AdminMalaysian artist Saint Kylo has been selected to join the global roster for Jameson Distilled Sounds 2025, an international music platform led by cultural icon and Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the Kuala Lumpur-based artist as he steps into the global limelight, representing Malaysian music on a world stage.
Now in its second year, Jameson Distilled Sounds returns to the birthplace of Jameson Irish Whiskey—Cork, Ireland—bringing together more than 20 independent artists from across the globe for a week of immersive songwriting, producing and collaboration. Countries represented include India, South Africa, Nigeria, Portugal, Indonesia—and Malaysia, via Saint Kylo, who will be crafting original music alongside this boundary-pushing cohort.
For Saint Kylo, the moment is more than a career highlight—it’s deeply personal.
“When I found out I’d been picked to represent Malaysia at Jameson Distilled Sounds, it honestly felt surreal,” said Kylo. “I’ve been grinding for years as an indie artist, so to feel seen—on a global stage, mentored by someone like Anderson .Paak, who’s been a huge influence on my sound—it’s wild. I’m just a kid from Taman Melawati, and now I’m sharing space with artists from all over the world, writing music, learning from the best, and putting Malaysia on the map. That kind of belief? It means everything.”
Anderson .Paak leads
Returning as Jameson’s ‘Music Distiller’ for a second year, Anderson .Paak and his creative collective APESHIT INC. are playing a hands-on role in curating, pairing and shaping the artists involved.
“I’m stoked to be back for Jameson Distilled Sounds Year 2!” says .Paak. “This really is an opportunity for like-minded artists to come together, connect and learn from one another. 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.”
The sessions, dubbed the Sound Distillery, offer a space for cross-cultural experimentation and the birth of new global sounds. Artists will collaborate across genres and geographies, creating music that speaks both to their roots and the global zeitgeist. These collaborations will be shared across Jameson’s digital platforms, including performance videos, behind-the-scenes content, and artist-led masterclasses released throughout the summer.
“Jameson Distilled Sounds is where culture and collaboration meet,” says Lynda Cody, Jameson Head of Experiences, Partnerships & Advocacy. “We’re celebrating global creativity and helping artists connect beyond borders.”
A spotlight on Malaysia’s rising talent
Saint Kylo’s inclusion underscores Jameson Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to elevating local voices in global conversations. Having performed at festivals like Good Vibes and RIUH in the City and collaborated with regional creatives—including at Jameson’s own Distilled Sounds takeover at Zhongshan Building—Kylo’s raw talent, soulful sound and independent spirit made him a natural fit.
Now working on his upcoming EP Paid For, Saint Kylo brings a unique blend of soul, funk, and R&B to the mix. He joins a diverse global lineup including South Africa’s Lloyiso, Indian vocalist Mary Ann Alexander, Indonesian genre-bender Monica Karina, Ireland’s drill artist Skinner, and many more.
“From CLAUDIA’s mentorship last year to Saint Kylo’s selection this year, we’re proud that Jameson Malaysia continues to play a real role in the Distilled Sounds movement,” said Liew Pooi Wan, Marketing Director at Pernod Ricard Malaysia. “We are committed to ensuring Malaysian voices are truly amplified on the global stage.”
After the international session, Saint Kylo will continue his journey as the Jameson Distilled Sounds Malaysia Ambassador—returning home with newfound insights to share with the local music community through talks, performances and creative collaborations.
As the 2025 Distilled Sounds journey unfolds, audiences around the world are invited to tune in via Jameson’s digital platforms. With bold voices like Saint Kylo front and centre, the next chapter in global music starts now—rooted in authenticity, built on collaboration, and crafted from the heart.
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