The Neighbourhood adds a new member to the group

The Southern California alternative indie rock band The Neighbourhood have made their mark in the music industry with their debut album I Love You. The band consists of tattooed lead singer Jesse Rutherford, guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels, bassist Mikey Margott, and drummer Bryan Sammis. During their performance at The World Famous KROQ’s 24th Annual Almost Acoustic Christmas, Rutherford announced that RiFF Raff (also known as Jody Highroller) is officially a part of the band.

Riff Raff came on stage while they were performing their hit single Sweater Weather and added his vocals to the song.

After their performance The Neighbourhood gave an exclusive interview to KROQ, Rutherford said they had planned on releasing the news for over a month.

He said, “KROQ needed to get the news first. They treated us so well.”

Riff Raff confirmed with tweeting a picture with the caption, “New Member of The Neighbourhood”

NEW MEMBER OF THE NEiGHBOURHOOD pic.twitter.com/pFE7QXAGyI

— JODY ROCK N ROLLER (@JODYHiGHROLLER) December 9, 2013

This unlikely alliance occurred when Rutherford and Riff Raff were playing basketball at the park in Los Angeles. Riff Raff told KROQ, “We didn’t even meet on a music tip. We just kinda vibed out, kickin’ it. And then we were friends. And the next thing you know, I’m doing music; he’s doing music. Then he had that Sweater Weather thing and they blew up. And I’m still doing music and we still kick it, so why not do songs together?”

According to Radio.com, Riff Raff is a self-made rap star signed to Diplo’s Mad Decent label. The rap star claims that James Franco character in Spring Breakers, Alien, copied his image.

With their dark, edgy and moody sensual sound it hard to put their music under one genre. The Neighbourhood have been called “dark pop” as they combine the elements of pop, rock, and the essence of hip-hop.

Now with Riff Raff joining the group it leaves the question of where the band is headed and what sound they will be producing. Rutherford said the sound will be for “strip clubs in space.” What that means exactly is still ambiguous, but well have to wait and see where it will leave the Los Angeles band.

Riff Raff and Rutherford called the collaboration an “evolution.” Rutherford said Riff Raff, “gives some contrast to The Neighbourhood.” Their goal through this eccentric union is to create a new music genre called “Neon Rock.”

Hopefully this new addition to the band is temporary and an experimentation. Below is their break out hit Sweater Weather.

Image: Wikimedia Commons.