Trapdoor Social's Merritt Graves and Skylar Funk met in 2008 as environmental analysis majors at Pomona College; there, they bonded over things aside from the future of the planet. “I remember spending a few nights in the same computer lab, talking about music and generally putting off our studies,” Funk said.

Music and social consciousness then became prevailing themes for the duo; in 2012, they released the EP Death Of A Friend, which saw the success of the single “Like You Never.” (It became the No. 1 listener requested track on KROQ’s “Locals Only” show.) Last year, on the release of their Science of Love EP, Trapdoor Social connected with Homeboy Industries, a local nonprofit that retrains former gang members for jobs. They donated all the proceeds from their forthcoming record to add a 6.4kw solar rooftop to the company’s headquarters.

Now joined by new members Eyal Dahan (drums), Louie Gonzalez (guitar), and Patrick Griffen (bass), the band is working on a new album. The video for “Fine On My Own” was originally recorded with the Mesa Ridge High School Marching Band last year in Colorado Springs; the acoustic version premieres on Myspace today.

Skylar Funk talks to us about the band's origins, how they hooked up with a high school marching band, and the first song he ever wrote (for a girl, of course!).

Hometown: I am from Woodinville, WA - on the east side of Seattle.

Homebase: I live in Los Angeles, in a beautiful little spot called Solano Canyon.

What’s the story behind your name?

The story isn't where the name came from, but where it's going. It's a blank canvas for your impressions of the music.

Okayyy, so what’s “Fine On My Own” about?

“Fine On My Own” is written from the perspective of someone who's questioning their faith. The verses explore doubt and the human experience, and the chorus reaffirms that even when things are tough, one has the strength and independence to persevere and thrive on their own. In a culture where religion influences our education and politics as much as it does in the US, I think it's important to look carefully at what we believe and why.

In the original version, you recorded with  the Mesa Ridge High School Marching Band from Colorado. How did that happen?

We were connected to the Pride of Mesa Ridge through our friend Jim Edwards, who's a DJ at 103.9 RXP - this great, independent alternative radio station in Colorado Springs. His son AJ is in that band, and Jim suggested we stop by and visit band camp while we were coming through on tour. I was a huge band geek in high school, so the experience of working with a high school band was incredibly fun. Those kids are great and their sound took our song to another level.

Why release a stripped-down video version of the song?

It comes from us getting back to the basics - acoustic instruments and voices - which we've been doing for training purposes (but is also really fun!).

Aside from high school marching bands, which artists are on your list of "would love to collaborate with"?

I want Macklemore to rap a verse on "Fine On My Own", with Youngblood Brass Band as the horn section. You didn't say it had to be realistic...

What causes are you most passionate about supporting and how are you doing that through music?

Merritt and I like to promote sustainability and long-term social responsibility. Even since college, we have been reading and learning a lot about environmental and technological sustainability. We still have lots to learn, but we do believe these issues need more attention. For a start, we think clean energy (like solar) should replace greenhouse-gas-producing coal and fossil fuel burning technologies. To emphasize this statement, in 2013-14 we raised $35,000 of solar power to donate to a local non-profit, and this summer we went solar ourselves! Our new solar trailer can power lights and sound for hours... We'll be doing solar-powered shows all around the country!

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Most of what I heard growing up in the ‘90s was whatever my brother was listening to, and that was definitely influenced by alternative radio - 107.7 The End was our favorite Seattle station. Highlights included Third Eye Blind, Death Cab for Cutie, Muse, Arcade Fire, Cake, Jimmy Eat World, etc. Since then, some new, important influences have been Bon Iver, Florence and the Machine, and Macklemore.

Did you grow up in a musical household?

I grew up in a fairly musical household... There was a piano in the living room that my mom would play sometimes, and my older brother was into music as well. My parents required us to do something musical in school, so I started choir in 3rd grade, saxophone in 6th, guitar in 9th, and piano some time after that. I've done theater, a cappella, jazz, funk, folk, and a few other projects since.

Do you remember the first song you ever wrote? What was it about?

(Laughs) I do! When I was 16 years old, I wrote a song to ask my girlfriend to the big dance, and I actually just recently dug it up... "Your hair / your smile / your mind / your time / your eyes / they shine like our star on the clearest night." Who ordered the extra cheese!?

You’re now based in Los Angeles. How does living in LA influence your music?

It’s a fantastic arts community - so many collaborators here for us to work with, from video directors to musicians to producers to actors to graphic designers... It's a great place to create content and to jam with and learn from talented artists all around us.

What do you do for fun in Southern California?

I play hockey every week, grow my own hot peppers and make hot sauce, ride my bike around the city, and go camping when I can. Nothing beats a sing-along around the fire...

What’s the biggest thing a fan has ever done for you?

A fan in Texas was in a bad car accident last winter. Her mom wrote to me saying that she was in a coma, but that when they put on our music in her hospital room, she squeezed the hand of the person sitting at the bedside and holding hers. This story shook me to the core. I didn't realize anybody cared that much about our music ... the listener is so important to this art, and the thought of losing her, even though I didn't know her, scared the hell out of me. I wrote a verse for her in our new song “Play Along,” which will be on the album we're working on.

How would you describe your music to someone who's never heard you before?

We make Alternative Rock for Alternative Energy... is that helpful? Probably about as much as "emotive, melodic pop rock", plus it's more fun to say