled Sounds project help emerging artists?
“The heart of this project is what makes it special. Jameson isn’t just putting artists on a stage – they’re building real community. That’s why I came back for round two. It’s rare to be part of something that connects with so many people and still feels authentic.”
What was it like having the artists reimagine your track “Come Home” (ft. André 3000)?
“That was one of my favourite moments. We split the artists into groups by genre – country, ATL rap, folk, punk rock – handed them the stems, and gave them like 30 minutes to flip it. Hearing how many different ways one song could be reimagined in such a short time was wild, each version had its own vibe, its own heartbeat.”
It’s hard to pick, but who would you shout out from this year’s Distilled Sounds?
“Nah, I can’t single anybody out, they all brought fire. Each artist came with their own flavour, their own story, and it made the whole project so rich. Picking one would be like picking a favourite song; impossible.”
What do you think the music industry is lacking right now?
“I think we need more cross-pollination – more artists stepping out of their lanes and cooking up with people from different scenes and countries. The world’s opening up though.
“I’ve been in the studio with folks like Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso from Argentina, which was crazy. I want to do more of that – push myself, keep it fresh, and keep the culture moving forward.”
We have to ask: what are you mixing with your Jameson’s whiskey?
“Gotta go classic Jameson Original, ginger beer, a little lime. Simple, smooth, does the trick every time.”
What advice would you give to emerging music artists out there?
“Enjoy the grind, man. That early hustle, the late nights, the figuring-it-out stage, that’s the good part. Don’t get too caught up in the end goal or chasing fame. Soak up the moment you’re in, because that’s where the magic happens.”
Performances are now being released weekly on Jameson’s Youtube channel.
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