ICYMI: Brooklyn band Strange Neighbors dropped a new music video, that we are ashamed to say we didn't get to until now, for their song “Hate Me Less,” directed by NJ Scenesters Biff Swenson and Dana Yurcisin. The video follows the release of their second album, People Pleasers Pleasing People, which came out in April on Mint 400 Records.
In the video, a main character moves through dreamlike memories of a relationship that didn’t work out. The scenes are full of emotion, and the band plays in the middle of busy city streets, showing how small people can feel during hard times. The video mixes fast and slow moments, much like the ups and downs of a breakup. It ends with a powerful band performance, bringing energy and a sense of release.
“Hate Me Less” starts with a calm guitar riff and slowly builds with strong vocals and catchy melodies. Singer Aidan Strange says the song came from thinking about a breakup that should have ended sooner. “I was worried about hurting someone’s feelings, but waiting only made things worse,” Strange says. “This song is about regret, memories, and learning to move on.”
Strange Neighbors is made up of four close friends: Aidan Strange on vocals, Beau Valentine on drums, Dana Bennewitz on bass, and Zach Schweikert on guitar. Each member brings something special. Strange’s voice is theatrical and expressive, Bennewitz adds a smooth rhythm, Schweikert plays bright guitar parts, and Valentine gives the songs a steady indie rock beat.
The band’s sound blends pop-rock with feelings of teen movies from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their music feels both emotional and fun, with clear vocals and catchy guitar lines. It's like a mix of Empire Records, Josie and The Pussycats and Clueless soundtracks with catchy indie pop earworms all over the place.
People Pleasers Pleasing People was recorded in Catskill, New York, by Mike Dwyer. The band celebrated the album’s release with a live show at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn on April 17 where they absolutely slayed the audience. Watch the video and you'll get a taste of why people are talking about this band!