Sarah Stone studied jazz at Columbia College in Chicago before transferring to North Central College to pursue other academic interests. Maintaining a connection to her roots, she minored in music and dabeled in classical technique. Years of voice lessons taught her that there is always room to improve one's craft. Artists of influence include Ella Fitzgerald, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Enya, Birthday Massacre, Depeche Mode, and Within Temptation.

Shankar started as a classical musician, playing the string instrument Veena and singing carnatic Indian vocals. During high school he got into Rock and Heavy Metal which inspired to do vocals and pick up the guitar. After moving to Madison, he played guitars in jazz and metal bands. His influences include Opeth, Karnivool,The Dear Hunter, Little Tybee, BTBAM, Tool, The Devin Townsend Project, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Cynic etc.