The vibrant energy of New York City’s music scene recently converged at The Bowery Ballroom, where the genre-defying collective WHATMORE commanded a sold-out crowd. This landmark performance on March 14, 2024, came on the heels of a relentless tour schedule, including a show in Washington, D.C., just the night before. The quintet – Cisco Swank, Elijah Judah, Jackson August, Sebastiano, and Yoshi T – has rapidly transitioned from an underground buzz to a formidable presence in contemporary music, a journey marked by a critically acclaimed debut album, viral social media moments, and a coveted slot at Coachella. Their meteoric rise, while seemingly sudden, is the culmination of over a decade of shared musical evolution and an unwavering commitment to authentic expression.
The Genesis: A Decade in the Making at LaGuardia High
The roots of WHATMORE stretch back to the hallowed halls of The Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts, a prestigious institution renowned for nurturing artistic talent. It was here, as freshmen instrumental majors, that the five members first connected. Sebastiano, Jackson, and Elijah honed their skills on the saxophone, while Yoshi mastered the clarinet, and Cisco excelled on both drums and piano. This intensive classical and jazz training provided a foundational understanding of musical theory and collaboration that would later inform their unique sound.
Yoshi T, reflecting on their formative years, affectionately described LaGuardia as a "corny music school for corny people," emphasizing the endearing, unpretentious environment that fostered their creativity. Unlike traditional high school settings, LaGuardia prioritized artistic achievement, where "the lead in the musical" held the equivalent status of a star athlete. This unique cultural landscape, which also counts luminaries like Timothée Chalamet, Kelis, Jennifer Aniston, and Ansel Elgort among its alumni, immersed the young musicians in a melting pot of diverse artistic disciplines, encouraging experimentation and a broad appreciation for various art forms. The shared experience of navigating this intensely creative environment forged a bond between the members that transcends typical band dynamics, manifesting as an almost familial camaraderie characterized by inside jokes and an effortless rapport. This deep-seated connection is palpable, both in their studio work and their electric live performances, lending an organic authenticity to their collective output.
Forging a Collective Identity: From Solo Projects to ‘WHATMORE’
Following their graduation from LaGuardia, each member embarked on individual musical endeavors, exploring personal artistic visions while maintaining a constant stream of collaborative projects. This period of independent growth allowed each artist to cultivate their unique voice and production skills, enriching the collective’s eventual palette. The formal inception of WHATMORE as a unified entity solidified when Cisco Swank was slated to perform a showcase at Williamsburg’s intimate Baby’s All Right venue. This event served as the catalyst for the quintet to officially join forces, pooling their individual talents into a cohesive unit.
The creation of their self-titled debut album, WHATMORE, released in October 2023, was characterized by an unconventional yet highly effective creative process. Yoshi T recounted their method of imposing strict two-hour time limits for songwriting sessions. "When that timer ended, if we were still f*cking with it, we’d keep going, but usually we’d just switch," he explained. Sebastiano further elaborated, likening their approach to a "Frankenstein" method: "We would just pick and choose what we would take out, and what we would keep." This disciplined yet fluid songwriting strategy enabled them to rapidly generate a diverse array of musical ideas, fostering spontaneity and preventing creative stagnation. The result was a debut record that impressed critics and listeners alike with its remarkable cohesion and self-assurance, defying expectations for a first-time effort.
A Sonic Tapestry: Blending Genres and Evoking Nostalgia
WHATMORE stands as a testament to the collective’s diverse musical backgrounds and their refusal to be confined by genre. The album is a rich tapestry woven from threads of rap, jazz, and indie-pop, creating a sound that is both fresh and distinctly nostalgic. For a generation that came of age with artists like Tyler, the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, and Rex Orange County, the album resonates with a particular emotional depth, reminiscent of the personal connection often forged with music during adolescence. This unique appeal has been instrumental in cultivating their devoted fanbase.
While the group’s hip-hop leanings have drawn comparisons to collectives like Brockhampton, WHATMORE’s sound remains inherently singular. No two tracks on the album are identical, showcasing their eclectic influences and instrumental prowess. The opening track, "never let me go," offers a hazy, introspective journey into alternative rap, with lyrics that meditate on the complexities of rapid maturation. In contrast, "jenny’s" veers into indie-punk territory, a guitar-driven ballad exploring themes of fear, failure, and wasted time. The album also features high-energy anthems like "chicken shop date," a quick and assertive track whose music video, appropriately, captures the quintessential Brooklyn chicken shop experience, further cementing their New York identity.
The band’s New York City upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping their sonic landscape. The early independence afforded to city kids, navigating public transport and curating personal soundtracks to their commutes, deeply ingrained a diverse musical palate. Elijah Judah, the band’s producer, articulated this connection: "I feel like as soon as we started doing that, we were also creating soundtracks to those commutes." He emphasized how these sounds intertwine with memories and emotions, ultimately blending to form their unique artistic taste. This rich tapestry of urban experiences and diverse influences directly informs the distinct character of WHATMORE’s music, making it a reflection of their environment as much as their individual talents.
The Modern Ascent: Viral Moments and Expanding Worlds
WHATMORE’s ascent has been significantly amplified by the digital age. Their ability to go "viral on TikTok" was a pivotal moment, leveraging the platform’s immense reach to introduce their unique sound to a global audience. This organic spread of their music across social media platforms quickly translated into tangible success, including sold-out shows and, notably, a booking at the prestigious Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – a significant milestone for any emerging artist and a clear indicator of their growing mainstream appeal. This blend of authentic artistry and strategic digital engagement highlights a blueprint for modern musical success.
Beyond their debut album, WHATMORE continues to expand its artistic universe. On March 13, 2024, they released "A-Side / A-Side," a series of double singles featuring "still loitering" and "2000’s pop punk rnb." The promotional trailer for this release, set in a lecture hall and inspired by fourth wall-breaking cinematic techniques seen in films like The Big Short and series like Euphoria, underscores their ambition to build a rich narrative world around their music. Jackson August articulated this vision: "We’re just trying to build a world. I feel like with a group, you have this superpower where there are so many different influences, stories to tell and characters to build around." This approach allows them to leverage the collective’s diverse perspectives, creating a multi-faceted and immersive experience for their audience.
The Live Experience: A Testament to Fan Devotion
The recent sold-out performance at The Bowery Ballroom served as a powerful testament to WHATMORE’s burgeoning fanbase and their potent live presence. The line of eager concertgoers snaked around the block twice, a clear indicator of the anticipation surrounding their homecoming show. Among the dedicated attendees was Lindsay Harner, 27, who had been so captivated by their Philadelphia performance just days prior that she immediately purchased tickets for the New York show. Sophie Wei, 25, who traveled from New Jersey, encapsulated the sentiment of many fans, stating, "I don’t know, they’re just a couple of guys who just sound like they have a really fun time, and I really respect that. And, I can tell they get hype."
Inside the iconic venue, WHATMORE delivered on every expectation. The band members moved with an infectious energy, singing, rapping, and repeatedly diving into the crowd, creating a dynamic whirlpool of enthusiastic bodies. The reciprocal energy between the band and their audience was palpable; not only did concertgoers know every lyric to WHATMORE, an album barely six months old, but a remarkable number had already memorized the words to the newly released singles, "still loitering" and "2000’s pop punk rnb," which had been out for less than 24 hours. This extraordinary level of fan engagement underscores the deep connection WHATMORE has forged with its listeners.
The highlight of the evening undoubtedly arrived with the closing performance of "east side with my dogs," a clear fan favorite. After a classic encore "fakeout," the band returned to the stage to thunderous applause, launching into a powerful reprise of the track that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The raw energy and genuine connection displayed during the performance solidified WHATMORE’s reputation not just as talented musicians, but as captivating performers capable of creating unforgettable live experiences.
Implications for the Future: Redefining the Collective in Music
WHATMORE’s trajectory signals a significant shift in the contemporary music landscape. Their success challenges traditional genre classifications, demonstrating the increasing fluidity of musical boundaries in an era where digital platforms allow for unprecedented cross-pollination of styles. Their emphasis on a collective identity, rather than a singular frontman, echoes the spirit of previous influential groups while adding a modern, internet-savvy twist. By actively "building a world" around their music, they are not merely releasing songs but crafting an immersive artistic experience that resonates deeply with a generation seeking authenticity and connection.
The band’s organic growth, fueled by both grassroots efforts and strategic digital engagement, offers a compelling case study for emerging artists. Their journey from high school friends to a sold-out Bowery Ballroom act, with a Coachella debut on the horizon, exemplifies the power of sustained collaboration, artistic integrity, and an innate understanding of modern audience engagement. As WHATMORE continues to evolve, they are poised to leave an indelible mark on the music industry, redefining what it means to be a collective in the 21st century and inspiring a new wave of genre-bending creativity.
