Destin Conrad’s wHIMSY: A Masterclass in Collaboration and Musical Versatility for Emerging Artists

Destin Conrad is proving that his artistic influence should be no stranger to the lineup of modern-day music innovators. Since his early Vine days (if you know, you know), the up-and-coming R&B sensation and Tampa native has stepped fully into his very own manifesto of “I can be whatever I want to be.” Whether playing with different sounds to complement his sultry voice, writing Grammy-nominated songs alongside luminaries like Kehlani, or creating space for fellow queer artists, Destin is moving in ways that cement a level of closeness with his supporters.

Destin doesn’t shy away from a challenge, and just recently he pivoted in a bold way that feels even more complementary to his sexy R&B catalog. In late August, he released his first alternative jazz album, wHIMSY, which debuted at number one on Apple Music’s jazz charts.

“It was the most fun I’ve had making music in such a long time,” he shared on Instagram in the weeks leading up to its August 2025 release. That joy is evident in the 11-track project, and fans have been quickly taking notice.

Many listeners who came to love Destin for his R&B roots have reacted on social media, calling wHIMSY a beautiful and timely surprise for the fall and winter months. Jazz enthusiasts, meanwhile, have applauded his ability to collaborate with both the heavy hitters and emerging talent in the alt-R&B and jazz communities so intentionally.

Throughout wHIMSY, we hear from artists like Venna, a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist known for his work with Leon Thomas or Jorja Smith. We also meet Astyn Turr, a soulful singer-songwriter blending indie, R&B, gospel, and pop influences, and Vanisha Gould, a jazz vocalist and bandleader whose angelic voice feels like a force to be reckoned with. Add Grammy-winning songwriter James Fauntleroy and Conrad’s longtime collaborator Ambré to the mix, and it’s packaged impressively. Each artist has intentional space within the album, giving it a layered texture that feels curated.

Destin’s choice to work with such a range of voices and instrumentalists shows how he values collaboration as an art form. Since his debut EP Colorway and the follow-up Love on Digital, he has never shied away from surrounding himself with and crediting other talented creatives. Even his early work with Kehlani’s It Was Good Until It Wasn’t set the tone for an artist who sees music as a team effort. His projects feel like collective experiments where the kaleidoscope of vocal and production support contributes to the bigger picture.

That POV is what makes wHIMSY more than a genre pivot — it’s an expansion of community. By blending alternative jazz with elements of soul and R&B, Destin opens the door for listeners who may have never considered jazz before. And in tandem, he introduces jazz audiences to fresh voices from the R&B world.

Carefully tucked inside the album, he carries out this creative blend with poetry recited by Bay Davis. There’s an ode to Love, admiration to BedStuy, Brooklyn, jazzy syncopated rhythms and swing that help to paint the picture of vulnerability. Conrad’s creative prowess positions himself as a connector who thrives on building bridges between artists, sounds, and his listeners.

As a curator, this role matters so much for emerging artists. In a time when the music industry often favors virality over genuine substance, a project like wHIMSY reminds us that collaboration can be one of the most powerful ways to grow. For someone like Astyn Turr, appearing on a project with Destin means reaching an audience that may not have found her otherwise. For Venna, it reaffirms his ability to be adaptable as he moves seamlessly between genres. For Ambré, it adds another chapter to a creative partnership that strengthens her and Destin’s catalogs.

There’s an unintentional masterclass in Destin’s work, and it’s a lesson to keep close: build your own lane, experiment freely, but don’t do it alone. The relationships you make and the voices you bring with you can be just as important as your own sound. Destin has cracked the code on how to create harmony between both, and that balance has easily become his signature move.

wHIMSY is a beautiful listen and solid proof of Destin’s innovative nature. As he continues his Love on Digital tour this fall, fans will be hoping to hear a few wHIMSY tracks woven into the setlist. And knowing the collaborator that he is, there’s always the chance we’ll get a surprise or two — reminders that his art is never just about himself, but the community he continues to nurture.