He Is We -- About to Pop

By Marina Galperina Posted Mar 14th 2011 04:32PM

Who: He Is We
Video: 'Happily Ever After'
Hails From: Tacoma, Wash.
For Fans Of: Sara Bareilles, The Head and the Heart

Why They're About to Pop: Young musicians Rachel Taylor and Trevor Kelly emerged from the heavily hardcore scene of Tacoma, Wash., rebelliously indie. Heartfelt and poppy, the band-backed duo is currently on tour, spreading heartfelt tunes and diary-style confessions. Their single 'My Forever' hit No. 6 on Billboard's Heatseekers Album Charts and the band is just getting started, touching fans' hearts along the way.

PopEater caught with Rachel and Trevor to chat about their inspirations, exchanges with fans and and how bitter love makes sweet melodies.

Watch He Is We's 'Happily Ever After' Video

Nine Questions With He Is We:

How did you start the group and what do you think makes your collaboration work?

Trevor Kelly: We met working in an instrument rental shop/music store in Tacoma. I guess we never intentionally meant for it to become a duo.

Rachel Taylor: Magic just kind of happened.

T: Magic Johnson happened.

R: Our collaboration works because of our different backgrounds, carefree spirit and love for music, all types.

What's the music scene in Tacoma like?

T: Hardcore, baby.

R: Trevor and the guys who play with us live, Aaron, Harry and Carman, were all in hardcore and indie bands together. There is a lot of great music going on in the Northwest.

T: Aaron Sprinkle, Acceptance, This Providence, Death Cab for Cutie, the Head and the Heart. A lot of cool stuff going on in the Northwest.

How would you describe your music? What messages do you hope your listeners take away from your songs?

R: I would describe our music as my diary. I hope listeners take away the feeling that they are not alone. Hopefully, I voiced a feeling they've had and maybe never were able to verbalize.

What was the song 'Happily Ever After' inspired by?

R: I finally came the the point where I was so bitter about love that I almost made a joke out of it. That song is me taking love and testing it in a song. I sing over and over, "We all have a story to tell." You shouldn't measure your life and love based on others. Your story is yours.

As young musicians in the industry, what's the best advice you've gotten?

R: Don't take yourself too seriously. Don't start a song trying to write a hit.

T: Don't go chasing waterfalls.

R: Do what you do, little mama.

What's the best fan message you've received?

T: We get a lot of e-mails from couples about how one of our songs is "their" song. It's flattering that people want us to play for the first dance at their weddings.

R: There is a girl who wrote me an extremely moving note about a conflict within herself. She shared with me that the music we make helped her through it to a huge degree.

T: People share with us that our music helps when they're hurting and healing. It is so inspiring to hear. A fan, now friend, of ours wrote about his brother losing a fight with cancer and how our songs helped in that situation. A lot of our fans have dealt with some serious issues, and being able to be there for them one way or another is flattering and one of the most special and rewarding moments of being in this band.

Who would you love to share a tour bus with?

T: It doesn't have to be a musician, right? Jim Carrey. Hands down.

R: I was just going to say that!

T: As far as bands, we've been listening to a lot of Sara Bareilles and Maroon 5 this tour. Would love to hang out with them!

You've got the tour and a lot in store for your fans this year. What are you most excited about?

T: Connecting with our fans. Every city a new group of friends. That is the most important thing to us. Connecting with our listeners. Sharing stories. Being people. That is the premise of He Is We. No one person is above any other. We're all in this thing together. Might as well confide in one another. Encourage and be encouraged!

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