Today, rising genre-bursting songwriter, singer and rapper Jez Dior releases his anticipated debut studio album, Handle With Care.
Get it at all DSPs HERE via Epic Records.
The 11 track project features recent singles “Don’t You Worry” and “Please Don’t Go,” along with previously released tracks “Cocaine” and “Nobody Knows (ft. Jackson Guthy).”
Along with the album, today Jez releases the official music video for “Please Don’t Go.” Watch the Johan Anderson-directed visuals HERE.
On the heels of 50 million-plus streams, sold out shows, and acclaim from the likes of Time, Billboard, Complex, Nylon, Hypebeast and beyond by 2019, Jez Dior pulls together hip-hop, alternative, and pop into a powerful and personal patchwork, sharing his struggles and story as if speaking candidly right from a therapist’s couch. With an unbiased and unfiltered space for thoughts, feelings and emotions, he encourages others to open up the same way.
About the record, he commented, “I’ve always used music as a form of therapy and writing Handle With Care saved my life. This album is the story of the first 27 years of my life and is the difference between me joining ‘The 27 club’ and living. The name comes from the fact that this project is my entire life up until this point bundled up into something very fragile and delicate—just like me. I wrote these songs while battling depression and overwhelming anxiety, while dealing with heartbreak, death, and psychological trauma. I know that this music will speak to and help anyone going through similar situations. I can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Written mainly over the course of the past two years with trusted collaborators ROME of Sublime, Chris Wallace [Lost Kings, Sheppard) and Matt RadChris Wallace [Lost Kings, Sheppard], Handle With Care captures those sentiments perfectly. Album highlight “On My Own (featuring Goody Grace)” features an acoustic guitar that resounds through a hazy beat as Goody’s soulful crooning gives way to confessional verses from Jez. He and Goody lock into a hypnotic hook that immediately captivates. Meanwhile, bright guitars gives way to handclaps and a sweeping choir on the uplifting and undeniable “Don’t You Worry.”
Between a six-string lead, an empowering hook exudes stadium-size ambition as Jez reassures, “No, I won’t let go. Through the highs and lows, don’t you worry, no.” On “Please Don’t Go,” his cadence slides from intense raps into a singalong chant backed by acoustic strumming.
To celebrate the release of the album, Jez Dior will make a special appearance tonight at Emo Nite in Los Angeles. Additionally, tomorrow October 5, Jez will host a special album release party for fans at the Hollywood Roosevelt. Click HERE to RSVP. Be on the lookout for tour dates to be announced soon.