SOUKHYA: The Rising EDM Star Shaping Her Destiny
Emerging from the vibrant Bay Area music scene, SOUKHYA is capturing the attention of music lovers and industry insiders alike with her unique sound and infectious enthusiasm. Describing her recent experiences at the JBL Music Academy as transformative, she says, “The classes have helped me learn new things about myself as an artist and about the industry.” This support exemplifies JBL’s dedication to nurturing both emerging talents and established artists, underscoring their commitment to the evolution of music.
A Musical Foundation Rooted in Tradition
SOUKHYA’s musical journey began with a deep-rooted connection to Indian Classical Music, where she spent 15 years honing her craft under the guidance of her mother, a talented singer herself. “As she was teaching me, she thought, ‘Oh, there’s some talent here; let me put her in music classes,’” she recalls. This early foundation sparked her passion for performing, leading her to explore a variety of genres, including English pop and Bollywood. While in college, her involvement with a South Asian A Cappella group helped her expand her repertoire, leading to her first performances of pop music covers on social media in 2020.
Breaking Barriers and Creating Opportunities
SOUKHYA’s bold steps into the music industry quickly led to noteworthy accomplishments, including performing the National Anthem for the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center before an audience of 20,000 fans. Moreover, she made history in 2020 as the first Indian American woman to perform the National Anthem for the NHL. Her growing presence was further solidified through appearances in two feature films and a social media following of over 500,000 fans.
Embracing the EDM Scene
While her background is diverse, SOUKHYA found her true passion in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. “The last two years I was experimenting with music, and now I know the direction I’m going,” she explains, emphasizing her commitment to crafting music that resonates with her evolving artistic identity.
In 2025, she was selected to be part of the JBL Music Academy—a significant endorsement of her talent. This initiative enables emerging artists to discover and express their unique voices through a variety of engaging workshops and industry panels.
A Serendipitous Connection with Martin Garrix
SOUKHYA’s journey with JBL feels almost serendipitous. She recalls scrolling through Instagram Stories when an ad for the JBL Music Academy caught her eye, stating that the application deadline was that very day. Acting on her instinct, she applied and was later thrilled to learn that she had been shortlisted in the U.S. “This is so crazy!” she exclaimed.
The process felt particularly poignant for SOUKHYA, as she had Martin Garrix—an internationally acclaimed DJ and producer—set as a goal on her vision board for 2025. Her inclusion in the Academy was validation that she was on the right path. “When I woke up to the email that I was selected to go to Amsterdam, I called my whole family, and we just jumped around and screamed on the phone together,” she shares.
Supportive Networks Fueling Her Growth
The support SOUKHYA has received from JBL has been monumental. “The JBL team is absolutely so amazing,” she says, highlighting how they prioritize their artists’ visibility and opportunities. This partnership has not only opened doors but also created spaces for her voice to be heard through platforms like Rolling Stone.
Excitingly, SOUKHYA is set to perform at SXSW in Austin, Texas, an opportunity she has long dreamed of. “I’ve had festivals on my vision board for the last two years, so having the chance to do this is just so exciting,” she exclaims, adding, “I am going to perform some unreleased music. I think this will be a festival where I can showcase myself as a true dance EDM vocalist.”
A Future Bright with Promise
Much like the pulsating beats of a high-energy EDM track, SOUKHYA’s dedication and determination are reaching a crescendo. The artist expresses profound gratitude for the opportunities she has received, especially with JBL as her partner. As she prepares for the upcoming festival season, including her performance at SXSW alongside other talent from the JBL Music Academy, SOUKHYA is ready to make her mark in the EDM landscape.
Catch SOUKHYA at SXSW alongside fellow JBL Music Academy artists like Chasyn, Kunle B, KCH, Calena, and Gaddi. More information can be found at JBL Music Academy.
