JBL Music Academy Artists Talk New Music, Breakthroughs, SXSW Experience | The Rolling Stone Studio

Why It Matters

The program demonstrates how curated mentorship and cross‑cultural collaboration can fast‑track emerging artists into high‑visibility platforms like SXSW, while emphasizing mental‑health and technical fluency essential for modern music careers.

Key Takeaways

• JBL Music Academy connects emerging artists with Martin Garrix mentorship.
• Participants gain hands‑on production, vocal training, and industry networking.
• Artists emphasize mental‑health strategies shared by Garrix during tour.
• Diverse backgrounds foster collaborative tech‑house, EDM, and live‑instrument performances.
• SXSW showcases alumni sets blending unreleased tracks and cultural influences.

Summary

The Rolling Stone Studio filmed a live segment at South by Southwest featuring three emerging musicians from the JBL Music Academy—Sokya, Chase, and Gary—who shared how the program propelled their careers. The conversation highlighted the Academy’s rigorous application process, a curated trip to Amsterdam, and direct mentorship from Martin Garrix, including a backstage FaceTime that addressed creative and mental‑health topics. Key insights emerged around the Academy’s hands‑on curriculum: vocal production classes, music‑tech workshops, and exposure to industry veterans. Participants described personalized experiences, from Sokya’s vision‑board‑driven application to Gary’s opening slot for Garrix before an 18,000‑person crowd in Rio. The artists also discussed practical challenges, such as Chase’s custom rig that integrates live instruments, video switching, and software for a seamless performance. Notable moments included Gary’s emotional recount of meeting Garrix despite the DJ’s appendicitis, Sokya’s reflection on Indian classical training sharpening her vocal range, and Chase’s emphasis on team cohesion and self‑care while touring. The dialogue underscored the value of cross‑cultural collaboration, with influences ranging from Brazilian tech‑house to Bollywood melodies. The segment signals a growing industry focus on mentorship, mental‑health awareness, and hybrid live‑electronic shows. By spotlighting these artists at SXSW, JBL and Rolling Stone amplify a new generation of talent equipped with both technical skills and global networks, reshaping how emerging musicians break into the mainstream.

Original Description

JBL Music Academy artists @chasynmusic, @Soukhya and @whoisgaddi join Brian Hiatt at the Rolling Stone Studio Live at SXSW to talk about the moments shaping their sound, from early influences and creative breakthroughs to new releases and career milestones.

The @jbl Music Academy, created in partnership with Martin Garrix, is a global program designed to support emerging artists through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and collaboration. Bringing together musicians, producers, and songwriters from around the world, the Academy provides access to industry leaders and real-world experience to help take their careers to the next level.