Telemakus

Telemakus, a 23-year-old Indian-American artist hailing from the Bay Area, is a multifaceted musician, self-taught pianist, producer, and composer. Born to Indian and Mauritian parents, his musical journey began at the age of 12 when he delved into song production, later expanding his skills to learning jazz piano at the age of 17. He grew up in a creative household, encouraged by his mother, an artist and painter, and his older brother, a poet. Telemakus now resides in Los Angeles, California.

Recently graduating in 2023 with a B.A. in Cognitive Science from UC Davis, Telemakus is not just a musician; he’s a cognitive artist, exploring the intersection of music and the mind. His 2021 debut album, “The New Heritage,” is a striking fusion of jazz and funk, that garnered critical acclaim, boasting over 5 million streams, and selling out vinyl copies over 3 global represses. The album caught the attention of influential media outlets such as The New York Times, BBC Radio, WBGO, NPR, and Okayplayer, solidifying Telemakus as a rising star in the jazz and hip-hop community.

Telemakus has earned accolades from renowned artists like Flying Lotus, Butcher Brown, CARRTOONS, and Kiefer, underscoring his growing influence. He has also studied extensively with Grammy-winning pianist Taylor Eigsti. His live performances are a creative marriage of sonic and visual elements, and usually provide audiences with a preview and interpretation of his previous, upcoming, and unreleased albums. Telemakus continues to push boundaries, incorporating influences from modern jazz and hip-hop into his unique sound, collaborating with notable musicians from all fields of music, including CARRTOONS, ROHO, Tim Anderson, Julius Rodriguez, Corey Fonville, Ted Taforo, Nicole McCabe, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Flying Lotus, and more.

Beyond his musical prowess, Telemakus has faced and triumphed over personal challenges. Diagnosed with a genetic condition, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, he’s embarked on a continuous, brutal journey of recovery. Successfully finding treatment, he overcame the odds, even learning to write and play songs with his feet—some that will be featured on his new album in 2024.

Telemakus’s musical roots run deep. He began listening to jazz and hip-hop at the age of 5. His early years, spent creating beats for rappers, laid the foundation for his artistic evolution. Unreleased works from ages 14 to 17 showcase his dedication and growth as a musician. His biggest influences are John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Robert Glasper, Miguel-Atwood-Ferguson, J Dilla, Madlib, and DJ Harrison. From producing his own records to collaborating with members of Toro y Moi, and other renowned producers, Telemakus has now emerged as an enigmatic figure in the Bay Area music scene—an artist’s artist, resonating with a diverse audience.

The future is bright. Telemakus met renowned booking agent Tom Windish in 2021, sparking an on-going collaboration that has led to tours across the U.S.. His journey is captured in an upcoming documentary with a VICE editor, set to release alongside a future album. As Telemakus continues to shape the landscape of jazz and hip-hop, his dedication to his craft, resilience in the face of challenges, and commitment to creative exploration make him an up-and-coming figure in the world of music.