Louder Than The Music

Originally from the US, but now based in Hong Kong, The Weathering release their new album 'The Sea Cares For Its Own' this month. LTTM spoke to the duo, Jeff and Leora Caylor, to find out more about their own brand of dream pop and unique melodies.

For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourselves and how you got involved in making music?

We're both from the USA originally but we currently live in Hong Kong. When we met 10 years ago, music was how we got to know each other at first and music has been a thread that has run through the fabric of our relationship ever since. We've been married for almost 3 years and The Weathering is the result of a dream we have had since we met: to write beautiful music that catches your ear with picture-painting lyrics. For years we have both pursued music to varied ends on our own but this album is our first official collaboration and we're really excited about the result!

Tell us a little bit about your new album 'The Sea Cares For Its Own' and what the inspiration behind it was?

The Sea Cares for Its Own has gone through a few phases and revisions. While we had some gifted musicians help us eventually bring the project to life, our small 52nd floor apartment in Hong Kong overlooking a mountain next to Clearwater Bay provided lots of inspiration for the sound that finally became The Weathering. We're inspired by beautiful scenery, poetry and sounds so hopefully that came through in this project for people.

Which is your favourite track on the album and why?

JEFF: I like different songs for different reasons at different times but I think right now it would probably be Horses. I love the way the lyric came together and I love performing that one. I grew up in the midwestern USA I truly miss that part of the world in Autumn. This song takes me back to that place.

LEORA: I love the story in Where Other Ghosts Gather. Life, death and hope intermingled in all of it.

What's your song writing process?

Most of the time, it starts with a lyric idea and melody. From there we add a solo instrument and finish out the melody and harmony. Once we start producing the track, it can take a very different feel. It's a process we really love. Also, most of these songs were not written on the instruments that we typically perform on. Leora wrote several on piano but Jeff usually plays piano at our shows. Similarly, Jeff started a couple of the songs on guitar but rarely performs on the guitar.

If you could work with any song writer, who would it be and why?

We have a million answers to this question but if we can only pick one, it would have to be Ryan Tedder. He's an amazing talent who obviously has an ear for hits but his melodies and turns of phrase stick with you and it would be really eye-opening to see him do it firsthand.

How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?

I know everyone says this, but we really tried to do something new on this project--new for us and new in general. It probably leans most heavily towards the dream/alt pop genre. We're really loving the sounds of Ellie Goulding, Sufjan Stevens and Sigur Ros currently but can't say The Weathering sounds a lot like any of them.