The Neighbourhood

The Neighbourhood is an American rock band that combines a wide variety of genres in their music. Lead vocalist Jesse Rutherford had his musical beginning in hip-hop, and the band has incorporated that influence into their music as well as a classic black and white aesthetic that dominates their music videos and outfits. The band is comprised of Jesse Rutherford on vocals, guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels, and bassist Mikey Margott. They are easily recognizable by their signature upside-down house logo that is tattooed on every band member.

About The Neighbourhood

The band quickly gained a cult fanbase with the release of extended plays Thank You and I'm Sorry, which led to the rising success of their hit single "Sweater Weather." Their debut album, I Love You, was released in 2013, which brought them a wider popularity. The band has toured with many popular artists such as Travis Scott, Danny Brown, Imagine Dragons, and Charli XCX.

The Neighbourhood’s music style is diverse, and they have shown time and time again that they are not afraid to experiment with new sounds. The band has evolved over the years, and they have gone from making indie rock to integrating hip-hop with black and white themes throughout their music. Their music has been described as "dark-pop," and they have proven to be a dynamic and versatile band that is not afraid to take risks.

The band's creativity has come with some controversy. In early 2014, the band’s then-drummer Bryan Sammis left the band, and he claimed during a 2018 Instagram live that Jesse “kicked” him out, citing creative differences. He was replaced by Brandon Fried.

The band has released numerous albums, mixtapes, and EPs over the years, including their long-awaited #000000 & #FFFFFF, a "black and white" mixtape showcasing their full-blown abilities intertwined with the hip-hop world. The mixtape features tracks hosted by legendary DJs Don Cannon and DJ Drama. In addition, their third studio album, Self-titled The Neighbourhood, was released in 2018 alongside a music video for "Scary Love" starring Tommy Wiseau.

In 2020, the band released their fourth official studio album, Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones, which was the final album to be released under their contract with Columbia Records. It was heavily inspired by David Bowie’s alter ego Ziggy Stardust, and the band introduced a new persona to their discography: the silver alien Chip Chrome (impersonated by Rutherford) and his shadowy band, The Mono-Tones.

On a more somber note, the band has faced controversy with past members. In November 2022, a member of The Marías, María Zardoya, came forward alleging that Brandon Fried, the band’s drummer at-the-time, sexually assaulted her. The band ousted Fried from the band, and they have yet to announce a new drummer replacement.

The Neighbourhood has established themselves as a band that is not afraid to experiment with new sounds, take creative risks, and evolve their style over time. Their music is a perfect blend of indie rock and hip-hop, and they have proven that they have staying power in the music industry. Despite some past controversy, the band’s music continues to resonate with fans of all ages, and they have solidified their place in the music industry as a talented and versatile band.