10 Quick Ones with RACHEL TAYLOR of HE IS WE – March 2018

According to a recent press release: “Rachel Taylor found inspiration for the name He Is We while growing up in the beautiful San Juan Islands of Washington State. Shy and awkward, Rachel found solace and empowerment through her love for music and God. She quickly learned to focus her angst into writing and singing. She took a risk and shared her music with others and discovered that the joy it brought them doubled the joy it gave her. This was the impetus for her extreme passion to use her music as a means to reach others like her. She teamed up with a Tacoma music store co-worker, Trevor Kelly, and shared her vision for He Is We.” We get Rachel to discuss new music, influences, and more in our 10 Quick Ones…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

This entire record is a compilation of letters written to loved ones and fans. I found the words and finally decided to expose my demons. This record is all about the purest form of vulnerability.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Music is my oldest friend. I discovered that being an introvert was tough because I needed outlets. A church friend gave me a guitar and I became obsessed. I began showing my family what was happening inside me by using music. I finally felt understood at around 13 years old.

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

The Killers, Say Anything, Bright Eyes, Nirvana, and Enya

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

Sia would be a dream to work with. My dear Lord she is a boss.

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

My music is a storytelling party that allows the instruments to emotionally guide the words toward the chorus. Easy to listen to and hopefully something to relate to.

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

There is no better feeling than hearing that my struggle wasn’t in vain. There is no greater gift than knowing that my pain was used to heal someone.

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I am obsessed with cooking. I guess you could say I’m kind of a mom on the road. My guitar player would generally whip out the acoustic while I’m baking the bbq chicken.

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

I would love to be a paramedic or pediatric nurse. I still want to go to school. Someday.

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”?

I wish I’d  educated myself in the ways of the industry before I dove in. I’ve lost a lot of amazing people along the way and I take responsibility for not leading the way I should have. I didn’t realize I was hurting people because of all this mess. Luckily, I’ve been blessed with a great team and immersed myself in ensuring everyone is treated the way they should.

10. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I’d love to have been a fly on the wall during all NWA’s recording sessions. Just to be in the presence of that much greatness would be incredible.

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Category: Interviews