The band named after a joke about digital identity
In short: The Internet is not a network of cables, but a Los Angeles-based R&B collective. Born from a humorous response to a reporter, the group evolved from an Odd Future side project into a Grammy-nominated powerhouse, blending jazz, funk, and electronic music into a sophisticated sonic identity.
The band's origin is rooted in a moment of comedic irony. In early 2011, a member of the group Left Brain was asked where he was from; he responded by saying he would start claiming to be from 'the Internet.' This joke amused Syd, an Odd Future member, who adopted it as the name for her side project. The group eventually solidified its lineup with Matt Martians, Patrick Paige II, Christopher Smith, and Steve Lacy, releasing their debut physical album, Purple Naked Ladies, on December 20, 2011.
A sophisticated mix of funk, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic dance music characterizes the ensemble's sound. While their studio roles are fluid—with members contributing to various instruments—the band gained significant critical acclaim with their 2015 album, Ego Death. Released via Odd Future & Columbia, the album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album. The title itself served as a social commentary; keyboardist Matt Martians noted it reflected a world where many online personas are built on egos with no underlying substance.
Despite a period of individual exploration starting in 2017—where members released solo projects like Syd's Fin and Steve Lacy's Demo—the group remained active. They released their fourth studio album, Hive Mind, in July 2018, and performed at major venues, including a stadium debut at Scotiabank Arena in October 2018. As of September 2025, reports indicate the band is ending its hiatus to work on new material.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Internet (band)
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