SOUKHYA: From Vision Boards to the Stage at SXSW

The Road to EMpowerment: SOUKHYA's Journey

Rising EDM artist SOUKHYA's energy is genuinely infectious. Speaking about her transformative journey at the JBL Music Academy, she shares, “This experience has unveiled new insights about myself as an artist and the industry at large.” This sentiment echoes JBL's commitment to nurturing artists' talents, offering not just mentorship but a deeper understanding of their craft.

Roots in Melodies

Born and raised in the Bay Area, SOUKHYA's musical journey began with the foundational aspects of Indian Classical Music, fostered by her mother, who recognized her daughter's potential early on. “She always believed in my talent and enrolled me in music classes,” SOUKHYA recounts. Gradually, her love for performing English songs blossomed, leading her to explore the Bollywood genre as well.

In college, she expanded her horizons by joining the South Asian A Cappella team, an experience that ultimately paved her entry into pop music. By 2020, she was performing covers and gaining traction on social media, culminating in significant opportunities such as singing the National Anthem for the NBA Warriors and being the first Indian American woman to perform the anthem for the NHL.

A Passion for EDM

Transitioning into the EDM space fits her perfectly. “After two years of exploring various musical styles, I finally narrowed down my passion,” she reflects, emphasizing her intention to create authentic EDM tracks. The pivotal moment for SOUKHYA came in 2025 when she was selected to join the JBL Music Academy. Here, she not only honed her skills but also connected with industry legends, notably emerging partnerships with Martin Garrix.

Manifestation and Serendipity

Applying for the JBL Music Academy felt serendipitous for SOUKHYA. “I hesitated, but my intuition urged me towards it.” She recalls how a last-minute ad sparked her decision to apply, leading her to be shortlisted among a competitive group of U.S. artists. Strangely enough, SOUKHYA had put Martin Garrix on her vision board for the year, solidifying her belief in manifestation. “Being in Amsterdam felt surreal—like I was destined for this path,” she says.

The Future Looks Bright

With a laser focus on her craft, SOUKHYA is poised for greater heights. Her appearance at SXSW in Austin is just around the corner, where she'll debut some unreleased tracks. “This festival has been on my vision board for so long, and I can't wait to showcase what I've been working on,” she exclaims, expressing her gratitude for JBL as a collaborator.

Resonating with Fans

Her gratitude extends to the larger artist community. As SOUKHYA states, “JBL has been incredibly supportive. They are dedicated to amplifying our voices.” This partnership has provided her invaluable opportunities to engage with her audience and showcase her music, all while striving to radiate authenticity in her performances.

Listen and Celebrate

Much like a pulsating EDM track, SOUKHYA's journey is a crescendo of passion, mentorship, and hard work. As she prepares to embrace the spotlight, she sincerely appreciates her path, honoring both her roots and her aspirations. “I feel so grateful for every step I've taken, and I can't wait to see where this journey leads,” she reflects, underscoring the transformative power of merging passion with purpose.

Follow SOUKHYA's journey and catch her performance at SXSW alongside fellow JBL Music Academy artists! https://www.jbl.com/musicacademy