U.S. Department of State

07/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2024 13:35

U.S. Global Music Ambassadors Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, and BRELAND Bring People Together Through Music in New Zealand, Canada, and South Korea

The U.S. Department of State announced today that Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, and BRELAND, kicked off their public service as U.S. Global Music Ambassadors recently by engaging audiences globally through music while traveling for tours, performances, and songwriting camps. As part of the State Department-YouTube's Global Music Partnership, which was recently announced by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, and YouTube's Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen, U.S. Global Music Ambassadors use their music to bring people together and promote peace worldwide on behalf of the American people.

Teddy Swims traveled to New Zealand July 4-7, 2024, as part of his sold-out 'I've Tried Everything But Therapy' Tour, where he engaged audiences on stage and in local communities across the country. In between his first ever sold-out arena shows, Swims participated in 'Red Nose Day' in New Zealand with an impromptu performance in Auckland, which helped raise awareness and support better health outcomes for children through medical research. Swims also visited a local school in Christchurch, where he met with youth and connected with them through his music. He is also traveling to Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, and Japan during the month of July as part of his tour.

From July 8-9, 2024, while in Canada to perform, U.S. Global Music Ambassador Jelly Roll visited the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, where he engaged with staff and patients, including Canadian youth, living with mental illness and substance use disorders through song and conversation. While there, Jelly Roll highlighted his own personal journey with mental health and addiction, the importance of combating fentanyl, and the positive power music has had on his own life.

Finally, from July 7-13, 2024, U.S. Global Music Ambassador BRELAND traveled to the Republic of Korea, where he participated in a songwriting camp with a South Korea-based record label and South Korean songwriters. While there, BRELAND met with Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.

To learn more about the U.S. Global Music Ambassadors, click here. For questions or more information, please contact [email protected].