Jesse Rutherford (singer)


Jesse James Rutherford is an American singer, songwriter, and former actor. He is the co-founder and lead vocalist of the alternative rock band the Neighbourhood and hardcore band Valley Girl. Alongside his bandmates, Rutherford wrote the number-one Billboard Alternative Songs hit "Sweater Weather", which was certified eleven-times platinum in the US in 2023.

Early life and career beginnings

Rutherford was born in Thousand Oaks, California, on August 21, 1991. Since he was young, he has been involved in the entertainment industry; as a child, he used to perform in talent shows where he impersonated N'Sync members and Elvis Presley. This passion to perform would lead Rutherford to work in television commercials and in films and television projects such as his role in the 2002 film Life or Something Like It, followed by another role in the 2002 film Bundy (film)|Bundy]. In 2002, Rutherford had also a small television role in the Star Trek: Enterprise episode Marauders. Throughout his teen years, he was the lead vocalist of multiple local bands.

Career

His first solo project was released in 2011 with a mixtape named "Truth Hurts, Truth Heals". Rutherford combines hip-hop and R&B influences to create the 17 song album. In the same year, Rutherford was connecting with other local musicians when the idea of forming a new band came up. The genre-blending pop group the Neighbourhood was created soon after, presenting a mix of atmospheric indie rock, electronica, and hip-hop beats with melodic, R&B-influenced vocals. In 2012, the band released its first song "Female Robbery" which was followed by "Sweater Weather" off of their debut studio album "I Love You.". "Sweater Weather" was a radio hit which reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in June 2013. With The Neighbourhood, Rutherford played in several festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella Valley [Music and Arts Festival|Coachella].
In early 2016, Rutherford released his 144-page book, "&". It features pictures of himself, shot by Jessie English, that explores gender fluidity. Rutherford stated that he used clothes from his own closet, and he shot until he ran out of clothes.
In the same year, Rutherford branched out and began releasing songs on Soundcloud under the name "the Factoury." On November 10, 2017, Rutherford released his debut solo studio album, "&", containing 11 tracks with no features. It was previously announced on November 3, through an article from Pigeons & Planes. On December 17, 2018, Rutherford announced that he was going on his first solo tour in 2019.
On April 2, 2019, Rutherford announced a second solo album called "GARAGEB&", along with its album cover and the tracklist. The album was released on April 12, 2019. The album's name is inspired by Rutherford's rediscovery of his love for writing music as he was trying to fight his dependency on his phone and social media. Instead of using his phone to check his social media, he started using the GarageBand app to make music. Ten out of the album's 12 tracks were made on the app.
In March 2023, Rutherford signed to Atlantic Records and on March 28, 2023, released 'Joker' and 'Rainbow'. This was quickly followed by the release of the &ONE mixtape on August 18.
He began going by Jesse® in 2024, Rutherford released the first single of his new solo career album, "Shoot It Straight" on August 14. Followed by the singles "When I'm Sad" on August 23 and "Thinkin Too Much" on September 6. His third studio album was originally set to be self-titled as 'Jesse®' but was renamed to "Wanted?" days before its release on September 20.
After a three-year hiatus, Rutherford announced the reunion of their band, The Neighbourhood, on the bands official Instagram account. On August 29, 2025, a story was posted on the account stating that they have reunited and are back in the studio making and releasing music together.

Personal life

He dated EDM vocalist Anabel Englund. Beginning in 2015, Rutherford was in a relationship with Devon Lee Carlson, model and co-founder of Wildflower Cases. Together, they were elected "2019's most 2019 couple" by GQ. In 2020, they collaborated with Marc Jacobs to create a Valentine's Day limited-edition T-shirt. It sold out within minutes. In November 2021, multiple sources claimed the couple had split after 6 years of dating. The breakup was confirmed by Carlson in September 2022 on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
In October 2022, Rutherford started a relationship with fellow singer Billie Eilish. By May 2023, they had broken up.

Discography

TitleYearAlbum
Always Cold2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Beat Still Runs2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Fax Machine2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Wait and Wonder2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Gun Song2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Get Away2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Too Cool for You to Know2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
30 302011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Another Thought2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
I Want Head2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Out of Everything2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Listen Better2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Opposite2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Take This Down2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Therapy2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Drug Baby2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
I'm Right Here, Don't Worry2011Truth Hurts, Truth Heals
Born to Be Blonde2017&
Pretty Illusion2017&
Barbie and Ken2017&
I Think We Should Stay in Love2017&
BFF2017&
Bloom Later2017&
Drama2017&
Idk2017&
Dime and Dog2017&
Blame2017&
Guinea Pig2017&
Tunnelovision2019GARAGEB&
Girls & Boys2019GARAGEB&
R.I.P. OFF2019GARAGEB&
Puppy Love2019GARAGEB&
Junkie2019GARAGEB&
Hollywood Friends2019GARAGEB&
The N Word2019GARAGEB&
USAliens2019GARAGEB&
My Ways2019GARAGEB&
Bi2019GARAGEB&
Story of My Life2019GARAGEB&
Rock & Roll DJ2019GARAGEB&
SECOND RODEO2023&ONE
DX2023&ONE
TURN HEEL2023&ONE
AB&ON2023&ONE
LAW OF ATTRACTION2023&ONE
POV2023&ONE
#22023&ONE
MY WAR2023&ONE
OVERWHELMING2023&ONE
LAVENDER2023&ONE
CRISIS2023&ONE
Jesse®2024Jesse®
Shoot It Straight2024Jesse®
Know Better2024Jesse®
Thinkin Too Much2024Jesse®
Wanted?2024Jesse®
Guilty!2024Jesse®
When I'm Sad2024Jesse®
Spirit2024Jesse®
Órale2024Jesse®
Sorry2024Jesse®
Living Room2024Jesse®
Roses2024Jesse®