Jesse Rutherford & Expression

The Neighbourhood’s frontman Jesse Rutherford is making a great living off of doing absolutely anything and everything he sets his mind to. The artist bleeds creativity and has been continually expressing himself in new, bold ways.  This last February Jesse collaborated with Australian photographer Jessie English to release a 144 page book entitled "&" filled with 2,965 photos of himself.  Maybe a little self-involved, but that seems to be the point.  Jesse puts his life on the table as honestly as possible and we eat it up.  

The book contains zero words, only images presented in the exact order in which they were shot. With the goal of expanding on expressions of gender fluidity, the two shot until Jesse ran out of his clothes in his wardrobe.  The book serves as an ode to rock iconography.  It’s unique and offers next to no explanation, but, by this point, fans of the artist have come to expect the unexpected and to simply appreciate it for what it is.   

The book is just one of the outlets for Jesse's budding creativity.  Simply being the lead singer of a rock group seems like it's just not enough.  The artist put his creativity on display with band’s decision to release a rap-tinged mixtape that steered completely away from their initial release before even releasing their sophomore album.  The idea was conceived and its creation was magic.  Entitled "#000000 & #FFFFFF" the mixtape flaunted Jesse's vocal talent while featuring the likes of YG, French Montana, and G Eazy.

Another of Jesse’s most recent creative outlets that I have really been engrossed in recently is his monthly release of music on soundcloud under the alias of “The Factoury”.  The initial track “Cell Phone Trap” was released in February as a predecessor to the “&” book release. 

The track features a continual loop of the apple ringtone, mixed with a smooth R&B beat that blends perfectly with Jesse’s autotuned voice.  It’s a unique form of pop that is simply fun to listen to.  The rest of “The Factoury’s” releases are no less impressive or unique with the exception (in my opinion) of the most recent release which sampled the “Stranger Things” theme song.  Even if I didn't enjoy this particular track it was still an impressive arrangement and I appreciate the fact that he's able to have fun creating his art.

I think that’s the thing with Jesse Rutherford.  These varied displays of creativity are simply expressions of his different personalities.  He's growing just like the rest of us and it's a joy to be able to observe his inner-self projected before us as he continues his journey as an artist and person.  It seems that every action of Jesse's is done simply because he wants, and, as long as that's the case, he has at least one loyal fan.