Summer in Boston just got a new soundtrack: the third edition of its citywide mixtape. The City of Boston’s “Dear Summer Vol. 3” features a variety of genres representing neighborhoods across the city, including up-and-comers from the Berklee College of Music, local legends and artists with Boston roots who’ve received national attention.

Chimel “Real P” Idiokitas, DJ, and co-executive producer and curator of all three “Dear Summer” volumes, said this year’s mixtape is a bit different than the previous iterations.

“It has a lot more, I think, diverse sounds,” Idiokitas said. “On the past two, we leaned a lot on R&B and hip-hop. This one’s still a good handful of R&B and hip-hop, but we lean a lot into the alternative, the rock. So I’m very proud about it.”

“Dear Summer Vol. 3” features six DJs living across Greater Boston, from Stoughton to Revere. The special DJ mixed version of the mixtape is available on Soundcloud, where listeners get an extended, roughly two-hour cut that also includes interstitial cameos from prominent Boston voices, like Mayor Michelle Wu, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Imani Paris Jeffries, executive director of Embrace/King Boston.

On Spotify and Apple Music, “Dear Summer: Vol. 3” is more akin to a playlist, featuring 17 local artists like rising stars Cousin Stizz and Divine Sweater, longtime local musicians like Lisa Bello, and emerging performers like Berklee New Artist awardee Lauren Jean.

John M. Borders IV, the tourism, sports and entertainment director for the City of Boston and co-executive producer of the “Dear Summer” mixtapes, noted that he’s still looking to expand the reach of the mixtape series before Volume 4.

“We’re probably gonna take submissions, recommendations and nominations for Volume 4,” Borders said. “Submissions, nominations, hearing more from (the) community, who you all want on there.”

Borders and Idiokitas share a vision of Boston as a city where artists can base their careers, not just see the city as a stop while on tour. But accomplishing a lively artistic culture comes with investments, local partnerships and strategic planning. Borders said “Dear Summer Vol. 3” is just one creative way that Boston is recognizing local talent, and inspiring collaboration with the city’s many music scenes.

“It’s one thing to get your flowers externally, but to have your own city champion your voice and your work…there’s something to be said about that,” Borders said.

Guests

  • Chimel “ReaL P” Idiokitas, DJ, and co-executive producer and curator of the “Dear Summer Vol. 3” mixtape.
  • John M. Borders IV, tourism, sports and entertainment director for the City of Boston, co-executive producer of “Dear Summer Vol. 3.”