Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with We the Commas

We the Commas are making a splash with their signature surf alt R&B sound. Composed of Cam Comma, Jordy Comma, and Lenny Comma, the SoCal band of brothers have mastered the art of pairing chill acoustic vibes with soulful vocals, as evident in their new single, “Sherry.” The song is the perfect jam to kick off the summer and an impressive debut from the trio, who are, without question, ones to watch in 2020. Pop Culturalist caught up with We the Commas to learn more about “Sherry” and the group!

PC: How did you all discover your passion for music?
We the Commas: We were the type of kids that didn’t watch much TV. We chose to listen to music literally all day. Our parents exposed us to a wide variety of music at a very young age. Everything from Nirvana, Prince, Pearl Jam, Stevie Wonder, smooth jazz to folk was constantly playing on rotation in our house. This is what inspires the three of us to create music that infuses all of these influences.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your careers?
We the Commas: The pure love for music itself and our parents have had the biggest impact. Our parents have always encouraged us to follow our dreams and pursue our passion. Our parents’ biggest motto is “Never let the fear of failure hold you back from doing what you love,” and we live by that.

PC: You’re bandmates and brothers. How do you manage that dynamic?
We the Commas: We always remember that maintaining a healthy relationship as brothers comes before anything else. We all come together with a mutual agreement of respect and make sure every band member is heard.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned about each other as you embark on this musical career?
We the Commas: When each of us has room to play our individual role, magic is made, and we can rely on each other when times get tough.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a song?
We the Commas: We are brothers and share similar experiences, which allows our music to tell a cohesive story. Each song starts with an idea from a bandmate, and then we all find our space within the song to express how we are feeling about the same subject.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Sherry.” What inspired the track?
We the Commas: We wanted to express the feeling that a lot of people experience when someone pops in their life and they are simply “happy I met you.” “Sherry” is our generic term for that romantic interest. The song is energetic and whimsical while also encapsulating a very real and relatable experience.

PC: What led you all to choose that as your musical introduction?
We the Commas: “Sherry” is a great introduction to the style of music we make and our individual personalities and lifestyle as a band. We hope that people hear the song and it reminds them of how it feels to be happy and in love. The music and the visuals for “Sherry” aim to capture the essence of what it feels like to be happy and in love while representing us at the same time. Cam is graduating high school, Jordy is in college, and Lenny recently finished college, but we still come together as brothers and find time to catch that wave and make music together. We shot it in our own hometown Carlsbad and San Diego, California!

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you all?
We the Commas: We’ve worked very hard for this past year building our first album. We technically have our second album written as well, but right now we are in the middle of the protests and the COVID-19 pandemic. We find solace in the fact that a majority of our country—and the world—feels like they are finally seeing social constructs and injustices for what they are. Three hundred and fifty cities in the US are filled with people standing together for change. We as young black men need this change. So though the plans were already made and set in motion to release our songs and perform in public, we are reading the ocean and picking our waves.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
We the Commas: An artist that you might be surprised to find on our playlist would either be Green Day or blink-182. Both were groups that we listened to religiously for a couple of years, and they really helped us evolve our sound as a band as well.

PC: First album you bought?
Lenny: Kanye West’s College Dropout

Cam: Black Eyed Peas’ Monkey Business

Jordy: Sergio Mendes’ Timeless

PC: First concert you attended?
We the Commas: Nice Jazz Festival

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
We the Commas: Channel ORANGE by Frank Ocean and self-titled Young the Giant album were two albums that really inspired us musically. It helped us realize that we can really experiment.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
We the Commas: Madison Square Garden would be a dream to play at, but headlining Coachella would be pretty rad.

PC: A must-have on the road?
We the Commas: A toilet and a travel Beagle. A dog would be nice to have on the road.

To keep up with We the Commas, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Sherry” today.

Photo Credit: Omar Guerra