Ameyaxoxo is the moniker under which Ameya Deshpande releases his solo music. Born and raised in Pune, India, Ameya is now an emerging voice in Philadelphia’s vibrant and eclectic music scene. A multi-faceted guitarist, composer, and producer, Ameya’s music draws from a wide palette—spanning jazz, metal, rock, post-rock, and alternative genres—to build soundscapes that feel both intricate and emotionally grounded. His work is frequently described as sonically adventurous yet accessible, deeply introspective, and technically refined, making it resonate with listeners far beyond the usual circles of guitar enthusiasts.

Ameya’s latest endeavor is Who Knows, a genre-blending collective that represents a natural evolution in his musical journey. Led by Ameya as guitarist and producer, the group was born out of late-night jam sessions and a shared love for groove-forward jazz that prioritizes both feel and musicianship. Taking cues from contemporary artists like Yussef Dayes, Tom Misch, and the broader UK jazz renaissance, Who Knows blends laid-back grooves, lush harmony, and live improvisation into a sound that feels distinctly their own. The music feels like a conversation between friends—casual, exploratory, and full of surprise.

Set to release their debut EP Who Knows Vol. 1 on June 14, 2025, the group features a tight-knit lineup of talented Philadelphia-based musicians: Daniel Wilfred on drums, Joab Alexander on keys, Miguel Cid on bass, and Chet Williams on saxophone, with special guest solos by guitarist Dave Thaker. The four-song EP captures the collective’s organic chemistry—crafted over countless rehearsals, jam sessions, and live gigs around the city—and offers a snapshot of where the band currently stands musically: somewhere between structured groove and free-flowing improvisation.

With this latest release, Ameya steps into a new role—not just as a guitarist or solo artist but as a bandleader and community builder. Who Knows is more than a band name; it’s a nod to the openness and curiosity that drives their approach to music. It’s an invitation into a space where experimentation is welcome, collaboration is essential, and every live show feels like a moment of shared discovery. Their live shows are becoming known for their fluidity, relaxed vibe, and the musical empathy between band members.

While Who Knows Vol. 1 marks a new chapter, Ameya’s solo discography continues to draw praise for its emotive intensity and compositional depth. His second EP Turill is a deeply personal work that showcases his voice as a solo songwriter and arranger. The project is anchored by the debut single “Mango Hibiscus,” which received glowing coverage from Rolling Stone India, describing the track as: “If ‘Mango Hibiscus’ is any indication, expect guitar wizardry combined with soulful songwriting, making it an exuberant prog offering that has plenty of repeat value.” The song blends fluttering guitar lines with expressive melodies, resulting in a sound that’s as lush as it is melancholic.

The follow-up single, “Foxgloves Amethyst,” was selected for the Maed Mixtape, a curated playlist by the Maed In India Podcast, and praised as “a great travel song.” Both tracks are examples of Ameya’s growing range as a composer—songs that are grounded in intricate musicianship but also rooted in feeling.

To date, Ameya has released three EPs: which include Raining Cats – Cat Kamikazee and Turill – Ameyaxoxo, with songs like “Raspberry Ripple” amassing over 30,000 listens across streaming platforms. The Turill EP was also re-imagined as a live performance, recorded at Oxford Recording Studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with collaborator Erik Scattareggia on drums, at Gray Spark Audio in Pune, India featuring Rohit Lalwani on bass and Kunal Rohit on drums, capturing the raw energy of the songs in a live, stripped-down setting.

Ameya’s evolution as an artist is also marked by his commitment to learning and growth. He continues to study with a diverse group of mentors including Sanjeev Pandkar (Strange Brew), Jake Howsam Lowe(Helix Nebula, Plini), Keshav Dhar (Skyharbor), Sean Reeser (Everything Yes), Elijah Cole, Erik Sayles, and Taylor Kelly, each of whom has played a role in shaping his guitar technique, compositional approach, and musical mindset throughout.

Beyond his personal projects, Ameya is a sought-after session guitarist in the Philadelphia scene. He has worked with a variety of artists across genres, including Taylor Kelly, Sudha Sai, Dave Thaker, and dream by dream, contributing guitar parts. Whether performing in small clubs, tracking in studios, or collaborating remotely, Ameya remains committed to creating music that’s sincere, immersive, and community-driven.

Ameya has also shared the stage with renowned Indian post-rock and experimental bands such as aswekeepsearching, Zokova, Celestial Teapot, and Stuck in November, experiences that have informed his genre-fluid approach to music. These live collaborations have helped bridge his Indian musical roots with the improvisational ethos of the Philly scene, forming a style that’s hard to categorize but instantly recognizable.

Ameya continues to write, record, and collaborate with artists from both Philadelphia and abroad, all while finding time to teach, produce, and refine his craft. As his journey unfolds, one thing remains constant: a quiet devotion to making music that feels honest, alive, and open to possibility.

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