#51 - We Three - 'Love Me', art and honesty
'We Three' are an Alt Pop band from Oregon, USA comprised of three siblings - Manny, Bethany and Joshua Humlie. They were the 2018 semi-finalists of America's Got Talent and have built a large and passionate global audience with their viral videos and songs that tackle issues including mental health, gender identity, religion, LGBT issues, love and more. On this episode, we chat about their brand new album 'Love Me', their writing and recording process, their fanbase, social media, the music industry, honesty in songwriting and...the awkward question. Hear our conversation at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedypodcast
TRANSCRIPT
JAMES KENNEDY
Hello and welcome to this bonus episode of the James Kennedy Podcast. That's right, we're dropping some gold outside of season, baby. Now, I know I said I was disappearing off the face of the planet to plough all my time into finishing this goddamn book. But, you know, sometimes opportunities come along and you just have to say fuck it. And this is a case in point. And it means that you lucky listeners also get a cheeky extra episode. Just when you thought it had all gone quiet over here. Well, it's been far from quiet. Let me tell you, I have indeed been burying myself deep into writing this new book. But I've also been rehearsing my ass off with the handsome bastards in the James Kennedy and the Underdogs juggernaut who will very soon be gracing a stage in literally two weeks from now. And did I mention our acoustic EP, which is out on August the fourth?
If you're not already on our Spotify app or our YouTube pages by now, then do yourself a favour and sign up to all of them and bathe in the knowledge that you're vaguely helping an independent band, but also far more helping an evil, multimillion dollar tech company. And who doesn't want to do that? So there's lots coming up at Underdog HQ as we prepare for our upcoming hometown headliner before nipping off to the Beautiful Days Festival, where, as well as having two full band slots, I'll also be joining some talks and maybe even doing a solo show. So if you're gonna be there, make sure you come along and hang out, man.
But now, on this bonus episode of the podcast, I think it's time to move on to the guests. And that's why you heard me right? I said, Guests plural because today we've got not just one, not just two but three guests on the show. The Talented, the Brave and the lovely Manny, Bethany and Joshua, otherwise known as the ass kicking, Internet breaking alt pop trio, We Three. Nw we did have some transatlantic WiFi gremlins in places, but hopefully it won't detract too much from the listening experience because these guys have got a super interesting story and a tonne of stuff coming up, including an awesome, awesome album coming out this very week as well as a huge international tour, and we get into a whole bunch of stuff in what was a really fun and insightful chat.
So before I pass you over, please remember to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. And don't forget to leave your comments and ratings, as it's always good to hear your thoughts too. But for now, here it is. My chat with the wonderful We Three. I really hope you enjoy it.
WE THREE
James. Hi. How are you?
JAMES KENNEDY
There we go. Got you. How are you doing, guys? Good to see you. Thanks for joining us, man. What's up?
WE THREE
We've been looking forward to it.
JAMES KENNEDY
Well, guys, you've been busy, man. I mean, there's so much stuff I want to get into, so many questions and you've got a load of stuff coming up as well. We're gonna get into all that. So I don't want to delve too much into the back story because you guys have been over that so many times in interviews. But the problem is is that your your back story is so damn interesting. So we're not gonna We're not We're not gonna park up on it, but if we could just do, like the one minute kind of, for those people that don't know you guys yet, if you could just give us the one minute bio of who are We Three and what interesting stuff has happened along your journey so far?
WE THREE
Yeah. I mean, for those of you who don't know us, I would say one thing what's very interesting is we have three siblings. And we have been in a band for 10 plus years. We forget the number we're gonna say We've been siblings since we've been for 10 plus years. The last five years, it's always been 10 years. Yeah, I was just saying we've been in a band for a while. Like when we actually started this. But we had the opportunity to go on Americas Got Talent back in 2018, I think. And, super, super cool. We never thought that would be something that we would do at all. But the opportunity just kind of presented itself. We went on the show. They seemed to like it. We made it to the semi-finals. We gained a huge following and just kind of continued to push from there. So we really do owe a lot to Americas Got Talent. It really propelled us into our career today. And then after that, we got to work with some. We've been able to work with some great team members, and release, we're we're on our fifth project now, our fourth, album and a bunch of singles and, yeah, just getting to do kind of living a dream. It's We're kind of we pinch ourselves almost every day. It's like, this is this is pretty rad.
JAMES KENNEDY
It's insane, man. I mean, like your your fan base and the love you guys get on your socials and online and everything is completely justified. But it is of a different level, isn't it? I mean, what do you guys attribute to that connection that you've got with your fans. I mean, I don't think I mean, there's loads of people that have been on, you know, TV reality shows and stuff like that and we've got our versions of it over here as well. But I mean, most people, then you don't hear them hear of them after that. But you guys have just been propelled into, like, a different level. And like I said that the level of love that you've got with your fan base is is very like, special and unique, isn't it? What do you attribute that to?
WE THREE
So sweet of you to say so. I mean, I think we didn't want to disappear after the show. Nobody wants to disappear after the show, and that's Yeah, we were definitely aware of that. And so we saw the show as more of just a tool, not trying to downplay it. But that wasn't like our goal, so we weren't very, even very starstruck when we were on there. It was just kind of like, No, this is to the next so that we can get to the next phase But, that's what that's what Simon said. Actually, that he said, This is the platform. So there was a lot of hard work. There were ups and downs and there's still ups and downs and there's gonna be in the future. But, the fans, really we didn't realise what kind of a fan base we had for the longest time, because, you know, this is our first fan base and So, we just really didn't know.
But the more we travelled, the more shows we played. And, you know, we could we go across the pond, play shows and spots we've never been. And the fans were so consistent. Everywhere we went, the energy was the same. And then we would have people, at the venue start to talk about our fans. That's really what I started to know is they would come up and just be like, You have one of the most energetic fans, like passionate fans, but so respectful, so kind. But they also are ready to have a good time. They're like, I don't really see this very often. And so I don't know why we have, brought them to us. But we're not gonna stop whatever it is because we really do love them. So that's the best answer I can give you because I, I they they inspire us to keep working on. They're lovely. We just put out we put out music that, that makes us nervous on the regular, and, from the beginning, I think the first couple of songs that we did that with their response kind of just showed us. Oh, OK, so this is what first of all they want from us, and we can do this, and they're gonna receive it. And so it's just kind of very symbiotic.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. The yeah, the honesty means a lot. And it goes a long way, and I think that we just realise, Wow, a lot of us just feel the same way. Like, we relate in a lot of things. We have the same struggles. No matter what side of the pond you're on and, yeah, it's pretty astounding. They they check in on us frequently too. Just, you know, they haven't heard if we haven't been on socials or whatever for a while. We get messages saying, Hey, just checking in. Are you OK? So sweet. I think it's just the the similar energy that is going back and forth. We're giving it to them. They're giving it back to us, and that naturally, just kind of expands. I think if you have that that good, supportive energy, our concerts feel a lot like there. So yeah, it feels like.
JAMES KENNEDY
That's a beautiful thing, man. I mean, I I've got, it's pretty difficult. I think when you're in the middle of the tsunami, to kind of to appreciate it because you're in it, you know? But I would say that, looking in as a spectator, you know, it's like I think that not obviously the music kicks ass and the band is awesome. But I think, like Josh, you said bravery. I think and and openness and honesty, And I think that is a massive part of it. Your lyrics are so raw and open and honest, and they touch on themes that everyone goes through in some form or other. And you do it without any sugar coating, and you know, you're laying yourselves bare. And I think that when you do that and you let yourself be vulnerable, as Bethany said, you know, it's like it's so much more relatable and real, isn't it? You know what I mean? And and and that makes people, then they just they stick to that. They gravitate to that because they know that you're not lying to them. They know that you're speaking their truth as well as your own. And I think your lyrics are awesome guys as well as the music. Of course, you know. But, I mean, you deal with some pretty heavy going subjects, man, without without messing around, you know.
WE THREE
You know, it's unintentional, but that's kind of heavy, isn't it? So we're gonna talk about those things. And so, but yeah, like you said, it's scary every single time I made a rule, a while back where If I show people a new song the it has to make me uncomfortable to share it with them to, like, have them listen to the lyrics that I'm saying. And if it doesn't, it usually means I'm not being honest enough. Not being enough. I need to kick over 50 love it.
JAMES KENNEDY
And are the lyrics all like 100% you know, from direct personal experience, Or is there some fiction in there as well?
WE THREE
Yeah, I would say 99%. Like, you know, there might be. I think there's a song that was on a record that was like storytelling, but, no. 99% of it is all true. True stories. Stuff that we gone through.
JAMES KENNEDY
Well, that's incredible. I mean, I love the lyrics personally. I mean, they they really stand out to me. And there's a tonne of stuff on the on the new record that I want to talk about in terms of, the lyrical content. But we'll come onto that in, in a 2nd. 1st, I want to talk about the making of the new album because, I mean, you know, you guys are an interesting juncture in your journey now. I mean, you're a point in your career where you are, like, fully yourselves, doing your own thing on your own terms. So what was the process like of making this record, you know, Did you enjoy it? Was it arduous? Was it quick and easy? I mean, tell us Tell us about the background to making this new record.
WE THREE
One thing I think that was cool is, there's a producer that we started working with two records ago. And so with this one, I feel like we started working with him like early, And I think that's one thing that changed that it was really, just added a new depth and a new level and just a lot more fun Yeah, he actually got to fly out here. He was in the studio and everything. So yeah, we made the whole thing right over there and my little studio. But, this one was slightly unique for me because it almost, we weren't planning on making a record as a songwriter, you know, you have a back catalogue of just hundreds and hundreds of songs songs you forgot about. And that's kind of where I was. I wasn't at the point of like, putting a record together, and then all of a sudden, our management was like, I need a record like, now. And I was I got freaked out and I started writing a bunch, and I remember both of you were like, No, you have songs, Let's go through the catalogue. And so this is almost like, Yes, there were songs written after and stuff like that that are on there. But it's almost a lot of like that catalogue stuff, Which was kind of ironic. Yeah. Yeah.
So I got to finish it, and, and like you're saying, had a producer come out and he finished the entire record in two weeks. He came out. I mean, I had a lot of it recorded and stuff, but then he came out. We all sat down for two weeks straight and, just banged out 18 songs. Jesus Christ, his his his His demos are less and less demos.
JAMES KENNEDY
That's insanity. Two weeks. My God, you're putting us all to shame, guys.
WE THREE
It was that's that's, Bill Zimmerman. He is so fast. He's in ninja on the computer that some of the stuff that he does is like wild. I think I'm fast on stuff. And then I see him doing it like, so But, yeah, it was a very cool experience. Very different than yeah.
Yeah, but then it still came together consensually. Yeah, I just ended up. There were so many songs that, you know, didn't end up making it. And then the ones that did we just keep finding reasons why they're supposed to be on this project together. This one, in my opinion, I don't know. There's something it it didn't necessarily feel amazing making this record. I'm not gonna lie. It was really stressful. We weren't in, like the best space to put it together. It was a hard one to like. Feel good during it, type of a thing. But we just kind of trusted the songs and just trust the timing of shit and why it's supposed to be there. Whatever. But now, just Yeah, the project and of itself. And how people are responding just to teasers of things. Yeah. Well, because we've been sitting with these songs for some of them almost two years. Like there was, like, a chords or something like that, or and so you you get numb to it and you don't really know. And so it's hard to actually decide. Is this good or is this bad? And, we kind of had to just let go and let the process happen. And just the vetting process of which song to make the record. And, usually, when we do that and just kind of let go, we want it to be organic and the process. So starting to tease these songs, it's feeling like that process worked and again made the right decision, so Yeah, but it's always a gamble you every single time.
JAMES KENNEDY
Well, I've heard the record. I'm lucky enough to have been sent a private link to hear the record, and I can say it is absolutely killer. Guys straight straight out the gates. The first track. I was like my jaw was on the fucking floor.
WE THREE
You know that first one takes you to church a little bit.
JAMES KENNEDY
Oh, that's one way of putting it. Yeah, grabs you by the fucking throat pins you up against the wall. Says you are going to listen to this fucking record whether you like it or not. But the whole record is a right man. I mean, like, you know, there's the whole range of human emotions on that record. You know, the good, the bad, the fun and the ugly. And, you know, before you know it, you're at the end, you know, and you want to do the whole ride over again. You know, it really is a real roller coaster. And how did you find, because I do. I recorded my last album in this very room as well. Just like you guys were describing. I do all my stuff at home as well. How do you find that process? Do you prefer doing it that way or do you prefer being able to go somewhere? That's kind of neutral, where someone else kind of takes of of a lot of the leg work, and then you can go home. And when you're home, you're home Or do you prefer to kind of do it at home? Personally, I prefer doing it at home because I'm not having to watch the clock. If I want to go up stairs halfway through the movie and tinker with something, I can do that. Do you find that, or do you prefer the separation?
WE THREE
When I'm I remember, like making the songs themselves and actually, like, come up with the ideas and beginning process Great demos. I have to be in, like this space, like a home space where I can like you said, and go run and go do whatever. I'm not, you know, on someone else's timeline. But then that started to give me anxiety as well, because then once you get to the end of the process, it feels so good to not hand it over. But know that you're not the last hands touching it and like having someone else who's better than you at everything and come in and, like, tweak correct things and getting other creative input. Well, they're just so close. Yeah, so, so close. And so it's hard. Yeah, How do you? Well, it just like you said. And you're in the middle of the tsunami. How do you know what's going on? And so having those outside yeah, is really helpful. It's hard to find people that you trust, though, with your your art. So it does. It's a trial and error. Sometimes he's finding it. But, Bill is an amazing guy, and, he really gets to fish. And it's so much fun bringing his songs, and he still is able to, like, take them somehow and make them so much better. Like, you see them as finished so and he just like like a presence, too. He's like, just like, super while he's doing it, doing all this amazing stuff like OK, yeah.
JAMES KENNEDY
And how does it work with the sibling dynamic? I'm super interested in that because my brother was in my band for about two weeks and we just wanted to fucking destroy each other. It just didn't work at all. But I mean, how does it work with you guys? I mean, is that the key to your success and why you've been You're still kicking it, you know, 10, 5 years later. You know, whatever it is, does it add a certain friction that you guys need? Or is it the sibling bond and the sibling love? That kind of is is the the thing that makes it all work? What's the spark?
WE THREE
We don't...there's no friction. Yeah, we we get along all the time, like sarcasm. No, it's It can be pretty shit. Yeah, it can be pretty shit. But we No, go ahead.
JAMES KENNEDY
Ok, next question! Next question!
WE THREE
Trying to decide how to be honest. No, no, no. It's great. I was filtering, and then I decided not. Not filter. No, it's good. It, we we found a process. It was really horrible. Like, really, really horrible. And just hard, because we all are our own artists and stuff like that. And it was difficult to figure out a way to make it work because we all know how to push each other buttons to, but now it's almost It's less that we like Song write all together, stuff like that. We each kind of have our own jobs within three and stuff like that. So I do a lot of the songwriting. Dasha does a lot of the live stuff and definitely does a lot of the social media. It doesn't mean that we're not involved in All right, but once it gets to the end, that's when it's kind of crazy. So we all start to throw in our like sense at the end. It's like, No, I don't like that. I don't like that. And I'm like, Well, I started at the beginning, and then then the fights break out, but we're still here, though we are still here. Yeah, I feel like it should be a lot worse. It's actually Oh, yeah, yeah, No, I think it gets better and better over time.
We respect what each of us and I think it's starting to become more fun to, like collaborate because we I don't know. I feel like we've we've gotten through a lot of it's been a lot of years since, so it's wild. How, like a lot of the collaboration processes that we're just understanding each other more. No 1 person needs to take a break. Like right now, a massive process is like rather than being in the same room. It's like you're writing a song and you want to, like, work on stuff like FaceTime every 10 minutes. Like, OK, how do? Yeah, And that's like they just the processes keep changing. The other day, I Facetimed her. I was writing a song, and, her husband was sitting in the room and I don't know what line it was, but he was like, What? Like this? Because he heard it like he told me, like, 20 times at night. And I was like, Have you got a puzzle show? He's writing a really good song right now. I was like, this time, like I have an idea. The back of the corner of the room. He's like, What if you just did like a big choir goddamn in the back and I was like, I was on facetime recorded it and it sounded awesome. I was like, Yeah, I definitely gonna get credit. So it changes.
JAMES KENNEDY
That was an awesome recovery. Guys from a kind of a three way...
WE THREE
Took a little time there. We stumbled, but we're back.
JAMES KENNEDY
Well, whatever you're doing is clearly working for you. So keep doing it. If you've got that little bit of friction there that that that you need to to like the furnace, then, I'm sorry, guys. You're gonna have to keep doing it for the rest of us. Because, like I said, the new record kicks ass. And given the title of the record, love me. I wanted to ask you guys, is there a thread or a theme that runs through the record? And what are some of the issues that you guys are tackling on this album?
WE THREE
I mean, the thread that goes I mean, it's the obvious one, but, the idea of loving yourself a bit also, the just the phrase love me is a thread that's going through this quite a bit in a bunch of different scenarios because it was a very interesting phrase, because you can it can be kind of cocky. It can be desperate. It can be, in love. It can be questioning, and there's so much, and I feel like kind of get that throughout the record. But, some of my favourite topics, our song in therapy is one of my favourites. Because it's it really is so honest and raw. And every time I listen to it, I get uncomfortable because I, I almost wish I would have sugarcoated it more so I don't have to be. As you know, not everybody knows all my business and shit, but that's, just kind of the idea of dealing with your demons and relationships and then getting out of those relationships and realising that the demons that you were struggling with in the relationship were still there before. And there's well, I think absolutely the concepts from current to, like we we talked about some of these songs, like that catalogue songs that found their way here. And it does talk about, I mean childhood stuff, growing up in if we touch on a lot of stuff and experiences with that, and then how that manifests itself to like current day and the the threat is like, you know, love me, which is so wild that that literally appears so many.
Yeah, there's even places in the record that when I'm listening, I obviously it there, too, that I didn't necessarily realise. And like the concept of fluid. So but yeah, another thing that I found was the love songs. There's not a stereotypical love song on it, kind of unintentionally. It's, again, it's It's like a question Mark. It's like it is, I adore you, but this is really hard. This is toxic and like I still love you. But this is really difficult. So there's it's like questioning about song. There's not just a song where you sit down and just talk about how much how beautiful this is. Perfect it is that wasn't intended at all. Yeah, and when I think you know, you ask for, like, a clear answer, and I think they all the different things. I think that's exactly what's going on. It's like we don't really know. We're like, the more that we talk about it, the more interviews we have, we're We, like, process it as we're talking. So there's a lot in this record that we don't know how to explain necessarily. It's just, it's It's very like happening almost in real time for us. I feel like, Yeah.
JAMES KENNEDY
No, that makes a lot of sense. I think that was That was a great the way you conceptualise that then because it is a mixed bag. And there is a lot of self discovery and self reflection that goes on in there. And, a lot of self empowerment as well, which I think a lot of people are going to get through. I mean, I know that that's quite a common thread in a lot of the previous stuff that you guys have done as well, because you do talk very openly about some tough subjects such as, on this record in particular. You know, you've got child abuse, you know, in church. Tough one, but brave, brave as hell that you guys did that and much respect you for doing it the way you did it as well. You know, it must be tough to, er to sing that, you know, every night, you know, But, props to you for doing it. You know, sexuality, gender identity, mental health, suicide, you know, some some tough subjects. And I know that you do have a lot of resonance with the LGBT community. What is the situation with that in the States at the moment in the US? It's not that great over here right now. How is it how are things looking on that issue over there?
WE THREE
I think the wild thing right now about these songs, which is again, is like we just we very much so have been proven to ourselves to not overthink what we put out to trust the songs because it's been crazy. Just the timing of releasing things, the timing. I think people might look at our project right now and be like, Well, that was a very intend to plant. And it's why, why it wasn't, and the conversations which to me, there's a There's some songs on this record that are really hard, and they're gonna be hard to sing, and they're it's gonna be hard to put out. And it I do lose a little bit of sleep at times hoping that it's gonna be helpful. Not gonna lie, but we've been validated over and over with, even just in conversations with my friends recently that are just talking about what's happening in America right now. And the conversations about yes, child abuse, the conversation about how people are being excommunicated from, communities communities because of their sexual orientation and identity. You know, minority groups right now that are being blamed for things that they should not be being blamed for. And it's, yeah, we we hope to do what we know how to do. We just put music out. That's honest. And, yeah, like I said, it's it's very organic how this is happening, but we are happy to in any way help. And, yeah, just lift up people that need a lot of extra love right now. So, yeah, it's a tough time over here, in that in that realm. But we're Yeah, this record, we hope, is just gonna give people place to go to and you feel a little bit less alone. It sounds cliche, but...
JAMES KENNEDY
Oh it 100% does that. Yeah. I mean, like I said, you you you don't leave any stone unturned on this record. I mean, there's a lot of personal introspection and social reflection and tackling some pretty Taboo subjects as well. Like I said, without with zero sugar coating. But I don't want to give people. I think it's important to point out at this point, I don't want, like, misrepresent the record. I want to let people know as well at this point that, it's not. This is a fucking fun record as well. Like I said, it's a full range of the human experience. It's a great fun listen and everything you'd expect from the band, you know, moving away from the record just for a second. I want to backtrack a little and ask you guys what your experience was like of the music industry when you went out into it face first after being the semifinalist on America's Got Talent and gaining all that huge exposure and pressure and a huge platform, I can just imagine that you were probably swamped by every cigar chomping, money rinsing shark in the game. But I might be wrong. I mean, what was your experience of the industry? Was it was it more of a positive one, or was it the old cliche?
WE THREE
I feel like it, our our experience was pretty in, in one sense, was pretty good, like like the team that we had around us, was really helpful. And we felt free to be able to do what we wanted to do. I think where it got difficult is we were the the show because they can only tell. So it's just such a short time, so they can only tell so much of your story. And so they really focused on a particular part of our story. And so that's what the world knew us as in this this one angle and so trying to share more of who we are and more of our story, that's where it kind of got difficult. We had to do some rebranding. So it wasn't so much the music industry. I don't feel like it, but it was more of like the like, the social side of it. Yeah, I don't know. How would you? Yeah, I think we went in Yeah, intentionally. Like we definitely had a team around us. Right? When we got off the show, we had massive attention. We were given a massive to immediately afterwards. A lot of it was just like scrapping, getting it together and just like we're gonna do what we gotta do to keep ourselves propelling after the show. But yeah, the biggest hurdle that we had to come to was the rebranding of how we were portrayed. When people came to our shows, they thought they were gonna get a very specific version and then realised, Oh, they talk about this stuff in there that was pretty hard to disappoint so many. So but, I think it was so worth it because the idea of having to, like, still be in that little box Sounds pretty. I don't think we would be here. I don't think so. It it took a lot of a lot of hard work, and, we went through some huge bouts of, depression in those times because, you know, followings went down. We had to work hard to keep it going, And, but then it just slowly you find you find that that niche, you find that new fan base, you just keep working and just keep true what your music is saying.
JAMES KENNEDY
Yeah, I find that so interesting, man, because I've never done anything like that. So I just can't imagine what it could be like because I've just always been an independent artist, and I'm always, you know, raising the flag for, you know, independent artists and stuff like that and doing things that way. But I mean, I've just I can't imagine being on such a huge platform like that and then going out into the industry. You know, like what? That must have been like. And it's you you imagine when you're on my side of the fence that, like, cynically that Oh, well, you know, every door must be open for those guys now, it must be so easy. And all the success that follows must be like unearned somehow you know what I mean? But I do I know that that's not the case. And then to hear you talking about the depression you faced and the Depression and the struggles and the the the social Dina mic changes and everything that happened as a result of that sort of thing.
Not only is that I think quite ubiquitous and quite universal because so many people say the same thing, but I it's interesting that it's so contrary to the projection of of TV shows like that, isn't it? You know what I mean, where they make it look like it's just all glamour and you live in the dream when you know behind the scenes. A lot of the the struggle and the work ethic and the toll it takes on you personally and in your personal lives is kind of. It's kind of kept from public view, isn't it?
WE THREE
That's true. Well, I think there was a a huge like distance, and when we were on the show like TikTok wasn't what it is now, and there was a big like between the two worlds. Now, if you go on a show like AGT, I will watch it. But I will immediately go to their social media and be like, What's their experience? How are they doing it? They literally can post everything and give you such a more insight into the experience, which is, and that's changed in the last three years. So it it is a constant, different world, which I keep hoping there are artists more. Yes, yes, yes, it's always easier, but at least you know more say in who they are and what they're doing on social media. But it's hard because the artist. There is an opportunity to have the artist get more control, but then it's a responsibility as well. Man, it can be such a pain if if those if you don't have that skill set, to be to have to produce that sort of content. And I think that's why we've really been grateful that there's three of us, because we get to kind of each take the the lead on certain things like Daniel. And I hate doing a lot of social media stuff like we still like posting on our own very much. But Bethany is really good at it and she's like, Boom, OK, you guys are gonna do this. You're gonna do this.
JAMES KENNEDY
But we've got to give. In that case, we've got to give a massive shout out to Bethany for the evil genius behind your guys' social media gear. Because, man, you guys are crushing it on social media.
WE THREE
So well, it it starts with the songs. I can't do that unless the songs are very diplomatic. Answer. No, she she crushes it every most days, and I'm always like Oh God, I have an idea. I always have to get that mindset. I always do it. I always tell you to, like, come after, like, a pack coffee energy level, like I just can't. You've been beating my energy level lately. Yeah, you gotta get these to, like, Yes. The other day the other day he was like, she was she wanted to go do something else. So just you were dis to something, and, man was like, No. Hey, can we get that other video? Maybe you wanted to do that like he, like, kept like, four times. He, like, brought her back to, like, finish this. And she's like, Oh, it was really great. And then yeah, and then afterwards he's like, it's actually just because I wanted to get out of this. I want to get back in my pyjamas.
JAMES KENNEDY
Well, it would be remiss of me if I didn't take advantage of this opportunity to ask you. Then what tips would you give as someone who has been so goddamn successful on social media? What would you give to all the other fledgling artists who are out there? Exactly like Josh described thinking I don't know what to do. I can't be bothered. I'd rather be playing my guitar. You know, I got other things to be. How the fuck do I squeeze this in? And how do you get heard above the noise of everybody else on the planet who is also on Instagram and Facebook? I mean, you know, I'm sure that, like, there's gotta be some element of evil genius in there, because I do, you know, all the things you're supposed to do on social media and get fucked in nowhere apart from being shadow bent. So, what bones of wisdom might you be able to throw down at the rest of us to help us out a little bit?
WE THREE
Yeah, but not a bias. I feel like just it sounds dumb, but it works like copy. What other?
If you see someone that does something, like post a song in a certain way, and it works, just do that. Yeah, just do that, like, try to find someone who's close. It's you. You're not gonna be copy. It's just Yeah, that's my best answer. I think like social. I think it's so, mentally it can be like, the most defeating thing because it is so important now. So, I, I always tell myself, Start from a place of creativity. So if you are drained as fuck and you're like not able to think of concepts, then don't, like, take literally, like start from a like you have to start from a place where feel excited and inspired by what you want to create. And if that takes more time, that takes time to shoot. Yeah, you're like faking it like you're really tired. So, yeah, find ways that you can find enjoyment out of it. So like, and that might be coming up with a very new concept that nobody else is doing. But you're like, this is what I could do that I would enjoy making, at least to a certain percentage, just yeah, find. Rarely. You have to find, like, a way to make it an art form. If you hate it, you have to find a way to where you don't. It comes from a place of like creativity. And then you just be consistent, I guess. And then the evil genius thing is like any time there's a song that comes around like I'm like, Oh, my God, that would be so good on TikTok. So we're always thinking of like, how would this immediately transfer? Even if the songs not finished yet immediately, like visually? How exactly that Not out yet. He just gave away. I know literally like there's certain songs, but we're just like, Oh my God, before it's even finished or even considered a good song like that would do so Well, I was like, Bring it up.
JAMES KENNEDY
We just got podcast exclusive!
WE THREE
Oh, man!
JAMES KENNEDY
So no, that's some great tips. There are some great tips. I know a lot of people. A lot of artists listen to us. Will will really appreciate that. And I'll try and incorporate some of it myself. As somebody who absolutely detests social media and having to get off my ass and relentlessly make videos and pictures of myself, I will try and find the fun in it, So thank you for that.
WE THREE
And I think, Well, I think what he said, too. That what what both of them said is great the like, finding people who were doing it the way that, like interest and kind of copying that and then, yeah, finding a way to do it organically. That's something that's that's helped me a little bit. I'm still terrible at doing it by myself, but, finding yeah, content on socials that you like and that really resonates like, yeah, I can do that and then emulating that, because then it is more enjoyable. It's organic. It's more fun. It's more creative, and you can see it as an art form rather than just a job. And it's gonna change it right?
JAMES KENNEDY
And how do you guys feel about social media and the new model of doing things in the music business? Did you did you guys have any experience of the old model? You know, the pre MySpace days when it was all CDS and jiffy bags and phone calls and flyers on the street corner and things like that.
WE THREE
Yeah, well, I mean, we were kind of on the tail end of it, because I was I was Yeah, we had, like, a brief moment, but it was very small, and we weren't I don't think our scale was we weren't selling anything. Social media. Yeah, So mainly it was the streaming that involved in, But we got Yeah.
JAMES KENNEDY
Do you think it's better now for artists than than it was back in the In the good old days?
WE THREE
I feel like there's more. I was just I feel like there's more opportunity for artists to be in control. Yeah, but with that opportunity to become comes, a lot of work.
So there is more opportunity, too, for them to be taken advantage of. So I feel like what was already there is just kind of, like expanded, maybe more so I don't know. Yeah, it's kind of a I mean there. There's a balance to it because in in one sense, I like every artist, ones that no one would have ever heard of has an opportunity now, and that's amazing. But then, on the other hand, like Ryan said that every single day on Spotify, there's like over 40,000 songs for it, so he's like to cut through. Now you have to really write the perfect song. You don't have a choice. And so it's now It's like, Well, I guess it, it's it's it's a tough one, but I like them both for different reasons. And then I think, I don't know. I think weirdly like I I've tried because I can just get sucked into the like. This is what's working. This is how we you know, the songs they're writing and how we promote stuff. But then I really should just sometimes, like, take a step back and, like, look up and be like, OK, this is so weird what we have to do to get songs out there now, like it's so weird.
But it's like also, how can we accept the fact that this is where we're at with the music industry? We have to play the game. How can we find our consistent authentic through line? Because it's gonna change again? And that's why, like, I've got my favourite bands who like they'll play the game to a point, but like you see them play the game to a point.
But they're still themselves through the the eras of all of the changes. And yeah, they are still them. Their art is just always shines through in the end. So that's a a big intention. It's like, Yeah, it's here now it's gonna change again and we're gonna try to find a way to go with it. Just stay nuts. And I think in that I I go back to what? What, Manuel said is finding people, who are doing what you like and emulate that. I mean, that goes back to when we first started playing music. You know, that's what we do as musicians, right? You emulate what they do. And then you put your own spin on it. I think it's exactly the same thing.
JAMES KENNEDY
Yeah, that's a great point. And you've reminded me, actually, I had a guest on the show, last year, a guy called Brian Slagel, who's the CEO of metal Blade records. So they were, heavy metal label who have been around, you know, for over 40 years they were the guys that discovered Metallica, and, you know, he he's been around, you know, he he's you know, he's been around the houses, He knows the game and he was around, you know, kicking it in the old model. He's still here, you know, kicking ass now in the new model. And I said to him, What's the what's the key to success? And he said, You've got to have the ability to adapt. He said, You never know what when the rug is going to get pulled out of you, you might think you're flying now. But then, you know, next week is all going to fucking change. So you've got to have the constant ability to just adapt and roll with the tide, you know.
WE THREE
And then don't waste your time, you've got precious time. So, in my opinion, spending too much energy on hating where we're at is like, put it into this is where we're at, figure how to adapt and stay authentic and not sell out.
JAMES KENNEDY
Love it. Love it. Thank you. That's the clip we're gonna use guys, right! Love it. Right. Well, I can't keep you guys all day. I mean, I don't know what time it is over there. It must be, like, nine in the morning or something like that. So I need to let you guys go and drink some coffee. Before we wrap up, we've got to tell people about the record, man. Love me is coming out on July, the 21st on Palawan productions. Yeah, man, the record kicks ass. Honestly, everyone is going to be So your fans are gonna love it. And people who haven't yet heard of you guys or heard the record, they're gonna love it too. Honestly, it was incredible. Listen, thank you for doing it a hell of a roller coaster. And I can't wait to come and see you guys when you come to the UK because you're also touring. You're doing Europe as of August. You're doing You're everywhere you're doing Germany, Switzerland.Did I see Spain as well? And then you're coming to the UK - we're going to give a shout out. You're doing Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton, London and Dublin. So, everywhere in October. Man, are you Are you Are you Are you excited? Are you pumped?
WE THREE
Oh, Oh, my God. Yeah, it's been This is one of the longer breaks we've had. Like about travelling it a little stir crazy. So I'm very, very, very. We're prepping for this tour. We're gonna literally go rehearse after this. This is a very exciting show. Brand new. Yeah, brand new show. Yeah, we're We're putting it all together now. Just the production. Everything is coming together. It's really exciting.
JAMES KENNEDY
Oh, I'm so jealous, man. I haven't toured in a while. I'm so jealous. I'm definitely going to come to see you guys. I'm going to try and get to Manchester or London.
WE THREE
Oh we'll put you on the list, Let us know. Thank you so much.
JAMES KENNEDY
Appreciate that, thanks guys. Of course. And is there anything you want to say to people before we go? I mean, I can give a shout out to your socials. You can catch up with the guys at we three music on TikTok and Instagram - not that you need me to plug your socials, but is there anything else you want to say before you go?
WE THREE
We love you. Thanks so much for your support. And we hope you love the record. I like saying we hope you love Love Me.
JAMES KENNEDY
Oh, they're going to man. Love Me is out on July the 21st. That's this fucking Friday, man. And I can't wait to see how this is received because I, I think it's an excellent record. Thank you so much for doing it. Thanks for doing what you do. Please keep staying true to yourself and doing your thing and I can't wait to see you guys doing it on stage when you come to the UK in a few months. Thanks so much for stopping by, guys. I know you're super busy. You've got a lot on at the moment. So I really appreciate you stopping in to catch up. And, we wish you nothing but the best for the release and everything coming up. And hopefully we'll see you again soon. Thank you. Looking forward to it. Take care, guys.
WE THREE
Best wishes later. Bye bye.
JAMES KENNEDY
Manny, Bethany and Joshua from the awesome We three put it together for them, guys, what a lovely bunch of dudes. And I am not lying when I say the album kicks. Holy ass, man, It's a banger. It's out in three days time. So set a reminder or go and subscribe to him on Spotify and the social. So you don't miss it when it comes out. Because if you're looking for something that's gonna hit you and and and actually mean something and it's going to put the hairs up at the back of your neck and and speak to you as well as giving you a good fucking time, you know, with songs that you're gonna want to play over and over again. Then I've just I've just fucking done you a solid. I've just told you where to go. We Three Love Me out on July the 21st, and then also check out where the guys are playing. If they're playing near you do go and see them. These guys are a force of nature on stage, and I will be at one of the UK shows Or maybe several Who knows? So stay up today with what they're doing at we three music on TikTok Instagram and they're they're all over the place. They're all over the goddamn Internet. If you don't know who they are already. What's wrong with you? Thanks for listening. I hope you enjoyed the conversation. I know we had a little bit of signal interference in places. I don't know whether that was my end of theirs or whatever the fuck, but I mean, it was hope. Hopefully it wasn't too disturbing. And I hope you enjoyed having a sneaky little bonus episode come out of the blue. Podcasting Hiatus will resume as of now, only for like a month or two whilst I just bury myself deep into finishing my second book. And then business as usual will commence, as promised, with the whole roster of awesome guests, which have already been confirmed to. Come on, I've got some dudes coming on this thing, So if you have not yet subscribed, do it now. So you don't miss these episodes when they start flying out every week again.
In the meantime, I really hope you enjoy the new We Three album. Check it out, let me know what you guys think. And if anyone has discovered the band as a result of listening to this podcast episode, then please let me know and let me know what you think of the record. Take care yourself, take care of each other. I love you loads, and I will see you really, really soon. And do not forget. If you want to hang out in person, check out the live shows at JamesKennedystuff.com or check out my Instagram page at JamesKennedyUK where I'll be plugging the upcoming live shows, which will be happening over the next two months, and we can share a cold beer in person until then and until next time Thanks again for your support. Take it easy. I'll catch you soon.