Firefly caught up with the members of The Underground— (from left) lead guitarist Mike Cribari, drummer Ian Solomon, bassist Ian Senesac, vocalist, keyboardist and guitarist Rosemary Moore, and keyboardist, guitarist, and vocalist Daphnee Vandal.

How would you describe your music?

We try to make contrasts in our music between heavy and soft. Like Vader and Skywalker. We have a wide range of musical influences and that reflects in what we play. One song of ours might sound like a hard rock tune, and the very next could be a very soft acoustic song. It's hard to categorize us into a genre, but if we have to pick one it'd be alternative rock.

How long has your band been playing together?

We've been playing together since the end of November 2009. We are all currently seniors at Champlain Valley Union High School. Most of the members of the band have known each other long before we started playing together. Ian, Ian, and Mike used to play in a band together called Peace of the Previous, which broke up over a matter of creative differences. From there, we sought out female singers because we liked the tones they put into rock music. We ended up going to some old school friends, Daphnee and Rosie, who have been singing together since the age of 5.

Who or what influences you and makes you want to play music?

We are influenced by everyday life and the problems we face. Jokingly, we say that our lyrics are basically just us complaining, but there is some truth in that. We try to make our music something that people can connect with and feel the way we felt when we wrote it. The music we play is very emotionally driven. The songs are usually about a sad experience, but we also try to put some optimism into them. 

Where do you see yourselves in five years? 

Celebrating the five-year anniversary of being asked that question.

What’s your favorite moment in the history of the band?

Probably when all five of us played sexy Twister together at Ian Solomon’s house. Also, recording our three-song demo with Lane Gibson.

Check out The Underground’s music at www.myspace.com/theundergroundmusicvt.