Who Is Jesse Rutherford? Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jesse Rutherford, born Jesse James Rutherford on August 21, 1991, in Newbury Park, California, is an American singer, songwriter, and former actor. From a young age, Rutherford exhibited a passion for performance, participating in local talent shows where he impersonated artists like Elvis Presley and members of NSYNC. His early exposure to the entertainment industry included roles in commercials and films. Notably, in 2002, he appeared in the film Life or Something Like It and had a role in an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise.
Rutherford’s early experiences in acting and performance laid the foundation for his future in music. During his teenage years, he was the lead vocalist for several local bands, exploring various musical styles and honing his craft. These formative years were instrumental in shaping his artistic identity, eventually leading to the formation of his own band.
The Neighbourhood: Fame, Hits, and Iconic Aesthetics
In August 2011, Jesse Rutherford co-founded The Neighbourhood, an alternative rock band known for blending indie rock, R&B, and hip-hop elements. The band’s lineup included Rutherford as the lead vocalist, along with guitarists Zach Abels and Jeremy Freedman, bassist Mikey Margott, and drummer Bryan Sammis. They adopted the British spelling of “neighbourhood” to distinguish themselves from other bands and to reflect their unique style.
The Neighbourhood’s debut single, “Sweater Weather,” released in 2012, became a significant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in June 2013. The song’s success propelled their debut album, I Love You., released in April 2013, which debuted at number 39 on the US Billboard 200. The band’s monochromatic aesthetic and atmospheric sound garnered a dedicated fanbase.
Over the years, The Neighbourhood released several albums, including Wiped Out! (2015), The Neighbourhood (2018), and Chip Chrome & the Mono-Tones (2020). Their music often explored themes of love, identity, and existential angst, resonating with a broad audience. In February 2022, the band announced an indefinite hiatus, citing the need to focus on their health and well-being.
Solo Ventures and Artistic Reinvention
Following his success with The Neighbourhood, Jesse Rutherford embarked on a solo career that showcased his versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles and personas. In 2017, he released his debut solo album, &, which featured a blend of alternative rock and R&B influences. The album allowed Rutherford to explore personal themes and marked a departure from the band’s signature sound. Two years later, he released GARAGEB&, an album created primarily using the GarageBand app on his phone, reflecting his desire to return to the basics of songwriting and production.
In 2020, Rutherford introduced an alter ego named Chip Chrome, a silver-painted character inspired by David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. This persona became the focal point of The Neighbourhood’s fourth studio album, Chip Chrome & the Mono-Tones. The character allowed Rutherford to explore themes of identity and the impact of technology and social media on self-perception. He described Chip Chrome as a “silver alien” that helped him embody his struggles with identity and addiction to social media.
In 2023, Rutherford continued his solo journey by releasing the singles “Joker” and “Rainbow” under the moniker Jesse®. These tracks delve into his personal experiences and emotions, with “Joker” addressing the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the face of public scrutiny. The music video for “Joker” features Rutherford in a theatrical performance, symbolizing his internal conflicts and desire for self-expression.
Style Icon and Public Persona
Jesse Rutherford is not only recognized for his musical talents but also for his distinctive and evolving fashion sense. His style journey began in his teenage years, working in retail stores like Vans and Urban Outfitters, where he developed an appreciation for unique and eclectic clothing combinations. He often explored women’s sections to create unconventional looks, blending vintage pieces with designer items, such as Louis Vuitton bags, to craft his signature aesthetic.
Rutherford’s fashion choices often blur traditional gender lines, embracing both masculine and feminine elements. He has been seen wearing pastel tea dresses, tight pants, and tattoo-revealing tanks, showcasing his willingness to challenge conventional norms. His hairstyles have also been a canvas for self-expression, ranging from black and white looks to fluorescent orange bowl cuts.
In 2022, Rutherford made headlines with his then-partner, singer Billie Eilish, when they appeared at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in matching Gucci pajamas and a shared blanket. This bold fashion statement exemplified their playful approach to style and their influence as a fashion-forward couple.
Rutherford’s public persona is characterized by his authenticity and willingness to embrace change. He has openly discussed his struggles with identity and the pressures of public perception, using fashion as a means of self-exploration and expression. His alter ego, Chip Chrome, introduced in 2020, allowed him to further delve into themes of identity and transformation, embodying a silver-painted character that represented a departure from his previous image.
Source: En.Wikipedia / Vmagazine
Jesse Rutherford’s Personal Life and Mental Health Advocacy
Jesse Rutherford‘s personal life has often been in the public eye, especially due to his relationships with notable figures. From 2015 to 2021, he was in a relationship with model and entrepreneur Devon Lee Carlson. The couple was known for their coordinated fashion statements and collaborations, including a limited-edition Valentine’s Day T-shirt with Marc Jacobs that sold out quickly. In late 2022, Rutherford began dating singer Billie Eilish. Their relationship garnered significant media attention, particularly when they made their red carpet debut in matching Gucci pajamas at the LACMA Art+Film Gala. However, the couple amicably parted ways in May 2023, with Eilish later referring to Rutherford as “one of my favorite people in the world.”
Beyond his personal relationships, Rutherford has been open about his mental health journey. In a 2020 interview on the podcast “L Devine’s Growing Pains,” he discussed his struggles with mental health and the challenges of navigating fame at a young age. He emphasized the importance of self-expression and the therapeutic role music has played in his life.
Rutherford has also participated in mental health advocacy initiatives. As part of Audacy’s “I’m Listening” campaign, he shared a playlist of songs that positively impact his mental well-being, highlighting the power of music in processing emotions. He described his go-to songs as “kind of a mixed bag,” reflecting the complexity of emotions and the diverse ways music can provide comfort.
Conclusion
Jesse Rutherford‘s journey from a child actor in California to the frontman of The Neighbourhood and a solo artist is a testament to his versatility and commitment to authentic self-expression. His willingness to explore different musical styles, embrace unique fashion choices, and openly discuss personal struggles has resonated with fans worldwide. Rutherford’s advocacy for mental health awareness and his candidness about his own experiences have further solidified his role as a relatable and influential figure in the music industry.
FAQs
- What is Jesse Rutherford’s most famous song?
- Jesse Rutherford is best known for “Sweater Weather,” a hit song by The Neighbourhood that reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in 2013.
- Has Jesse Rutherford pursued a solo music career?
- Yes, Jesse Rutherford has released solo projects, including the albums & in 2017 and GARAGEB& in 2019, showcasing his range as an artist.
- Is Jesse Rutherford involved in mental health advocacy?
- Yes, Jesse Rutherford has openly discussed his mental health struggles and participates in initiatives like Audacy’s “I’m Listening” campaign to promote mental well-being.
- What is the significance of Jesse Rutherford’s alter ego, Chip Chrome?
- Chip Chrome is an alter ego created by Jesse Rutherford to explore themes of identity and transformation, featured prominently in The Neighbourhood’s 2020 album Chip Chrome & the Mono-Tones.