The visualette for “Dirty Money,” the newest song from Los Angeles band Weathers, depicts each band member in a silhouette of light and smoke. A band that’s confident in creating their own aesthetic since their inception in 2015, the song itself depicts a collective who are actively aware of the pit falls of fame and working to overcome them.

Being forthcoming and honest is nothing new for the up-and-coming band. Songs like “Happy Pills” and “I’m Not Ok” shows the band’s willingness to open up on a personal level with their battles and triumphs with mental health. Their infectious meld of alternative rock and pop with catchy hooks work to stick with you even after the musical experience is over.

We caught up with lead singer Cameron Boyer to talk about their headlining tour, their newest single, how they strive to give a unique musical experience, and more.

Substream: The new song “Dirty Money” touches on how success could warp someone’s point of view. Just like the saying, “heavy is the head that wears the crown,” there’s been instances where the monster of fame could change you, both internally and externally. In what ways do you stay grounded and in tune to where you started?

Cameron Boyer: It’s honestly the fans that keep us grounded. Seeing how our album and new song has touched people in such different ways has really showed us how the music is so much bigger than us. The fans are the ones that make it possible for us to do this.

Also, to segue that in with a song like “Shallow Water,” which is about a journey on self-discovery. In forming the band in 2015 to now, what are a couple of the most important lessons that you’ve learned thus far?

Cameron: We’ve learned to balance being true to ourselves while also being open to change. After “Happy Pills,” we wanted to take some time to figure out who we were becoming. We were young when “Happy Pills” was written. And we were still figuring out who we were and what kind of band we wanted to be. So we took some time to let ourselves grow up a bit. And our record, “Kids In The Night”, sounds pretty different from “Happy Pills.” And that’s because we were open to change. But we were who we were with “Happy Pills.” And we are who we are now. And that’s rad.

In releasing the new song, was that just a one-off single or is there a new album in the works?

Cameron: That was just a one-off single. But we are always working on new music. And I can very confidently say that there’s some excited new sounds coming to the family.

 

I like that the band has a heavy hand in creating their own aesthetic. I read that you guys directed the “1983” and “Problem” videos. You’re always going out of your way to engage with fans. In a music industry setting that has been more predicated on DIY, how important is it for Weathers to be so hands on and to create a personal connection?

Cameron: Very important. We want to be in charge of our own destiny. But we still love working with people outside of the band as well. I wrote and co-directed our “1983,” “Problems,” and “The Night Is Calling” video with an old friend of mine, Michael Costa, who is also a director. We have worked together a lot in film. Outside of the band, I write and direct film and Michael has been there with me. I feel like having full control of our art is very important and helps us get closer to our fans and connect with them on a deeper level.

From 2015 to now, you can hear the growth in your music. Especially from songs like “Happy Pills” to “I’m Not Ok.” The message and almost nakedness that speaking about your own mental health can bring. Is there almost a difficulty with being so honest and have fans come up to you with personal stories?

Cameron: I can definitely say that it’s an emotional but fun experience playing these songs live. “Secret’s Safe With Me” is especially personal to me and playing that live is definitely hard to get through. And yes! Fans come forward all the time about their own experiences and how differently it’s affected them and it feels so rad that can connect with people on so many levels.

I like that there’s a juxtaposition between your music and the lyricism. Many of these songs make you want to dance and lyrically, they may hint at something with a sadder emotion. It’s almost like life – you have to dance through the pain to get to the other side. With the unique use of melodies in the choruses, rock, and alt-pop that Weathers incorporates, explain your recording process a bit.

Cameron: We love portraying a fun but imperfect flare when it comes to the music. We like to embed a sense of recklessness that will make you jump up and down, but you’re singing along while crying because you relate to the hard times people can go through while growing up. It’s like a John Hughes movie. It’s fun but it’s also relatable because these kids are struggling through this thing called life. So when we record, we use old or cheap or beat up guitars. And we like to have lots of glitches in the music. We don’t want to sound perfect because we aren’t perfect.

You guys are about to go on your own headlining tour (Dumb and Twenty). Is there anything that fans can expect from these shows?

Cameron: Expect an emotional experience while dancing for an hour. It’s going to be something fun we all share together.