Ernest Weatherly Greene Jr., known professionally as Washed Out, has made significant contributions to the music industry, particularly within the chillwave genre. Emerging from his bedroom studio in Atlanta, Greene began his professional journey by producing lo-fi rock music under the name Lee Weather in 2008. However, it was his transition to Washed Out that marked a turning point in his career, as he gained recognition from influential music bloggers who discovered his tracks on Myspace. His early work was characterized by drowsy, distorted dance-pop sounds, drawing comparisons to contemporaries like Neon Indian and Memory Tapes.

In 2009, Washed Out released two extended plays that showcased his unique sound, leading to a debut performance in New York City at Santos Party House. His music gained further traction when his song “Feel It All Around” was selected as the opening theme for the acclaimed television series Portlandia. Greene’s signing with Sub Pop in 2011 solidified his status in the music scene, and his debut album, “Within and Without,” debuted at #26 on the Billboard 200, highlighting his growing influence.

Greene continued to evolve as an artist with the release of his second album, “Paracosm,” in 2013, which featured popular singles like “It All Feels Right.” His ability to blend genres and create immersive soundscapes has kept him relevant in the industry, as evidenced by his third studio album, “Mister Mellow,” released in 2017. This album was produced in collaboration with Stones Throw Records, further showcasing his versatility and commitment to innovation.

In recent years, Washed Out has continued to captivate audiences with new music, including his fourth album, “Purple Noon,” released in 2020. His latest project, “Notes from a Quiet Life,” announced in 2024, promises to further demonstrate his artistic growth. With a distinctive style that blends chillwave with hip hop influences, Washed Out remains a vital figure in contemporary music, consistently pushing boundaries and engaging listeners with his evocative sound.