His and Hers blends music, family and Americana
For Caleb and Sara Davis, music has been a part of their relationship since they met as teenagers. Now, 18 years later, the couple performs together as His and Hers, blending Americana, folk and bluegrass influences.
The Davises met in high school when Caleb was 14 and Sara was 15. Caleb went on to play in several bands, while Sara’s musical background grew through her family and eventually through performing with Caleb.
After having children, the couple began playing weddings, bars and other venues. They initially incorporated original songs into their cover sets but soon realized their own music had potential.
“That is when we started really seeing our potential doing our own original music,” Caleb said.
The band has since expanded beyond the duo. About four or five years ago, they met bass player Drew while performing in Wilkes County and later added drummer Buckee, along with other musicians who bring fiddle, banjo and additional influences to the group.
“It is fun because we can curate our sets depending on who is playing with us,” Caleb said.
The band members all maintain careers outside of music. Sara is a teacher at Davie High School, Caleb works at Baptist, Drew is a lawyer in Wilkes County and Buckee is retired.
For the Davises, music provides a creative outlet and an opportunity to travel and meet new people while balancing work and family.
“When the kids were little, we would call it our date night,” Caleb said.
Songwriting often draws from their lives in rural communities, including family land, generational changes and everyday experiences. Caleb writes much of the lyrics, while Sara frequently contributes ideas and song titles.
The band's newest material has involved more collaboration from its full lineup. Caleb has also taken on recording and producing, allowing the group to experiment with its sound while maintaining its Americana, folk and bluegrass roots.
One of the band's memorable experiences was performing at MerleFest as part of a band competition. The couple brought in bluegrass musicians to help with the performance and spent several days immersed in the festival atmosphere.
“It was fun and a really great experience,” Caleb said. “We will remember that forever.”
The Davises said the music business has also taught them patience. The band has experienced everything from sold-out shows with thousands of people to performances in venues where only a handful of people attended.
“Ultimately, you’re there to make music and give yourself an expressive outlet,” Caleb said.
Looking ahead, His and Hers hopes to continue performing at festivals and shows while releasing music they are proud of.
“We love spending time together and making music,” Caleb said.
The band will perform Sept. 9 at the Piedmont Folkways, located at the Statesville Historical Collection at 7:30 p.m. Upcoming performances also include a Sept. 19 fundraising show at Mend the Hills in Wilkesboro, opening for Tommy Prine; Oct. 2 at Muddy Creek Music Hall in Old Salem; and Nov. 7 at the Pumpkin Festival at 10 a.m.
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