Philadelphia-based guitarist and producer Ameya Deshpande makes cool, groove-laden instrumental music that straddles the worlds of jazz, funk, and neo-soul. His collective Ameyaxoxo finds him teaming up with saxophonist Chet Williams, bassist Miguel Cid, keyboardist Joab Alexander, and drummer Daniel Wilfred. Their debut EP, Who Knows (Vol. 1), is out now—celebrated with a sold out release show at Silk City Diner featuring Taylor Kelly and Joshua Peeler in August 2025, a night that marked a new chapter for the group’s growing presence in Philadelphia’s live music scene.

Born and raised in Pune, India, and now based in Philadelphia, Ameya continues to shape a musical voice that is equal parts contemplative and searching. A guitarist, composer, and producer by trade—but more accurately, a lifelong listener—his work draws from an expansive musical spectrum: jazz, post-rock, metal, ambient, and alternative songcraft converge not for effect, but out of necessity. The result is music that’s intricate without being showy, emotionally present without posturing—a sound both atmospheric and grounded.

In recent years, Ameya’s creative path has led to Who Knows, a genre-fluid collective that feels less like a band and more like a conversation in motion. Emerging from late-night jam sessions and shared musical obsessions, the ensemble is known for its groove-forward, improvisation-rich sound—one that resists easy categorization. Inspired by artists like Yussef Dayes, Tom Misch, and the wider UK jazz movement, the group weaves together lush harmonies, casual virtuosity, and a spirit of exploration. Their debut Who Knows Vol. 1 captures the warmth and spontaneity of these exchanges, featuring Daniel Wilfred (drums), Joab Alexander (keys), Miguel Cid (bass), Chet Williams (sax), and guest guitarist Dave Thaker.

Parallel to his work with Who Knows, Ameya’s solo projects under the name Ameyaxoxo continue to explore themes of memory, melancholy, and quiet wonder. His sophomore EP Turill—anchored by the standout single “Mango Hibiscus,” praised by Rolling Stone India as “guitar wizardry combined with soulful songwriting”—cemented his reputation as a distinctive voice in the modern instrumental space. Its follow-up, “Foxgloves Amethyst,” featured on the Maed Mixtape, was described as “a great travel song”—fitting for music that feels in constant motion, both geographically and emotionally.

Across his three EPs—Raining Cats, Who Knows Vol. 1, and Turill—Ameya has created a small but resonant body of work that continues to find new listeners. Songs like “Raspberry Ripple” have quietly amassed tens of thousands of streams, while live reimaginings of Turill—recorded in both Philadelphia and Pune—reflect his ongoing dialogue between place, collaboration, and performance.

Ameya’s musical footprint in Philadelphia continues to grow, with performances at Liberty Music Fest, Bob and Barbara’s, Nostalgia Fishtown, The Foundry, and The Fillmore Philadelphia, as well as a feature on WXPN FM Radio. Beyond his own projects, he remains an active contributor to the city’s music scene as a session guitarist, collaborating with artists such as Taylor Kelly, Thantophobe, Sudha Sai, dream by dream, and Dave Thaker—and in Pune alongside Shreyas Iyengar (Ballimaaraan by Piyush Mishra) and Rohit Lalwani (Lal and the People).

Earlier in his journey, Ameya performed alongside Indian post-rock mainstays including aswekeepsearching, Celestial Teapot, Zokova, and Stuck in November—experiences that continue to echo in his fluid approach to genre, form, and feeling.

A committed student of the craft, Ameya continues to learn from mentors Sanjeev Pandkar, Jake Howsam Lowe, Keshav Dhar, Sean Reeser, Elijah Cole, Erik Sayles, Taylor Kelly, and Warren Mendonsa—each of whom has shaped his thinking in subtle, essential ways.

What unites all these projects is a quiet devotion to sincerity: to music that doesn’t demand attention, but rewards it; to collaboration that feels like friendship; and to a lifelong search—for sound, for meaning, for something true.

A guiding quote from pianist Bill Evans captures his approach best:

“Just go with truth and beauty, and forget the rest.”

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