John Batiste is a fashion icon. What is the true face of John Batiste as seen in his new album "We Are"?

Music and fashion. They have always existed in close proximity. Musicians have always been fashion icons, but in recent years, there are artists who have attracted the attention of the American fashion industry through their various activities.

John Batiste has been an ambassador for Polo Ralph Lauren Black Label and Barneys New York, and last year was chosen as a brand icon for Coach's fall/winter collection along with Michael B. Jordan and Jennifer Lopez.

Photo_Justin French Styling_John Moore

He is gradually gaining attention for his music in Pixar's latest film, "Soulful World," which was released last year, and for his energetic work with Black Lives Matter.

After making his debut as a jazz pianist, he says his goal with his latest album, "We Are," which was born out of his absorption of various black music styles, was to "create a work that reflected everything about myself.

Photo_Louis Browne

I wanted to create an album that you could watch as if you were watching a movie with your mind's eye. I wanted to make an album that contained all of my experiences and the influences I have received through those experiences.

The message of this album changes between the first half and the second half. The first half of the album focuses on songs rooted in society, such as the title track "We Are. The second half, on the other hand, is a life-sized depiction of John Batiste's own struggles with adulthood, including his own personal relationships and discoveries about himself.

The theme of his relationship with society may sound heavy, but the music is very light. Although he has often been described as a jazz pianist, this album is not bound by such genres, but contains 13 songs that evoke a variety of moods, including R&B, hip-hop, and soul.

For John Batiste, genres are created by others. He feels that it is unnatural to be forced into one genre.

I think it's natural for me to absorb and digest what I like and what I encounter in my life, and then fuse them together to create music. Jazz, R&B, folk, marching bands, and everything else I like to listen to, all blend together naturally, and I think that's how my style of music came to be.

Photo_Justin French

His genre-less activities are not limited to music. As mentioned above, when he appeared in an advertisement for a leading American fashion brand, his expression changed dramatically from time to time. His jacket style is not only reminiscent of so-called "jazzmen," but also has a wide range of styles that can be worn casually or modernly.

As if to point to this, the 2021 Fall Collection also features Kiko Mizuhara and other models in the visuals for Coach.

He is eager to come to Japan, as he says, "I would like to go to Japan as soon as possible to meet and hug you in person," but that may take a little more time. First of allthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)Check out the latest album from the "I'm a fan of the music" section, close your eyes and immerse yourself in the experience.