After coming in sixth place on last year’s season of American Idol, Casey Abrams knew he wanted to make an album, he just wasn’t sure when.

The young singer from Idyllwild, California figured he would wait a year or two before recording anything and even then, he assumed he would make the album on his own. That was until AI judge, Randy Jackson stepped into his life once again and got the ball rolling.

Abrams self-titled debut, due out June 26, is an eclectic mix from a singer who performed both Nirvana and Nat King Cole on the 10th season of the reality show. Abrams told CBS Local that his new album is made up of “simple songs with a lot of instrumentation.” The 21-year-old plays 11 different instruments including the guitar, upright bass and the melodica.

All ten songs Abrams wrote for the album are based on his own life experiences. The first two singles from the record, “The Simple Life” and “Get Out,” are laidback tunes about falling in love and just enjoying the modest pleasures while relaxing in a hammock. But it’s special guest, Haley Reinhart that will probably get fans most excited.

The two Idol alums, who shared a close bond on the show, recorded their own bluesy cover of the Ray Charles classic, “Hit the Road Jack.” Abrams said that the minute Haley got into the studio with him, things just seemed to click.

Though Abrams doesn’t see a J.Lo collaboration happening anytime soon, he is open to working with other Idols, specifically this season’s big winner, Phillip Phillips.

“He’s pretty tight,” Abrams said. “I’d love to play bass under one of his songs or something.”

As someone who didn’t win the whole thing, but managed to break into the music business, Abrams offered a few words of wisdom for all the recent send-offs. Specifically noting that they’ll need a lot of skill and a little bit of modesty.

-Shannon Carlin, CBS Local