Though he’s still navigating his early 20s, Jelani Aryeh possesses the maturity, ambition, and emotional depth of someone far older. From the jump, Aryeh found an audience that fell in love with his captivating, emotionally resonate songs, beginning with his hazy number “Delusions” in 2017. His sound has traveled a long way since then, which can be witnessed on his newest, and hugely replayable, single “Sweater Club.” Tapping into an irresistible beat, propulsive guitars, and apathetic lyrics, it’s easy to hear how the song shares DNA with his 2021 cut “From These Heights.” Its influences are equally eclectic, from Yung Lean and Wilco, Modest Mouse and the Least Likely To, whose presence can be felt in the bridge especially. Now, as Aryeh gears up for a big year with the release of his fourth album, The Sweater Club, it’s clear that his free-thinking approach encompasses the very best qualities of the new generation.
Read more: The future belongs to Yeek
Here, Aryeh walked us through the many songs that shaped “Sweater Club” and provided a glimpse into his creative process.
The Whitest Boy Alive – “Burning”
I’m not sure if I found this and sent it to Alex Craig (producer of “Sweater Club”) or if it was the other way around, but this song was definitely the genesis for “Sweater Club.” The guitar and bass are so addicting, and I think we wanted to capture a similar feeling.
Pinback – “Loro”
A lot of Pinback was played during the making of this album. After I discovered they were from San Diego, I played them almost every day. I feel like this song captures the breezy sleepiness of the city. Glad they’re making a comeback with kids.
Wilco – “Radio Cure”
I believe Jeff Tweedy is definitely one of the greatest American songwriters/musicians. More than anything, I think this song captured how I felt at the time of writing “Sweater Club.”
Modest Mouse – “Paper Thin Walls”
At the time I wrote “Sweater Club,” I was living in this brand-new apartment by myself — you know, those sterile white boxes that almost seem to be built in a day. It felt almost impossible to make music in there because I was afraid the walls were paper thin and my neighbors could hear every little ounce of noise. I would take the stairs instead of the elevator to avoid seeing people. Just existing felt like a fight, and every gaze felt piercing.
Jonatan Leandoer96 – “Off With Their Heads”
This song feels really manic and random but also earnest and raw. It’s a montage with quick images and impressions. It reminds me of driving through LA and seeing quick glimpses into people’s lives passing houses/apartments with open windows. Yung Lean has this charm about him where he can literally say anything on top of any kind of instrumentation and it’s gonna be sick.
Saint Etienne – “Who do you think you are?”
I bought this CD at a random store in Encinitas. In proper Gen Z fashion, I snagged it because I saw that Aphex Twin had a mix on it. I ended falling in love with Moira Lambert and the dubby sound. I think the song is speaking to another person in a relationship, but I’ve always interpreted it as her speaking more to herself. It’s like she’s checking/humbling herself, and I feel that shares a similar attitude to “Sweater Club.”
The National – “Don’t Swallow the Cap”
I still don’t know too much of the National’s music, but when my friend Stone sent this song to me, I was instantly in love. I think they capture melancholy perfectly. There’s a tinge of optimism to overcome the apathy in one’s life. I feel like “Sweater Club” and “From These Heights” share the same DNA.
The Least Likely To – “Be Gentle With Me”
Couldn’t tell you how I found this song or how it’s directly inspired the song, but I played the living hell out of it while making the album. I think it might come down to just making me feel nostalgic. It feels like early Barnes & Noble in 2004. “Sweater Club” lives somewhere around there and might’ve been something that came out around that time. The lyrics of the bridge in “Sweater Club” feel quite tied to this song.
The Velvet Teen – “Counting Backwards”
Fantastic album art, first and foremost. My friend Jasper Typical put me on to this. He has incredible taste and makes awesome music. I really like how the melody moves in the chorus of this song, though. It’s such a push and pull. The hook on “Sweater Club” kinda has that quality but less emphasized, and the instrumental isn’t mirroring the melody.
Wolf Alice – “No Hard Feelings”
They’re just great. Ellie Rowsell is such a force. She’s a shapeshifter who can really do anything at 100%. Alongside the more pulsing loud anthemic cuts, this one kind of sneaks up on ya and tugs at your heartstrings.
