We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nathanael DeLong, Michaela DeLong & Dell May. Check out our conversation below.
Nathanael, Michaela & Dell, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
What makes us lose track of time as a band is a great title/song idea that makes the gears in our mind start turning and dreaming about what the song could be!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We The Least is a Christian band, originally from Mendota, IL that formed in 2019. The band is now located in Nashville, TN. Members include Michaela DeLong (vocals/keys), Nathanael DeLong (vocals/guitar), Noah DeLong (drums), and Dell May (vocals/bass).
They released their first album in May of 2019, which featured multiple song genres, since the band loves to write in a variety of musical and lyrical styles. Most specifically, the band is known for their creative use of 3-part vocal harmony, which can be heard in songs like “One More Sinner,” “Spoonz,” and “Made You Too.” Their second album “Sundae Best” is available on all streaming platforms, and their third album is currently being written and recorded.
Over the course of their young career, the band has already been blessed to have played live on many radio stations and significant festival stages, including Lifest, hosted in Osh Kosh, WI. To date, they have shared various stages with notable acts such as: Leanna Crawford, Ryan Stevenson, 7eveneth Time Down, and Anne Wilson.
On May 7th of 2022, CMUnited announced We The Least as the “19th Annual Christian Songwriter of the Year” for their award-winning song “Made You Too.” This song, among others, has blessed thousands of people all over the globe, reminding listeners of their self-worth in God alone.
The group’s name is based on John 3:30, which says “He must become greater; I must become less.” Hearing their songs live, in the car, or at home, is an experience that truly brings listeners closer to Jesus, and therefore, their own eternal happiness in God.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
We believe that what breaks bonds between people is wanting to be more right more than wanting to understand where the other person is coming from. When we are able to set our pride aside, and consider another person’s perspective and ideas, collaboration is possible, which makes creativity possible.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught us that God is using everything for our good. Even when our songs don’t get as many streams or shares as we hoped they would, we trust that God is sovereign, and however far he wants our music to reach is the exact amount of influence that we should have. His glory is more important than our comfort.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of us is absolutely the real us. We are just as goofy and laid back in our social media posts as we are in real-life.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
In a world that idolizes fame/fortune/success, I think people will misunderstand our band name ‘We The Least.’ We want the name of Jesus to be famous, not our own names. We are the least important part of what we do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wetheleast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WetheLeast/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/WeTheLeast
- Other: Spotify: spotify:artist:0RpbukSc1cJYLBNnqcUgqpApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/we-the-least/1463437427
Image Credits
Nathanael DeLong
