Rockers thrive on change

The first time guitarists Benji Willis and Sean Vass met was when Willis was handing out flyers for Gandhi’s birthday. Vass fondly recalls the moment, admitting he was wondering who the “hippie from Australia” was. Little did they know they would not only end up being good friends, but become band mates in the heavy-atmospheric-rock band Skip Cycle.

The pair met up a second time when Vass – a mass communications major – saw Willis – a sociology major – playing guitar outside the University Student Commons and joined the jam session. Vass asked Willis to tryout for Skip Cycle after he noticed they both wrote music in a similar way.

“He accompanied our music very well,” Vass said of Willis. “It’s by far the best stuff we’ve done.”

They both have a hard time confining themselves to a particular category, though they have no problem describing their influences, such as the Deftones and Pink Floyd.

Along with the addition of Willis four months ago, Skip Cycle is opening a new chapter with new lead singer Chapelle Price. After auditioning numerous singers, Price seemed to best fit the band’s diverse sound because of his singing background in both soul and rap.

“He’s got a voice everybody can hold on to,” Willis said. “It’s got that presence.”

Price also heard his own sound fitting in with the band’s rock, blues and funk style.

“I’m kind of an eclectic person and almost every other person (in the band) is the exact same way,” Price said. “We can jump from genre to genre without a problem.”

Price connected with the band’s professional mentality as well-they practice a minimum of nine hours a week on top of full-time schedules. Price describes practice as “awesome,” adding the band has fun but gets down to business right away.

“I just joined in so it’s kind of like they’re my drill sergeants,” Price said.

Willis and Vass are nothing short of excited about the new elements Price can bring to the band, which should be evident when they play their first show with Price this Saturday. As for how people perceive their music-Vass only has one hope.

“I hope it makes them feel good,” Vass said. “I remember being a little kid and listening to music that moved me on the inside. I know what I play – it that does for me – and I hope it transfers to other people.”

Skip Cycle will be performing this Saturday at 10 p.m. at Nara Sushi. Admission is $5.

Each week, the Spectrum Section selects a talented student from the School of the Arts (music, dance, theater and visual) and showcases his or her achievements both in and around the VCU community. Do you want your name and work in the CT? E-mail spectrum@commonwealthtimes.com for consideration.