Some bandmates have to take time to familiarize themselves with one another in a group's early stages.

Adding to the band's distinctness is the fact that Jessica Zweback, in addition to her drumming duties, is skyblue72's lead singer.

Since forming four years ago, the trio has received its share of acclaim, including Jessica being honored as Female Vocalist of the Year by the Houston Press in 2003. Now, skyblue72 will bring its live show to San Antonio — in celebration of its latest album, Feel My Way Home — with a CD release party at Sam's Burger Joint on Friday, Oct. 19.

Before the Houston trio took to the stage at Sam's, Jessica and Frank Zweback talked to 210SA about playing music with one another, standing out in a large city like Houston and the origin of their band's name.

Having grown up together and now playing in the same band, do you ever get tired of being around one another?
FZ: When you're really close with somebody, there are certain battles you might have with others that aren't there ..... We know each other so well. Whether it's a subtle facial expression or a look of the eye, with someone else, they might not read into it. But with us, we're sensitive to each other and great at reading things like that.

JZ: I don't think we've ever experienced a sibling rivalry per se. Sometimes, we get on each other's nerves, but I think that's because we're brother and sister. If we were brother and brother or sister and sister, it could be a little different. We'd probably fight physically if we were brothers, and if we were sisters, we'd be pulling hair. It's great, because we've gotten a chance to cultivate our relationship.

Why aren't there more lead singers who also play the drums?
JZ: I wondered the same thing when I started drumming and singing, but it's physically demanding. That's probably, for me, the main challenge. When I would sing but play instruments less, my voice was healthier. Now, just being physical playing the drums and using my voice, it can strain my voice. That's one drawback. But it's really fun, being a physical person.

How do you keep your voice healthy?
JZ: I talk less, which is a challenge for me as well. I talk less, and I talk quieter. I try not to scream, but when I perform, sometimes I get really excited. I just kind of scream and strain, and I need to chill on that a little bit.

Is there a different feel to shows that take place outside of Houston, considering that's where your most loyal followers reside?
FZ: Yeah. I would say every place has its own nuances and little differences. We're playing out of town a lot now, and we're at the point in our career where we're trying to go to other markets and reach out to people, get people to know who we are. Hopefully, they like our show.

Are you seeing more females singing in rock bands, and how important do you think that is to women who aspire to sing or play in a band?
JZ: I see it, and I think it's great. It's exciting for me. Growing up, Joni Mitchell was my idol ..... and there were plenty of rocking women around. I definitely see more women in there doing their thing now. I talk to young girls and teenagers, and they'll say how they play the drums or guitar and how exciting it is for them.

How were you able to cultivate such a widespread following in a city the size of Houston?
FZ: Houston is really big and spread out, and there are certain areas of town that all kind of have their own small-town feel. We're in the inner-Houston area, and most of our following is there at this point. That's a real original music scene, and Houston is definitely centered on that area.

Where did you come up with skyblue72 as a band name?
FZ: It just symbolizes a really perfect day, and we named it after a car Davis had — a 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. We just liked the way it rolls off the tongue. It sounds like a perfect day.

CLINT HALE | 210SA