Shine: Tobias Jesso Jr's Emotional Journey Through Songwriting
Tobias Jesso Jr, a Canadian musician based in LA, gained recognition with his debut album "Goon" in 2015, drawing comparisons to 70s singer-songwriters like Randy Newman and Harry Nilsson. Despite the album's success, Jesso struggled with the spotlight and eventually put his career on hold. Over the next decade, he focused on songwriting, collaborating with artists like Adele, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, and Justin Bieber, winning a Grammy for songwriter of the year in 2023.
Now, after a decade of behind-the-scenes work, Jesso has released "Shine," a heartfelt follow-up to "Goon." The album, featuring only Jesso and his piano, delves into personal themes like his mother's dementia diagnosis and fatherhood. Jesso's breakup earlier this year inspired him to write for himself again, leading to the creation of "Shine."
With only eight tracks, "Shine" is a concise album that reflects Jesso's emotional journey. The songs, both new compositions and reworked ideas, showcase his introspective songwriting style. Jesso's approach to songwriting on "Shine" was to convey his personal experiences without relying on tabloid-style narratives or pop gimmicks.
While "Shine" retains Jesso's signature sound, it also reflects his growth as a songwriter influenced by his collaborations with pop artists like Justin Bieber. Jesso's commitment to authenticity in his songwriting sets him apart from mainstream pop trends, emphasizing the importance of artistic integrity in music creation.
Despite his success as a songwriter, Jesso remains humble and focused on his craft. He values working with artists who prioritize creativity and originality, like Olivia Dean, whose breakout album he co-wrote. Jesso acknowledges the challenges of maintaining quality songwriting in an industry increasingly driven by commercial interests and artificial intelligence.
As Jesso prepares for a new chapter in Byron Bay, Australia, where he plans to spend more time with his son, he reflects on the balance between work and personal life. "Shine" marks a return to the spotlight for Jesso, albeit on his own terms, with minimal promotional activities and a focus on sharing his music with audiences in a low-key manner.
"Shine" is a testament to Jesso's evolution as a songwriter and his commitment to authentic storytelling, offering listeners a glimpse into his personal journey and emotional depth.