Oracle Online

“We all went to the same high school and after doing ensemble things for a few years we decided to get more involved and finally did an a cappella album, Fourward,” in 2005, said Helvig.

“Back in the day we used to play rock. When we started voice lessons we naturally started doing more a cappella. It was a way to develop our musical ears and vocal abilities,” said Fett.

Of the four, Helvig, lead guitar and primary song writer, is the only music major. Grupe is the keyboardist, Scholl the bassist, and Fett is the drummer. They all share vocals and writing credits on their new album.

“All of our music interests have developed out of our desire to make music together,” said Helvig.

Anyone Else Just Isn’t You, produced by Droptone Records and released on Friday April 13, is cataloged as indie but exposes a styling of alternative, folk, a cappella, and some elements of Electronica, according to Helvig.

“Once we started picking up and improving instruments again, the album just kind of took off from there. We knew it was where we always wanted to end up,” said Fett.

“Most of our songs are developed when the group comes together,” said Helvig. “We critique each other and make suggestions. Once the foundation is set we each add a harmony. It took us two years to finish this album.”
Helvig says it has been becoming very difficult for the band to find the time to be full time students and make music.

“It has been extremely difficult to reconcile school and music. All artists have to sacrifice for their art sometimes, you just have to prioritize and some things get cut,” said Helvig.

“We had to put a lot of time that we didn’t have into this album,” Fett said.

They said they have no definite plans for the band in the future. They just want to keep playing music as long as they can.

“Ultimately, it depends on how the next year goes if we choose to pursue it,” said Helvig.

“It cost the band just over $20,000 to get this album made, so it was a pretty big project for us. Once we start selling some CDs we can hopefully pay for it all and any money after that will probably go into our next one,” said Fett.

“We had to take out some loans to get this album made so once we start selling some CDs we can hopefully pay for it all,” Fett said. “Any money after that will probably go into our next one.”

“We’re doing more shows too now that our new album is out, and over the summer we’ll try to do as many as we can to get as big a fan base as possible. Playing shows with a CD behind you is really exciting,” said Fett.

Their next show is the CD release party on May 8 at 8 p.m. It is an 18-plus show. Openers include: Are We There Yet, Greg Froehle, and Dejen Tesfagiorgis Jazz Project.

Band Information for Skyline Citizen and upcoming events are listed on their website, myspace.com/skylinecitizen.