Fresh off the lush green stages of Cavan, Ireland, Jameson’s global music initiative, Distilled Sounds, returns with a vibrant second chapter—this time spotlighting Indonesia’s own Monica Karina. Curated by the ever-iconic Anderson .Paak, the week-long creative retreat gathered over 20 artists from across the globe, blending beats, cultures, and stories into a sonic tapestry that defies borders.
Monica’s presence marked a milestone: the first Indonesian artist to join the Distilled Sounds collective. Her collaboration with EU.CLIDES (Portugal) and Kethan (Kenya) birthed “Inventa-te,” a multilingual track infused with the soul of the Kenyan Orutu and the spirit of cross-cultural connection. As Monica shared with Complex Magazine, “Some of us don’t even speak the same language, yet we find that little golden window and just make music.”
Beyond Monica’s spotlight, the programme pulsed with dynamic duets: Skinner (Ireland) and Saint Kylo (Malaysia) ignited “Hollywood,” Mary Ann (India) and KP Illest (Namibia) soothed with “Way Back Home,” while Nina Mazani (Greece) and Moldanazar (Kazakhstan) stirred hearts with “Why.” Each track echoed Jameson’s belief that music is a universal language—one that connects, heals, and celebrates.
Beyond mere performance and into the realm of masterclass in artistry, Anderson .Paak and engineer Jhair Lazo peeled back the layers of hit-making in an intimate “Sleeve Notes” session. Vocal production insights flowed from Ramera Abraham, while Lea Ogunlami’s “Special Projects” panel explored the art of building creative universes. CTRL ALT Recreate challenged artists to remix Anderson’s “Come Home,” with live feedback from the man himself, Maurice “MOBETTA” Brown, and Jhair Lazo. A roundtable on music, fashion, and visuals brought together tastemakers like Aria Hughes, Krystal, and designer Robyn Lynch, offering fresh perspectives on storytelling in today’s sonic landscape.
For Jameson Indonesia, Monica’s participation is more than a proud moment—it’s a signal flare for the country’s musical potential. Brand Manager Herjuna Rahman calls it “a true reflection of how music connects cultures.” Ambassadors Holly Johnston and Saphira Wardhana echo the sentiment, celebrating Monica’s fusion of Portuguese, Kenyan, and Indonesian influences as a testament to the power of artistic exchange. For Jameson Indonesia, Monica’s spotlight signals a new chapter—one where local talent steps confidently onto the global stage. With Jameson Connects gearing up for a nationwide tour, this is just the beginning.
