Boston is buzzing with excitement as Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment unveiled Dear Summer Vol. 3, the latest edition of the official summer mixtape. Released on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, this initiative emphasizes original songs and DJ mixes from talented artists across Greater Boston, showcasing the city’s vibrant cultural identity while promoting local music talent.
Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her enthusiasm about the mixtape, stating, “Summer in Boston is a truly special time for our residents, families and communities across every neighborhood. We are proud and grateful that incredible talent calls Boston home, and that these amazing artists and creatives create space for community and culture building all year long.”
Wu went on to highlight that Dear Summer Vol. 3 embodies the very essence of Boston’s creative scene. The mixtape features 17 local musicians mixed by 6 prominent DJs, reflecting the rich diversity and talent present within the city’s neighborhoods.
“This year’s Mixtape proves that Boston’s creative scene isn’t just alive, it’s evolving,” commented John Borders IV, Co-Executive Producer and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment. “We’re proud to continue uplifting local artists whose talent resonates far beyond city limits. Boston has a sound that deserves to be heard around the world, and through this initiative, we’re making sure it is.”
The mixtape project has gained momentum and recognition, with Borders describing it as more than just a collection of songs.
“It’s a movement,” stated Borders. “As momentum grows, other cities are taking note and will follow suit based on what we’ve started.”
Dear Summer Vol. 3 features a diverse array of music, including genres such as Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Soul, Alternative, and Afrobeats.
Among the participating DJs are:
– DJ Cha, based in Dedham
– DJ Lysse, based in Stoughton
– Brat Attack, associated with Berklee/Greater Boston
– SuperSmashBroz, based in Roxbury
– ProSwervez, based in Mattapan
– Towfu, based in Revere
Chimel “ReaL P” Idiokitas returns as Music Curator and Executive Producer for this year’s mixtape, alongside John Borders IV and Brittany Lee, the Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment.
Idiokitas expressed his passion for music, saying, “For me, it’s always been about discovering it, refining it, sharing it, and then ultimately bringing those incredible sounds to the forefront. ‘Dear Summer Vol. 3’ is a direct reflection of that. It’s high-quality and innovative tracks from artists who are absolutely helping to shape our city’s sound.”
He hopes that the project empowers local artists to continue producing exceptional work while growing their audience right in Boston.
The mixtape features a talented roster of participating artists:
– Aniyé Music, a Soul artist based in Berklee/Greater Boston
– Cousin Stizz, a Hip Hop artist from Dorchester
– Divine Sweater, an Alternative artist in Greater Boston
– Dutch ReBelle, a Hip Hop artist from Milton/Mattapan
– EXITFAME, a Hip Hop artist based in Roxbury
– Kyle Ray, a Country artist in Berklee/Back Bay
– Leia, a Latin artist based in Berklee/Back Bay
– Lauren Jean, a Pop/Soul artist based in Berklee/Fenway
– Lisa Bello, an R&B artist from Hyde Park
– ODIO, an Afrobeats artist from Dorchester
– PVRIS, a Pop artist based in Lowell
– ZAMA, an R&B/Afro-Caribbean artist in Boston/Melrose
– RIJAH, an Acoustic Soul artist based in Berklee/Fenway
– Soap.Wav, a Hip-Hop/Alternative artist from Cambridge
– SVMBV, an R&B/Soul artist based in Brockton
– Tamera King, an R&B artist from Dorchester
– Yanna G, an R&B artist based in Dorchester
EXITFAME, one of the featured artists, shared his heartfelt gratitude for being part of the mixtape. “I’m honored and grateful to be part of the Boston Music Mixtape. Six years ago, I was at rock bottom—being included in something this meaningful wasn’t even a thought back then,” EXITFAME articulated.
He further articulated the emotional journey behind his music, touching on themes of transformation and resilience. “Through my music, I share the harsh realities of poverty and the consequences of bad choices. But I also highlight the comeback—the transformation—and what God can do in the life of someone who starts from the bottom.”
The mixtape features contributions from notable Bostonians, reflecting the city’s diverse neighborhoods, backgrounds, and communities, including:
– Mayor Michelle Wu
– Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley
– Dr. Emmett G. Price III from Berklee College of Music
– Imari Paris Jeffries from Embrace Boston
– Dr. Noelle Trent from the Museum of African American History
– Gee Spin of OVO Sound 42
– Colette Phillips of Get Konnected!
– Bobby Boyd from The Record Co.
– Latoya Lee from Berklee College of Music
– Dart Adams from Boston Legends/Everyone250
– Callie Crossley from WGBH
– Senator Liz Miranda from the MA State Senate
– Josh Bhatti from The Bowery Presents
– Terri Lyne Carrington from Berklee College of Music
– Michael Curry from the MA League of Community Health Centers
Additionally, Marquis Neal from Dorchester served as Lead Studio Engineer, with Berklee College of Music student Adalia from Hyde Park contributing as a producer.
Dear Summer Vol. 3 is now available for streaming on multiple platforms, including SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music, and can be accessed at boston.gov/dearsummermixtape.
image source from：caughtindot
