Jimmy Nevis has just released his new album, The Masses. We caught up with him to talk about his musical influences, favourite tracks and his personal style!
GLAMOUR: Tell us about the album.
Jimmy: Well, the album is entitled The Masses – it’s for the masses and about the masses. It’s pop music, and I think what’s great is that I was able to use my pop platform to promote social and political awareness through some of the content I was writing, such as abuse as well as just shining a light on minorities. I talk about my career and there’s a song called “Tokyo”, which is really a metaphor for a state of mind, so there’s quite a lot of deep content.
GLAMOUR: What were your musical influences on the album?
Jimmy: I co-produced the album with Ashley Valentine, which was new for me. There are a lot of urban influences, tribal and oriental, so it’s quite culturally diverse. I think it was so cool because there are very few occupations that allow you to experience the same thing for the first time again. I knew what to do, it’s not like I haven’t done the album thing before, but I’d never made music like this before. I’ve never written about things like this before, so it was completely new for me and it was such a liberating experience because it felt like the next level. This is also why we chose ten tracks, I didn’t want to ever feel like, you know, maybe “I don’t like this song” or “this was forced” I wanted to be sure about all the tracks. I think it’s just a very community driven and inspired album.
GLAMOUR: Do you think there’s something for everyone on the album?
Jimmy: Absolutely. I think that’s the joy of pop music it’s a constantly evolving machine that can take on different genres and make it available for everyone. So what would be normally very exclusive is now free for all. There’s something so beautiful about it and how it relates to the community. Like I said it has this tribal vibe, but there’s an acoustic track on there, there’s something that’s maybe a bit more melodic, there’s something that’s very experimental, like a bit of a dance track on there as well. I think there is something for everyone.
GLAMOUR: What’s your favourite track?
Jimmy: There’s a track called “Blue Collar”, which is a reference to blue collar workers and minorities, people throughout the lower levels. I feel it sets the tone for the rest of the album in terms of content and production. But I think “Horizons”, which is the opening track, sums me up as a person. There’s quite a diverse mix of sounds and harmonies within this one song, I feel like it’s such a whirlwind rollercoaster ride. I feel like it defines who I am right now as a human being.
GLAMOUR: Who would you like to work with locally?
Jimmy: I’m all about energy. I’ve been in studio with some really awesome people but if you don’t connect on a creative level then what exactly are you doing? I don’t like to force stuff. I look up to and would really like to work with Lira. I think she’s an amazing crossover artist, I’d love to put her on something that’s more my vibe and hear what she can do with it, maybe just shake things up a bit. Beatenberg are also such awesome guys, loving their stuff at the moment. And Mafikizolo are amazing, I’d love to collaborate with them.
GLAMOUR: How would you describe your style?
Jimmy: I think it’s quite grungy but like in a very sophisticated way. I feel like you can tell class immediately from a person by what they wear and it’s not always about what you’re wearing, but how you wear it. I’ve gone through some crazy changes – like when I started, I can’t believe it – but I actually performed in pyjama pants one time, but I felt like I made it work! I have huge respect for the fashion industry and I think it’s important to support local brands and empower our own people.
GLAMOUR: You’re always rocking a bandana. What’s the story behind that?
Jimmy: I take ownership of the bandana. I was doing a shoot one time and somebody had a bandana and I was like, “Oh, let’s try a bandana” because at that stage I’d never actually worn. And I thought it looked cool. I think it’s an awesome trend for summer and I’ve been seeing it everywhere. I think it’s such a cool, original, throw back look.
GLAMOUR: Who are your style icons?
Jimmy: I used to love Kanye West. I still do, but not to the point where I want to mirror him anymore. I’m really into colour these days. When I wear Kim Gush, her clothes are very black and white, then I feel like that’s the Kanye moments.
GLAMOUR: Who’s your celeb crush?
Jimmy: I’ve always thought that Chiano Sky was really beautiful, she captivates me. Also there’s Emily Blunt, maybe it’s her accent as well. I like women who are just naturally beautiful, I think.
GLAMOUR: What’s next for you?
Jimmy: I’m doing a nationwide album tour, as well as a Musica signing tour.
