From Cape Cod bar band to Grammy-nominated rock act: the rise of Highly Suspect

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Starting as a local cover band in Massachusetts, Highly Suspect evolved into a genre-bending force. By blending alternative rock with hip-hop and electronic influences, the group secured multiple Grammy nominations and topped the Billboard charts, proving that a relentless commitment to sonic evolution can bridge the gap from dive bars to stadiums.

Formed in 2009 in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Highly Suspect began by performing covers of artists like Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd in local venues. The core of the band consists of Johnny Stevens on lead vocals and guitar, alongside twin brothers Ryan and Rich Meyer on drums and bass respectively. After relocating to Brooklyn, New York, the group began refining their own sound, releasing a series of EPs—including First Offense in 2009 and The Worst Humans in 2012—that laid the groundwork for their professional trajectory.

The band’s breakthrough arrived with their 2015 debut studio album, Mister Asylum, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album. Their momentum continued with the 2016 release of The Boy Who Died Wolf, featuring the chart-topping single "My Name Is Human." This track earned the band further recognition, including a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song. Throughout this period, their sound was frequently categorized as hard rock, blues rock, and grunge, reflecting their roots in guitar-driven music.

With the 2019 release of their third album, MCID, the band intentionally shifted their creative direction. By incorporating elements of hip-hop, pop, and electropop, they challenged traditional genre boundaries. This period also saw the expansion of their lineup to include Matt Kofos and Mark Schwartz, who contribute guitar and synthesizer work. The band has maintained a consistent output, releasing their fourth album, The Midnight Demon Club, in 2022, followed by their fifth studio effort, As Above, So Below, in July 2024.

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