Jesse Boykins III is a singer I am still discovering – his voice, his music, his spirituality. I totally slept on his music when a friend of mine told me to listen to him because he was « the new (and nowadays the only one) neo soul singer » – dixit Jamal. As for me neo soul is Bilal and D’angelo, nobody can really do better than them but we have to leave a chance to the new generation, mine, the youngest. I listenned and weren’t that much impress at first. Then I saw a video live of Amorous and I totally felt in love with the music. The song is beautiful, Jesse Boykins III is really great on stage. He looks like he did that forever; He is natural, funny, plays with the audience (the feminine part of the audience, lol), is in harmony with his band. It’s really pleasant to see artists like this on stage, just having a great time and so giving a great time to the public. This is why I contacted him to ask him a few questions about his music, his influences, his move to NYC, his friendship with Bilal and the future. Yes, Jesse Boykins III is working on a new album called « Love Apparatus ».
You were born in Chicago but grew up in Jamaica. How long did you stay there and what was the music you were listening to ?
I was in Jamaica for about 8 years… most of my childhood. I grew up listening and being around mostly gospel, church hymns but my uncles always jammed reggae in the car and when the family get togethers.
Why did you move to Miami and what did you do, musicaly speaking ?
At the time my mother was in miami, while I was in Jamaica. I just wanted to be with my mom, hence the move. I owe a lot of my sound and influence to my move because that is where I met my mentor Ms Shenita Hunt. She was my middle and high school choir director. She basically open my ears as far as what and how I listened to music.
How was it to come to NY to the New School University ?
The New York move happen so fast. I remember getting a phone call on tuesday requesting me to make the orientation and being on a flight the next day, with one suitcase some socks and underwear, a pair of jeans, 3 t shirts and a sweater. I forgot to pack a towel… HA! I was glad to be in a new surrounding though. I was on edge for my 1st week in NY.
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