Local Roots, Global Reach: A Conversation With We Three

Written by Christina Atalla

Photos by Ciara O’Malley

We sat down with the talented sibling trio “We Three” at London’s KOKO, ahead of their final UK show on the European leg of their “Love Me” tour. Manny (guitarist, vocalist), Bethany (bassist, vocalist), and Joshua (drummer, pianist) make up the alt-pop group hailing from Oregon. Our conversation with them delved into a variety of topics, ranging from their strong connection with their fans, the meaningful messages in their music, their favorite songs to perform live, and their exciting plans for the future.

From Local Talents to Global Sensation

In 2016, the sibling band from Oregon embarked on a musical journey that has taken them further than they ever expected. Lead vocalist, guitarist and producer, Manny, reflected on We Three’s early days playing to locals in their town, and the shift that occurred after their breakout appearance and semi-finalist achievement on America’s Got Talent in 2018. “We were just playing to locals, and then all of a sudden we had a bunch of people listening,” Manny recalled. Their journey, he explained, wasn’t without its hurdles, as the surge in international attention came with its share of challenges. “It felt like a responsibility to do it quickly, when I think we could have probably taken more time and thought through things a little bit. But we didn’t necessarily have that luxury,” he explained.

Nonetheless, the trio agreed on the profound impact this experience had on their career trajectory. Bethany, the band’s bass player and vocalist, shared how it led to a phase of rebranding, growth and most importantly, a deeper bond with their loyal fan base. “It’s been very special for them to come with us on this journey. They’ve been there from the beginning, which has been really cool,” she expressed.

Midwest Roots and Musical Connection

The trio emphasised how their small-town upbringing in the Midwest has shaped their music and their relationship with fans from smaller places. “There’s a different appreciation for music in the Midwest,” Bethany explained, noting that in big cities with so many artists around, it can be harder to foster deeper connections between musicians and their supporters. Manny acknowledged that while performances in big cities undoubtedly have their own appeal, there’s an irreplaceable charm to shows in smaller venues. The trio also touched on the significance of returning to their hometown. “It’s also very grounding to go back to your normal life,” said Manny.

Songwriting and the Creative Process

The band’s ability to translate their creativity into a shared experience is a testament to the strong bond they share as siblings. Manny, who often takes the lead in writing, pointed out how their similar life experiences create an intimate bond through their songs. “A lot of times, even when I write something, we’re all kind of going through the same stuff,” he explained. He also opened up about using songwriting as a means to communicate difficult personal experiences to his siblings, telling them, “There are things I go through in my personal life that, most of the time, I don’t say to you guys directly; you hear it in a song.”

Bethany chimed in, describing this collaborative process as “experiencing life together through songwriting.” Despite the intensity and full immersion it involves, she emphasised that it makes them “feel very alive.” We Three’s shared journey and musical bond have allowed them to express their deepest emotions and experiences in a way that resonates with both themselves and their fans.

Live Performances, Setlists, and Dream Venues

We asked We Three to share some of the songs they love performing live. The trio collectively expressed that their current set for the “Love Me” tour is a personal standout. “This is my favorite set to play [...] I get excited every night,” said Bethany. She also singled out “Insomniac” from their third album, “Happy”, as a bass highlight and “Fire Away” from their latest album, for its vocal fun. “‘Exes flowers’ has been really fun live,” added Manny. The band highlighted the connection they share with their audience during live shows, noting that fans have their own special lines to scream.

During our conversation, we also delved into We Three’s favorite performance venues. “I have a good feeling about tonight. I can feel some good energy,” said Manny. When asked if there was a venue the band hoped to play at, the trio agreed on the one in their hometown, the Motor Center in Portland. “That’s not like, a huge name or anything, but I’ve seen so many shows there,” said Manny, stressing the personal significance the venue holds for the band.

Fearless Artistry and the Anatomy of “Love Me”

Part of We Three’s success undoubtedly lies in their commitment to addressing sensitive topics, openly sharing their mental health struggles throughout their discography. Notably, one of their breakthrough tracks, “Sara”, served as a heartfelt plea for suicide awareness and empathy towards inner battles. In their latest album, “Love Me”, the opening tracks, “Hell As Well” and “If I Loved A Boy”, fearlessly broach vulnerable subjects such as religious abuse and sexuality. Manny described them as “black and white - there was no wiggle room or, you know, analogies. It was just this is what it is.” When asked if there was ever any hesitation about being so transparent with the public, Manny said, “I think no matter what, when you’re vulnerable and say stuff that could make people angry, it’s always scary [...] But to me, it’s scarier to live with the fact that I didn’t say everything straight.”

The album itself offers a diverse array of emotions, ranging from uplifting to brutally honest and sometimes even painful. We had the opportunity to delve into the album’s structure with the trio, where they shed light on their deliberate choices. Manny pointed out that they intentionally positioned the opening tracks, “Hell As Well” and “If I Loved a Boy,” to set the tone for the record. “I just think it was important that the listener knew what they were getting into,” he explained. Manny elaborated on the album’s complexity, describing it as a purposefully intricate work devoid of straightforward love or breakup songs. This approach allowed them to explore themes of mental health and relationships through deep and tangled lyrics, offering an intimate glimpse into the psyche of We Three.

The band collectively emphasised the significance of the album structure and the thoughtfulness that goes into song selection and sequencing. They all shared the belief that listening to an album in order is second-nature, akin to reading an entire book without skipping chapters. “To me that’s respecting the artists,” explained Manny. “The amount of intentionality put into picking the songs and order, even if we don’t fully understand what they intended, I want to try,” added Bethany.

Navigating Social Media

We were curious to learn how We Three manages their boundaries with apps like TikTok, which have played a pivotal role in expanding their reach and propelling their popularity. Bethany candidly acknowledged the addictive nature of social media, but also emphasised its value as a tool that motivates the band as artists and creators. “It does help us - it’s part of the job,” she explained. Bethany touched on the common challenge faced by many artists, which is finding the right balance between promoting their music and preserving their artistic integrity in the realm of social media. “It’s hard to figure out where the line is,” she added. The trio acknowledged that despite the challenges in striking a balance, social media holds a strong potential to work in their favour and bring a fresh audience to their music - a development they genuinely treasure and appreciate.

Evolution and Intention

Since their first release in 2016, We Three’s musical journey has witnessed considerable evolution. Manny, reflecting on this transformative process, humbly admitted to an initial approach of “going with the flow”. He acknowledged that despite its simplicity, it has been instrumental to their growth. “But I think there’s going to be things after this tour that will change the whole trajectory of where we’re going,” he added, noting that this sense of unpredictability and absence of a clear path are what he finds most exhilarating. In parallel, Bethany expressed her eagerness for the band’s forthcoming ventures, emphasiing a newfound intentionality in their artistic endeavors. She explained that the past few years have primed the band for a period of increased focus and purpose in their creative pursuits, saying, “I think we’ve learned a lot more as of recent as artists.”

Reverence and Aspirations

In addition to creating music, We Three holds a deep appreciation for the artistry of others. When asked about their current sources of inspiration during this tour, the band unanimously pointed to the alt-pop group, “The 1975.” “Their presentation, in a lot of ways, has inspired and pushed us creatively on this tour,” said Bethany. She also shared her aspiration to work with acclaimed singer/songwriter Julia Michaels, describing it as a long-held dream.

What Does Music Mean to We Three?

Music holds a profound significance in the lives of We Three. For Bethany, it serves as a guide for navigating life’s complexities. “It reminds me of how to exist in the world. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she expressed. Joshua appreciates its ability to provide a unique channel for “expressing things that are nearly impossible to communicate with just words, like concepts, or challenging societal norms.” Manny’s perspective is rooted in the deep sense of belonging and fulfillment that music brings. He explained, “I think for me, it’s just the thing that makes me feel like, yeah, this is where I’m supposed to be.”

What’s Next for We Three?

The band expressed their enthusiasm for expanding their current endeavors. Manny explained: “I would say just to do this, but on a bigger scale. I just love what we’re doing. I love what we’re putting out. Just, more people hearing, bigger rooms to play.”

We Three’s journey is one of passion, vulnerability and connection with their fans. Their music delves into the depths of the human experiences, and their unwavering commitment to both artist and audience lies at the heart of their creative process. As they continue to evolve and embrace the unknown, We Three’s future in the music industry looks promising.

(Pictures taken in the concert can be found in the ‘Photo Gallery’ section of the UnCL website)