Kevin Abstract, also known as Ian Simpson, was born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1996. He’s an artist with no boundaries, incorporating everything from alternative rock, hip-hop and R&B in his music.

Abstract released his most recent album, American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, on Nov. 18, 2016. It’s an album that explores the insecurities and emotional intensities of his high school years.

“I don’t know what it is about high school, but I’m attached,” Abstract said. “The empty hallways. The teachers. They made me feel so much. Even if [some of it] was bad.”

Abstract’s music recounts his experiences with depression, failed relationships and being an outlier in society after relocating multiple times, as well as coming out as gay.

Growing up as an nonconformist in a mostly white suburban Texas town, his peers would often give him backhanded compliments, voicing that he was not like “other black kids.”

He first began making music in high school and formed a collective called AliveSinceForever back in 2011, later disbanding and re-forming with new members as Brockhampton in 2015.

Abstract’s most recent album, American Boyfriend, was executively produced by Michael Uzowuru, who has collaborated with Frank Ocean. The album has a similar sound to Frank Ocean as well, who happens to be a role model to Abstract.

When Ocean first came out as bisexual through a letter he posted on Tumblr in 2012, it was a breakthrough moment for Abstract, who had been struggling with his identity and still continues to do so.

“I had just had my first experience with a dude,” Abstract said. “It was just like, thank you. It saved me.”

Although working with Uzowuru might have left a sound similar to Ocean’s, Abstract’s individuality on his album was apparent through his lyrics.

Like other outcasts, Abstract had resorted to the internet, using social media as his solace and paved his way to success via internet subculture.

Many people utilize the internet to create their own characters, but Abstract showcases his charming vulnerability. He stands as a beacon for change; his tweets are inspiration for progressive and creative minds.

The online world plays an important role in Abstract’s daily life. The retweets and likes have aided in his rise to stardom but also contribute to the further dilemma of his identity and self-perception.

When asked about how his art will look in the next couple of years, Abstract has voiced his trouble with envisioning his work because it’s hard to know who he will be.

However, the most beautiful abstract of Abstract is that Kevin Abstract does not even know who Kevin Abstract is.

“I just want people to be able to put on American Boyfriend and accept not to know,” Abstract said. “To not know anything about everything.”

Abstract serves as a role model and an inspiration to those who have yet to figure out who they are. He keeps on creating despite his existential crisis and encourages his fans who are undergoing something similar to do the same.