Release of latest album is all academic
POP singer Jimmy Nevis has revealed that he used his knowledge as a sociology student to come up with lyrics for his new album.
The Cape Town-born singer and songwriter released his latest album, The Masses, last week through David Gresham Records and Rude World Records. The album comes shortly after the release of his latest single, Day Dream (Last Night).
“As a sociology student, I was inspired by my courses – and so inspiration came from a new place, I guess the academic world,” Nevis said.
Although the majority of the tracks on the album were written in August and September, Nevis’s approach to songwriting has been moulded over the past two years.
For this album, he was able to express his opinions and thoughts in a mature and creative manner for the first time.
“It was easier to express myself,” said the pop singer, known for his song Heartboxing. “I found myself writing these songs fairly quickly. I never really struggled once I was in the groove.”
The Masses was produced by Ashley Valentine, who also produces for Locnville, Kwesta and Chad Da Don, and was recorded in Nevis’s private studio earlier this year.
With The Masses, the pop singer’s aim was to inspire others with his message and talk about issues that went beyond the love-hate pop structure.
“It’s all about you – the fans, the people, the country and the world,” he said.
Nevis singles out Horizon as his favourite song on his new album.
“It’s a song that is production-driven – just a beautiful composition.”
Nevis, who got his big break when the American label Ultra Records signed him, said his fans can also look forward to something new, something old and something borrowed in his latest album.
“I think people can expect to be moved emotionally and physically. These songs sum up who I am as a human being right now and I couldn’t be more proud of that.”
The 21-year-old, who lives in Athlone, said he would be doing a South African tour to promote his new album.
“I’m actually really looking forward to doing the inner parts of Joburg and Durban.
“We usually just cover the main venues and hopefully we get to go into the smaller areas across the country. We are definitely doing Cape Town as well. Got some great summer gigs planned as part of the tour.”
The Masses will soon be available in all major music outlet. “This is a new era and a new wave of music for me. I hope you feel it as much as I do,” said Nevis.