He Is We is an American indie pop act hailing from Tacoma, Washington, formed in 2008 by lead singer Rachel Taylor and guitarist Trevor Kelly. Since its inception, the band has seen various lineup changes and challenges, but their music and talent have prevailed, allowing them to create a significant impact in the music industry.
Formation and Early Years (2008–2011): He Is We’s name holds a deeper meaning, as Trevor Kelly explained in an interview with Indievision Music – it signifies that Christ exists within all of us. Initially, Rachel Taylor and Trevor Kelly met while working at Ted Brown Music Company in Tacoma. Together, they founded He Is We and later welcomed touring members Harrison Allen (drums), Carman Kubanda (guitar), and Aaron Campbell (keyboard/guitar).
This talented lineup utilized social networking platforms like Myspace and Facebook to build their online presence, which eventually led to their signing with Universal Motown Records after the release of an album of old demos in February 2010. The debut album “My Forever” achieved significant success, reaching number 6 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Album Charts. On December 20, 2011, the duo released a 6-track EP titled “Skip To The Good Part.”
Lineup Changes and Other Releases (2012–2017): In 2012, Rachel Taylor faced health challenges as she was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Stevie Scott filled in for the remainder of the tour and later officially replaced Taylor in August. However, Rachel returned to the band in October 2012, while Trevor Kelly decided to pursue his own musical endeavors, forming his band.
Despite the changes, Rachel continued to pursue the project, leading to the release of new music, including the song “All About Us” featuring Aaron Gillespie, featured on The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones soundtrack. Rachel Taylor broke away as a solo artist in June 2014 with her debut EP, “Come Alive.”
In August 2015, Rachel Taylor introduced “He Is We 2.0” with Adamm Mitchell, renamed as “She Is We.” The newly formed band released their first single, “Boomerang,” and their debut album “War” in 2016. In September 2016, Taylor reunited with bandmate Trevor Kelly, and they announced new music and a tour together.
Challenges and Legal Issues (2017–2019): In August 2017, some touring members left the band, and allegations of sexual assault were made against Rachel Taylor by touring guitarist Macy Santa Maria. Taylor vehemently denied the allegations, and after a one-day trial in June 2019, she was found not guilty of sexual assault.
Resilience and Continued Music (2018–2022): Despite the challenges, He Is We persisted, releasing “He Is We Chapter One” digitally in March 2018, featuring re-released songs. The band continued to tour and announced the release of a new EP, “Hold My Heart,” in April 2018. Later, their second studio album, “Treehouse,” was released on February 11, 2022, showcasing their enduring passion for creating heartfelt music.
Conclusion: He Is We’s journey in the music industry has been marked by both triumphs and trials. From their formation in 2008 to the release of their second studio album in 2022, Rachel Taylor and the band have demonstrated resilience and dedication to their craft, leaving an indelible mark on the indie pop scene. With their music resonating with fans worldwide, He Is We continues to embrace the challenges, showing that their passion for music transcends any obstacles that come their way.
