The Grammy-nominated alternative producer and artist created his new album, New Growth, with the intention of highlighting moments in life that shift perspectives into the direction of acceptance.
From one Pisces to another, Jesse Boykins III and I had an engaging conversation about his album, New Growth. This is an album the 38-year-old said he wanted to create in order to encourage people to open up about their experiences and learn to accept themselves.
“My album represents, to me, like an emotional sanctuary,” Boykins said. “Where you can feel all the feels and not be ashamed of any of them and to actually be accepting of all the aspects of who you are.”
The Chicago-native combined various soundscapes such as R&B, West African Folk, Brazilian Samba infused with House and Electronic, creating a unique and soulful experience for listeners.
“I think being able to find ways to combine all of these feelings within a body of work is probably my favorite thing to do and those are some of my favorite albums,” said Boykins. “It makes me question things, makes me feel affirmed, makes me feel doubtful…I think all these different eras and all these different cultures of music-they all have their own version of what that is.”
In addition, Boykins worked as the creative director for the visual aspects of the album and designed his own clothes with costume designer Anjia Jalac. I asked him why he wanted to add personal touches to his wardrobe.
“When I was working on my album, you know, like I said, I’m a visual artist, so I see it,” said Boykins. “There’s all these things, I feel like pouring back into my artistry and so I want to wear it. I want to wear what my music sounds like.”
New Growth is Boykins’ latest album since he took a hiatus after releasing ‘Bartholomew’ in 2017. Since then, he has also founded a “Creative Sanctuary Agency”. This endeavor has created opportunities for many of his artistic pursuits including being the creative director for Masego‘s “A Love Letter To Black Women” starring actor Keith Powers.
In addition, Boykins has collaborated with Vic Mensa, Charlie Puth, Calvin Harris, Kilo Kish, and earned a Grammy nomination for co-writing Steve Lacy’s single “Playground“.
Boykins has known Lacy for many years and shared how they have a strong friendship, even saying Lacy would send him voice memos of songs.
“That’s my bro,” Boykins exclaimed. “I’ve known Steve [Lacy] since he was 15, I’ve known him for such a long time…When I first started writing with him, he would write on his iPhone and he would send me songs…That aspect of him being kind of progressive in that sense and resourceful, reminded me of a lot of when I was younger.”
Jesse Boykins III’s album New Growth is streaming now on all platforms.
