Washington indie pop band He Is We is currently in the midst of a nationwide tour and will stop by Durham's Motorco on July 31st . But...
Washington indie pop band He Is We is currently in the midst of a nationwide tour and will stop by Durham's Motorco on July 31st. But first, we caught up with singer Rachel Taylor and she told us about life out on the road.
Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you.
I'd say my music is 100% singer songwriter regarding the lyrical content and storytelling. The genre could be described as indie pop with heavy acoustic influences.
What's the first concert you attended?
I saw a band called Hillsong United when I was a kid and I absolutely fell in love. To see a band that didn't make it about them, but instead about serving others was SO incredible. In that moment, I knew that bands didn't have to glorify themselves. Musicians could serve others and give themselves to something that could touch the hearts of others.
What's the strangest gig you've played?
I got to open for good old MC Hammer at a festival/fair type thing. You better believe I hammer danced backstage.
What's the craziest thing a fan has done at one of your shows?
I had a fan surprise me by flying from the east coast to my city in Washington state. I had zero idea they had done it until I saw them standing in the venue. No heads up at all. Just flew on over for that show and got right back on the plane home. Pretty crazy dedication I'd say.
What's the first thing you look for when you hit a new town?
I always look for coffee and a burger of some kind. Anything to fill my tummy and keep me awake will be a priority to me on the road.
How do you spend your days on the road?
I am generally listening to music or looking up "family day" adventures for my guys and I. Bowling, a movie, or a theme park seem to frequently be on the list.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I make this concoction for my voice and do my warm ups while waltzing around the green room. I look like a moron, but I accept it completely.
What's some advice you'd give to a band embarking on its first tour?
Add 2 hours to whatever Google Maps says your travel time may be. Hydrate. Don't party if you plan on being successful early in your careers. Keep a clear head and take care of your body. Don't hook up with your fans because this is your job, take it seriously. Buy fruit chews and chewy bars for the road. Every pee break you take, grab a couple pieces of trash from the vehicle to throw away. Hand sanitizer and Emergen-C are lifesavers.
Final question: You're the opening act of a music festival. You can get any five artists, living or dead, to perform on the bill with you. Which five do you choose and what song do you all perform as the final jam?
I choose Queen, Imagine Dragons, Logic, Lady Gaga, and Linkin Park. We all perform "Bohemian Rhapsody" and it would be magical. If it were one of my songs, I would choose "Monster" from my She Is We record. It would just feel so right. Oh my word it'd be perfect.
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