Tobias Jesso Jr. Returns to the Music Scene: Here’s What You Need to Know

Tobias Jesso Jr. has recently acknowledged his awareness of the term “gooning.” In a candid conversation, the 40-year-old singer-songwriter remarked, “Somebody put me up on it and said it was about masturbation?” In a viral essay published last month in Harper’s, the term has been linked to a trance-like state achieved through extended masturbation—an association that Jesso, known for his 2015 album “Goon,” finds amusing. “Well, I’ve never done that,” he said with a laugh. “I got ‘Goon’ from ‘The Goonies’ — it’s just a brilliant movie. But I don’t care. If it sells more records, sure.”

Jesso’s return to the spotlight may surprise those who recall the fawning critics praising his debut. “Goon” resonated with many, drawing comparisons to the likes of Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, and Paul McCartney. However, Jesso quickly distanced himself from the limelight, opting instead to write for others, including Adele, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and Dua Lipa. His contributions earned him the title of Songwriter of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2023, and a nomination this month recognizes his work with Justin Bieber, Haim, and Olivia Dean.

Now, Jesso has released a follow-up album titled “Shine,” which debuted last Friday. The album is a stripped-down, introspective project that primarily features his voice and piano, showcasing his ability to convey strength through tenderness. Just last week, he announced the project with a music video for the song “I Love You,” starring Riley Keough and Dakota Johnson, friends he has known since moving to Los Angeles approximately 15 years ago.

“I hit them up and was like, ‘You girls think it’s about time I use your fame to get some extra clicks?’” Jesso shared during a recent interview at his home in Silver Lake. Keough, recalling the experience, noted, “It was a very Tobias ask.”

Reflecting on his motivations for returning to music, Jesso revealed that a personal breakup left him feeling profoundly depressed. Seated in a cozy den overlooking a lush garden, he explained that he had spent six weeks processing his emotions, resulting in songs that touched on heartache and family—specifically, his mother’s battle with dementia and his relationship with his young son. He candidly described feeling overwhelmed during songwriting sessions, sometimes struggling to articulate his feelings without breaking down.

For “Shine,” Jesso chose a more minimalist approach than his previous work. “I’m a dreamer, so I was like, ‘Imagine all the people I could have help me now that I didn’t have 10 years ago,’” he recalled. Despite ambitious initial plans that ultimately fell through, Jesso discovered the beauty of recording with a vintage Steinway piano he had restored. In his upstairs studio, he recorded “Shine” in real time, blending vocals and piano seamlessly.

The album features a handful of collaborators, including a striking drum fill by his friend Kane Ritchotte in “I Love You.” “The idea for the percussive outburst came to me after I’d consumed a bunch of mushrooms,” Jesso explained. This creative burst led him to capture some spontaneous magic in the studio.

Jesso describes the overarching theme of “I Love You” as a journey to locate and validate one’s inner child. “You’re wishing that the whole labyrinth would just be destroyed,” he noted, attributing the song’s emotional power to its raw, vulnerable state. His unique vocal style offers an intimate experience, inviting listeners to feel as if they are sitting beside him as he plays.

Friends like Keough have recognized Jesso’s struggle with vulnerability regarding his singing voice. “He always felt a sort of shyness, which is really interesting because he’s not shy at all as a person,” she observed. Jesso himself admitted that he often found his voice lacking compared to the songs he wrote for others. However, he has since come to embrace the idea that his voice is “perfect for my songs.”

Acknowledging the emotional weight of the recording process, Jesso initially found it intimidating to hear his unfiltered voice during mixing. He even contemplated whether he could release the album in its raw form. Yet, after some introspection and a moment of acceptance, he discovered a profound connection to the music and began to see it as a true representation of himself.

“Shine” is notably more straightforward than “Goon,” with fewer collaborators and a more organic feel. Jesso emphasized the importance of authenticity in his art, stating, “There’s no tricks. I didn’t auto-tune, I didn’t cut anything together.” He noted a sense of relief in approaching this project free from the pressures associated with previous success.

Looking to the future, Jesso indicated his intent to move to Australia to be closer to his son, a transitional phase that coincides with the release of “Shine.” “This album coming out and moving to Australia within the same couple months — it feels like a big moment of change,” he expressed. “Maybe I’m letting go of some old things, like music being scary, and embracing some new scary things.”

As he prepares for this personal shift, he remains reflective about the complexities of his artistic journey, wrestling with the balance between success and genuine expression. “I don’t really want to have a relationship with fans in that way. I feel very privileged that this is not my main job,” Jesso concluded, marking a new chapter both in his music career and personal life.