"Free captures a moment of my life leading up to the summer of 2015 in which I was going through a transitional period and a process of breaking free of certain restrictions I may have had in the past that were keeping me for growing on a personal and musical discovery," he tells Radio.com over the phone from New York City.

While Simpson admits that he's still figuring things out, he hopes to share a piece of his life with listeners on his new releases. He says Free feels like his first album as it's the first time he's been able to create a concept and project from his own vision and execute it himself.

"It's the first time I'm able to share my authentic self with people as opposed to before it was people's reflection of me as opposed to my own which can be frustrating," he adds.

Free follows Simpson's first two major label release, 2012's Paradise and 2013's Surfers Paradise. He is no longer signed with his former label Atlantic and instead will release the album July 10 on his own record label, Coast House Records. The 14-track album is full of acoustic vibes and distinct reggae beats that bring to mind Jack Johnson and John Mayer, who Simpson calls inspirations. Mayer even shared some helpful tips with Simpson after the two met at a restaurant.

"I sent him a couple raw demos I had and he sent back some advice," Simpson recalls in disbelief. "It was unreal. Watching him play guitar is one of the most inspirational things that I can do to myself. He said, 'Nice detail' and 'That was sick."