We Are / She Is

Artist Information

Biography

We Are / She Is does not deliver the universal appeal of “chick rock”. Instead, they combine their melodic 80’s songs with the enthusiastic vibe of riot grrl into a dance-punk party. Known for their highly-energetic performances and reminiscent, foot-tapping sound, WA/SI draws influences from artists such as Blink 182, The Go Go’s and The Clash to combine “raw-punk-rock” with “synth-pop”.

The band is currently based out of Los Angeles, CA. Cosmo (guitar/vox) and Jess (bass/vox) met at Savanna High School in 2006 purely for the sake of playing music together. Cosmo had signed herself up for a gig without having a band, let alone any musical talents. She immediately filtered through her network of friends and “frenemies” until she met Jess, who also didn’t know how to play an instrument but wanted to be part of the “musical experience”. Together, they spent 3 weeks learning bass and guitar, recruiting other local musicians for the spontaneous project then named “The Midol Poppers” and wrote 30 minutes worth of “high-school-garage-punk” songs.

After several bands together, Cosmo and Jess formed We Are / She Is and released their debut EP titled Young and Pretty Clean in March 2011 followed by their 2nd, crowd funded EP through Kickstarter titled "Name Game" Spring 2013. They continually tour throughout the west coast and consistently play the annual LGBT Pride Festivals in Long Beach, Orange County, Palm Springs and San Diego. They have shared the stage with indie-rock acts The Naked and Famous, Foxy Shazam, Uh Huh Her and Hunter Valentine, have had their songs “Barlights” and “Puzzles” featured on Showtime’s The Real L Word and have been played on over 150 College Radio Stations. Their DIY attitude combined with their infectious gamut creates an energy of anthemic angst that represents a generation of youth “…vying for the chance to be understood and guided through their own tender time" which can be heard and felt in WA/SI’s “soundtrack of singles” (Curve Magazine). They consistently tour through the west coast and have been played over 150 college radio stations nation wide. Jake Fight was recruited on drums January 2013.

WA/SI’s new single, And the World, is enticing with a sense of a youthful revolt. Name Game showcases the duo’s energy and vibrant live performance while still grounded to their roots of 70’s punk, 80’s pop and infectious “sing-a-long” melodies.Originally coming from the waves of Orange County, We Are / She Is continues to spread their enterprising spirit with the masses while modeling a voice that inspires a generation to be themselves, do-it-yourself and let it go.

Instrumentation

Cosmo - Vocals, Guitar, Synth
Jess - Vocals, Bass, Synth
Jake Fight - Live Drums

Discography

"Young and Pretty Clean" EP Release 2011

"Their debut EP is entitled “Young And Pretty Clean” and has had two tracks featured on Showtime’s The Real L Word. But our favorite is the moody dance track “Sweet Melodies”: Free Bike Valet


"Name Game" EP to Be Released March 19, 2013

"The follow up to their breakthrough EP, Young and Pretty Clean, runs with that same energetic, infectious gamut from the very first notes (...) Songs like “Voices” or “Beach Nights” lend themselves to be written for, to set the stage for, to draw summer moments around them." Music In Press

Official Website

http://www.wearesheis.com

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• Last.fm

Audio

• And the World
  Listen   Download
• Voices
  Listen   Download
• Barlights
  Listen   Download
• Sweet Melodies mp3
  Listen   Download
• Puzzles mp3
  Listen   Download
• Let It Go mp3
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• Puzzles
• Young and Pretty
• Let It Go

Video

Simple Days Live

Photo Gallery

Press

• "We Are / She Is are Feeling the Beat [+ Show ]
  

  You grew up with Tegan and Sara, now get smitten over the indie pop duo that is Merilou Salazar and ...You grew up with Tegan and Sara, now get smitten over the indie pop duo that is Merilou Salazar and Jessie Meehan.

• We Are/She Is Hit The Streets Running With Inspired, ’80s-Style Indie Synth-Pop Read more: OC Music Awards 2012: We Are/She Is Hit The Streets Running With Inspired, ’80s-Style Indie Synth-Pop [+ Show ]
  

  Some bands are about the hustle; some bands are about the flow. Buena Park-based indie synth-pop duo...Some bands are about the hustle; some bands are about the flow. Buena Park-based indie synth-pop duo, We Are/She Is, definitively, passionately embraces both. Merilou Salazar and Jessie Meehan bring their giddy, glossy tunes to the masses with both freewheeling, “DGAF” charm (as Salazar likes to put it) and street-smart perseverance.
  
  Read more: OC Music Awards 2012: We Are/She Is Hit The Streets Running With Inspired, ’80s-Style Indie Synth-Pop http://kroq.radio.com/2012/01/16/oc-music-awards-2012-we-areshe-is-hit-the-streets-running-with-inspired-80s-style-indie-synth-pop/#ixzz1jgEyDVaY

• We Are / She Is release new EP, name Game [+ Show ]
  

  This one is Summer ready. For the their new EP, Name Game, it seems like Merilou Salazar and Jessie ...This one is Summer ready. For the their new EP, Name Game, it seems like Merilou Salazar and Jessie Meehan are incapable of writing boring songs (must be a burden). The follow up to their breakthrough EP, Young and Pretty Clean, runs with that same energetic, infectious gamut from the very first notes.
  
  After the unexpected success of Young and Pretty Clean, which landed two songs on the Showtime series The L Word, and opening for bands like The Naked and the Famous, the duo We Are / She Is has only gotten braver with their sound. That means the hooks are more tenacious and spacey in a way that allows one to connect with their songs beyond the grip of their catchy melodies.
  
  Upon introducing a friend of mine to We Are / She Is’ new songs, she said “Sounds like a Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack.” I don’t know what she meant by it exactly, but I’m guessing it has to do with how storyboard ready these tracks are. Songs like “Voices” or “Beach Nights” lend themselves to be written for, to set the stage for, to draw summer moments around them.

• We Are / She Is brings Dance Punk to UC Santa Barbara [+ Show ]
  

  Three-piece dance punk band We Are/She Is took the stage at the University of California, Santa Barb...Three-piece dance punk band We Are/She Is took the stage at the University of California, Santa Barbara and Isla Vista Pride on March 4, treating festival crowds to a mix of original works and covers in their high-energy style.

• We Are/She Is Spread Positive Vibes With Their Music [+ Show ]
  

  Practically a zygote in band years, the duo We Are/She Is formed exactly 12 months ago, years after ...Practically a zygote in band years, the duo We Are/She Is formed exactly 12 months ago, years after Jessie Meehan and Merilou Salazar met in a Savanna High School (Anaheim) physics class. The Buena Park residents have been in in several bands together since ("some lasting about 30 seconds and others lasting well more than a couple of years") and have honed their Matt & Kim meet the Go-Go's sound to produce the EP Young and Pretty Clean. The songs "Barlights" and "Puzzles" off that album have already aired on Showtime's The Real L Word. (Must be all the positive vibes.)
  
  
  Raise your hand if you're my band mate
  Location Info
  Map data ©2011 - Terms of Use
  
  The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen
  122 E. Commonwealth Ave.
  Fullerton, CA 92832 Category: Restaurant > American Region: Fullerton Photos
  Details
  We Are/She Is perform at Slidebar, www.slidebarfullerton.com. Every Wed. Call for time. Through Oct. 26. Free. 21+.
  
  Hey, Orange County/Long Beach musicians and bands! Mail your music, contact info, high-res photos and impending show dates for possible review to: Locals Only, OC Weekly, 2975 Red Hill Ave., Ste 150, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Or e-mail your link to: localsonly@ocweekly.com.
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  More About
  Merilou SalazarThe Real L WordJessie MeehanSciencesScience and Technology
  
  
  OC Weekly: How did you two meet?
  
  Merilou Salazar: I went up to Jessie in the middle of physics class, while our teacher was lecturing, and asked her if, one, she played bass and, two, if she wanted to be in a band. Seventeen days later, we had our first show, and things just took off from there!
  
  
  
  Where's the name We Are/She Is from?
  
  We thought of the name while we were in our last project, He's Not Gay! Often, when we would tell people our band name, they would laugh and respond with, "And she is?" After He's Not Gay! broke up, we decided to roll with She Is for this new project, which gradually turned into We Are/She Is.
  
  
  
  What's the funniest thing that has happened to you since forming the band?
  
  We went on a West Coast tour at the end of June. The day before we left, we lost our drummer, but we decided to go anyway. From there, it was basically an epic drum-karaoke for 10 days. In Portland, three different people jumped onto the backline drum set for us while we were performing. In fact, they all played our songs perfectly. In Seattle, the crowd kept time by clapping like a metronome. By the end of the show, we had a drunk guy onstage singing along and playing tambourine!
  
  
  
  How did you get your songs on The Real L Word?
  
  We have a publisher that distributes our music for us. We knew a song was gonna be on [the show], but we didn't know it was going to be both of them—and in pretty good slots, too.
  
  
  
  How do you get the word out about your music?
  
  We've done a lot of self-promotion. We go to the different gay-pride festivals. And we pick up a pair of headphones and put them on people's heads, so that way, hopefully, they'll buy a CD. We sold 500 or 600 copies of our EP like that.
  
  
  
  By grabbing people and putting headphones on them?
  
  Basically. Random people at the beach or, like, at other concerts or festivals.
  
  
  
  No one was like, "Oh, my god, crazy lady coming at me with headphones!"?
  
  [Laughs] Sometimes, it was a little awkward. But if we approach them kindly and not attack, they'll be like, "Yeah, let me check out your music," and it takes 10 or 15 seconds. We sell our CD for $5. Like, we went on tour in June and doing that basically funded our whole tour.
  
  
  
  This column appeared in print as "We Are/She Is Spread Good Vibes."

• We Are / She Is Interview [+ Show ]
  

  This band was on my radar for quite some time because of some friend’s recommendations, I listened, ...This band was on my radar for quite some time because of some friend’s recommendations, I listened, I liked, but sometimes I get sidetracked and it takes me a while to get to contacting a band I am digging on. This is where We Are/She Is comes in. The sole of WASI is comprised of Cosmo (vocals, guitar, synth) and Jess (bass, synth and vocals), two lovely radical chicks. They contacted me after seeing some work I had done with The Active Set. As soon as I saw the email I was stoked and did not hesitate to arrange for a chance to talk to these rad chicks. That is what you can read below.
  
  As for their tunage, it does lean more toward the electronic-poppy side, and it’s no secret that I am a hard sell in that arena. These ladies however, do it so well that my ears succumbed to their crafty, well executed tunes. When it comes to their older EP ‘Young & Pretty Clean’ my picks include ‘Barlights’ with its whimsical vocals and catchy lines like, ‘You knew this day would one day come, in the dark of night, or the midday sun..’ or ‘So we dance in the barlight’. This song is not easily forgotten. Another favorite from is ‘Puzzles’. This tune boasts some unique synth sounds, and though the vocals are pretty repetitive in the beginning, it works as almost a fun anthem. The song then moves into a relatable tune about a dissembled world.

• New Release: Young and Pretty Clean [+ Show ]
  

  We Are/She Is is the moniker of Merilou Salazar & Jessie Meehan who hail from Orange County, Califor...We Are/She Is is the moniker of Merilou Salazar & Jessie Meehan who hail from Orange County, California. The duo count Matt and Kim, The Ting Tings and Tegan and Sara among their many influences. Just recently, they released The Young And Pretty Clean EP - stream a few of the songs over on Myspace. For more info, visit We Are/She Is over on Facebook.

• We Are / She Is @ La Cave in Costa Mesa [+ Show ]
  

  As you enter the La Cave restaurant, you step into a romantic candlelight ambience and smell freshly...As you enter the La Cave restaurant, you step into a romantic candlelight ambience and smell freshly buttered steaks and potatoes. As you walk further towards the back of the restaurant, you will find the intimate lounge and stage in the next room, which invites guests to a different atmosphere to enjoy live music. The dark, bat-like setting was quite interesting and unique.
  
  We Are/She Is was once a part of He’s Not Gay, but now Merilou and Jessie have ventured out for new beginnings, experiencing growing success since their debut EP in March. They were the first band in the lineup of the night and hit the stage with the help of their friend Glen on drums.
  
  Tuesday was their last night of residency at La Cave and they certainly left with a good impression. Merilou is the little fireball of the two, flipping her hair and banging wildly on her tambourine with her guitar strapped around her neck. Jessie on bass compliments their Indie rock kind of style and the two vocalists create an identifying melody. Their sound can be compared to that of one of their influences, The Ting Tings.
  
  When they played their fan favorite “Sweet Melodies,” Jessie got the crowd involved and invaded the dance floor with her guitar, which was pretty awesome. These two know how to get a crowd going. Merilou also had fans join in on the fun by singing to one of their songs. Another highlight of their set was when they played a nice rendition of M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes.”
  
  We Are/She Is had an undeniable energy onstage that was as infectious as their humble and sweet personalities. They were grateful to their fans and talented friends of Wires in the Walls and The Gromble that also put on an impressive show. In between bands, DJ Velvet Touch was spinning some sick record jams. The performances made it easy to forget it was a Tuesday night by the extreme vigor in the room.
  
  We Are/She Is will now set out on their ten-day tour throughout the West Coast, beginning June 24th. Be sure to mark your calendar for their return home to Orange County when they perform again at La Cave on July 19th.

• We Are / She Is Releases Album on Soundcloud [+ Show ]
  

  Heya guys, just letting ya know that the awesom album ‘Young and Pretty Clean’ (featured earlier) ha...Heya guys, just letting ya know that the awesom album ‘Young and Pretty Clean’ (featured earlier) has just been released on Soundcloud so you can easily check it out for free (and then maybe purchase?)
  
  Thought it was an awesome chance to mention an album I feel I didn’t do justice the first time around because it really grows on you, even if it may be a little more poppy than you’re used to. Trust me, not your regular alt. pop. Or you may not be an idiot like me; you may like the album right off the bat.
  
  If you haven’t heard the album before, definitely give Young and Pretty Clean and Sweet Melodies a listen. They’re amazing. 4.0/5 and 3.5/5 songs in my books, respectively (which may sound kind of low, but that’s well above above-average). Make sure you give the tracks and the artist the appropriate love that they deserve for being amazing.

• We Are / She Is - Young and Pretty Clean [+ Show ]
  

  First I must tell you all that I was big fan of He's Not Gay, this bands former group. They had such...First I must tell you all that I was big fan of He's Not Gay, this bands former group. They had such an energy on stage & their music was just pure fun. I was very sad to hear that they disbanded. But then I heard about the next project that was formed, We Are/She Is. We Are/She Is is Merilou Salazar, Jessie Meehan, Randi Custodio, & Hansel Von Muller. Some members of my past favorite band have formed a new one. I was expecting the same sound as I put in this CD, I have to be honest. I was taken away at how different it was. To me the other band was a fun high school band that's main purpose was to promote fun. And let me to you, it worked! But this new band shows maturity musically in my ears. They are showing they are no longer the teenagers that we had heard before. They are forming into adults. But don't worry. The fun is still in the music full swing. I have not gotten the chance to see this new band perform. But I bet the energy is still there and the shows are just as fun. The song "Barlights" seems to be the biggest hit. My personal favorite is "Let It Go." Even though this CD is only 5 tracks, you'll find yourself putting it on repeat. The way I would describe this CD is beautiful. The music gives me such a good feeling. I can't help but smile. And I promise you once you put this CD in you'll smile the whole way through. You can contact the band at Wearesheis.com or on their Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/wearesheis. Tell them Mary Dean sent you.

• Album Review- We Are / She Is - Young and Pretty Clean [+ Show ]
  

  What’s up blasties!? I’m back once again with an album review for “Young and Pretty Clean” by the ev...What’s up blasties!? I’m back once again with an album review for “Young and Pretty Clean” by the ever fantastic Alternative/Dance duo We Are/She Is. You guys & gals really need to check them out, here we go!:
  
  
  
  If any of you we’re fans of Pop Punk band He’s Not Gay than you should already be acquainted with Merilou Salazar and Jessie Meehan. Well they are back with a pretty kick ass new band called We Are/She Is, the band has already had multiple things to be proud of, the first being the release of their EP and the second having some of their songs air with TV show “The Real L Word”. We Are/She Is should be at the terms of “blowing up” anytime soon, now we head onto the review!
  
  
  
  Barlights: Barlights kicks off right away with a very catchy beat that will fer sure get stuck in your head. The lyrics and vocals carry the beat with them instead of just becoming to repetitive. The pre-chorus has to be one of my favorite parts a long with the actual chorus. I was singing for hours after the first listen. Everything about this song is what a good opener should be. The song has passion, love and heart which are all very good things. Now that doesn’t mean this song doesn’t have it’s faults. It’s not for everyone, some of you might find it drags on a little but that’s really all I can see wrong with it. (I’m proud to say Barlights has been listened to about 45 times on my Itunes).
  
  
  
  Sweet Melodies: Sweet Melodies picks up right where Barlights left off, a mind inducing beat, guitar riffs and bass lines. Ms. Salazar’s vocals on this song are some of the best on this EP. If you listen closely enough to the lyrics you can sorta picture a story in your head, which is perfect for me! The chorus again is pretty catchy and left me singing right after. The only thing I can say bad about this song was about half way in it sounds a bit rushed and out of place, but that’s about it. Another solid song that should get you off your feet.
  
  
  
  Young and Pretty Clean: Now onto the title track, to be completely honest this is the weakest song on the EP. The energy is sorta lost here and the vocals go in and out of pitch every now and then. The beat doesn’t carry the song much either. The only redeeming factor for this song is the fact that some of the lyrics are a bit humorous and the close to ending bass “solo”.
  
  
  
  Puzzles: Puzzles, what do I have to say about this gem? Besides the fact that it was featured on “The Real L Word”? This song brings the energy back from the dead after Young and Pretty Clean pretty much killed it. The echoed vocals also return! The lyrics are catchy the beat will make you want to dance yet again (you should just stand for the whole EP). The vocals are shot sometimes but they carry very well, there is a story somewhere in this song just begging to come out as well. My favorite part has to be the “I’m alone” part. I truthfully can’t find anything else wrong about this tune besides the ever rare shot vocals.
  
  
  
  Let It Go: The ending song is pretty perfect. The vocals are amazing as are the instrumentals. Lyrics catchy? Check! The chorus is what makes this song shine over the others. Like Barlights, it will more than likely take this band to the top. Right about now you should know I’m a sucker for duo vocals, well they pretty much shine here. Let It Go is a perfect ending tune to a almost perfect EP. I will have this song and many on repeat for years.
  
  
  
  That’s all folks! “Young and Pretty Clean” is pretty much a perfect EP and it earns itself a well earned 4.5/5, for it’s catchy lyrics, instrumentals and it doesn’t hurt that the members are pretty awesome. My final words for this review are: These gals deserve fame and a “rock star” nickname. Hopefully in a year or so I see a future album being everywhere. Me being a big fan of He’s Not Gay will gladly say We Are/She Is tops it completely!
  
  
  
  “Young and Pretty Clean” is out now on Itunes or on their Bigcartel page (link below). Make sure to let us know what you think about their album and like us on Facebook.
  
  
  
  Puzzles music video:
  
  
  
  P.S. Make sure to check them out at The Slidebar Rock N Roll Cafe.
  
  We Are/She Is Homepage: http://wearesheis.tumblr.com/
  
  We Are/She Is Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearesheis
  
  “Like” us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blast-Out-Your-Stereo/162082217183110
  

• We Are / She Is - Slidebar [+ Show ]
  

  If you don't know anything about Buena Park duo, We Are/She Is, then you haven't been reading the pr...If you don't know anything about Buena Park duo, We Are/She Is, then you haven't been reading the print version of the Weekly where they were recently featured in our Locals Only section. Digital purists need not worry, here's the band's breakdown: Known for sweetly melodic, synth pop in the vein of Matt and Kim, We Are/She Is has had its song "Puzzles" featured on the Showtime reality series The Real L Word. Sporting a fiercely DIY work ethic, the band promoted itself by showing up to various gay pride events armed with a pair of headphones blaring their music. With the tenacity of newly saved heathens, the set about proselytizing their art to the masses, and picking up some true believers in the process. The gods of rock smiled upon them and they now hold the October band residency at Slidebar.

• We Are / She Is: Building and Maintaining Momentum [+ Show ]
  

  We Are/She Is is a band from north Orange County. At McCormick and Schmick's in Irvine, Jessie Meeha...We Are/She Is is a band from north Orange County. At McCormick and Schmick's in Irvine, Jessie Meehan and Merilou Salazar discussed being a part of the OCMA showcase series, having their music featured on The Real L Word, and what they might be doing if they weren't making music.
  
  For someone who has never heard We Are/She Is, what description do you give?
  
  Jessie Meehan: We usually say 80s.
  
  Merilou Salazar: 80s-inspired. The Cure. I'm a huge fan of The Cure.
  
  I picked up on The Cure influence.
  
  MS: Performance-wise we go for energy-filled audience cooperation.
  
  JS: Energetic.
  
  That's always good to see because there are so many bands that just stand on stage and play their instruments and don't really do much.
  
  JM: And you think "If I wanted to listen to this I'd listen to the CD." We definitely make a point of giving you a show and making sure you get your money's worth when you come to a show.

• Uh Huh Her with We Are / She is and Maniac [+ Show ]
  

  Comprised of members Leisha Hailey, most known for her role as Alice in The L Word, and Camila Grey ...Comprised of members Leisha Hailey, most known for her role as Alice in The L Word, and Camila Grey of the lo-fi indie group Mellowdrone, Uh Huh Her prepares to bring the hype to the Orange County music scene at the the small yet popular venue, Detroit Bar. The indie/synth/rock duo is on their second tour since their release of their brand new second EP, Black and Blue, and is currently writing and recording for their second album due next spring, NOCTURES. They have just finished a residency in Las Vegas, NV and are ready to hit up a couple California coast shows before returning to their hometown, Los Angeles.
  
  On tour and sharing the stage with UHH is Maniac, a vibrant, indie/pop group native from Australia. Since their formation in September 2010, Maniac has done several US and Australia tours and have made about a dozen self-produced music videos for their fans. Opening this highly anticipated night is the energetic, OC local alternative/dance duo We Are / She Is. Formed in August 2010, We Are / She Is have since recently had their single "Barlights" featured on The Real L Word along with successfully wrapping up their first west coast tour.
  
  Uh Huh Her, Maniac and We Are/She Is will be at Detroit Bar on July 31, 2011. Show starts at 9pm.

• Schwindy's Indie Music Spotlight: We Are / She Is [+ Show ]
  

  What makes a good band? Frankly, you could answer that question any number of ways. One thing that m...What makes a good band? Frankly, you could answer that question any number of ways. One thing that makes a good band is that it gets you to go outside of what you normally listen to. I don't listen to a lot of pop, but We Are/She Is is a band that gets me to listen to pop.

• We Are / She Is Stepping Out with EP [+ Show ]
  

  After playing together in numerous other projects, local musicians and high school friends Merilou S...After playing together in numerous other projects, local musicians and high school friends Merilou Salazar and Jessie Meehan have finally found their perfect fit with We Are/She Is. The indie pop duo came together in 2010 after their previous band, He's Not Gay, called it quits.
  “We were lucky because sometimes when bands break up it's like a bad boyfriend-girlfriend situation with a lot of drama,” Salazar said during a recent phone interview. “We didn't have any of that with our old bandmates.”
  Though they started with a clean slate, the girls decided to play off of their old name and came up with We Are/She Is. Salazar considers the ambiguous moniker the “cooler older sister to He's Not Gay,” but says fans who have gotten to know the band over the last few years truly know what it means.
  “People ask us now, because we are an LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender group), if we're welcomed or if we're taken seriously in Orange County, because obviously it's known as conservative," she pointed out.
  "But everyone has been really awesome. When we started getting more press, they were calling us a ‘lesbian duo,' which was kind of like, ‘Hey, thanks for outing me – again.' But we're totally fine with it. So far everyone has been really supportive, and musically we've been able to meet and play with so many people.”
  After headlining Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa on Aug. 21, Salazar and Meehan head to San Francisco for a couple gigs before settling into an L.A. studio to work on the follow-up to last year's EP, Young and Pretty Clean.
  “For money's sake we're just going to focus on a few songs and put out another EP,” she explained, adding that the release is due out by mid-Fall.
  Earlier this year WA/SI took part in the OC Music Awards' best live band showcase series, recruiting a second guitarist and a drummer for its live sets. The title eventually went to heavy rock act Railroad to Alaska, but Salazar describes the whole experience as exciting.
  “I think we went to every single showcase and all of the bands were a lot of fun,” she recalled. “We didn't really look at is as a competition, really. It was more like a gigantic three-month-long party where you can network and meet everyone, and it was just an honor for us to even be recognized in that.”
  Salazar, who plays guitar, met Meehan in a physics class at Savanna High School in Anaheim five years ago. Salazar signed herself up for a school show and later realized she'd actually need a band to back her. Through friends she heard that Meehan played bass, and after finding a few others to join in, they were officially a band.
  When Salazar first began playing guitar, she was influenced by '80s bands like the Cure, Book of Love and the Clash; Meehan was into faster, higher-energy acts like Blink-182. Now the duo agrees that acts like Tegan and Sara, the Ting Tings, Matt & Kim and Yeah Yeah Yeahs have had a major impact on their vibe.
  “We like to keep the sound sort of simple but put a lot of energy into the shows,” she said. “It sucks when you look forward to a band and then their shows are really boring, like you could have just bought the CD and stayed home. We really do put a lot into our shows because we wouldn't be doing this if people weren't coming out and supporting us.”
  Despite being together such a short time, WA/SI has already hit a few milestones worth celebrating. Two of its tracks, “Barlights” and “Puzzles,” were used on Showtime's The Real L Word, helping to land them an opening slot with breakout Seattle band the Naked and Famous at Santa Ana's Observatory in December. After the recording process is through, Salazar says that WA/SI is looking to get onto other bigger shows as well as make the move from O.C. to Silverlake, where they hope to pick up more promising gigs and spend time focusing on writing songs.
  “Everything we've done up to this point, we've done ourselves,” she says. “When we started, we didn't have friends in the music scene. We had to buy our own equipment and sell our own CDs out on the street. We practice all of the time and we're constantly writing new music, and we're out meeting new people no matter how awkward it may be or feel. Everything we have right now is from hard work, and that's something we really do really pride ourselves in.”

• http://beportland.com/entertainment/we-are-she-is-are-shaking-things-up-at-burgerville-equalize-benefit [+ Show ]
  

  The dance-punk duo We Are / She Is will be touring the west coast this summer, hitting Portland on F...The dance-punk duo We Are / She Is will be touring the west coast this summer, hitting Portland on Friday, June 28th to play at the Burgerville on SE Hawthorne. The event is presented by Equalize as a benefit for the organization, which teaches young music fans about acceptance and educates communities against LGBTQ discrimination.

Setlist

1) Sweet Melodies
2) Ricochet
3) Barlights
4) Let It Go
5)Voices
6) And the World
7) Young and Pretty Clean
8) Beach Nights
9) Puzzles

Basic Requirements

Calendar