Trevor Geiger, 29, graduated from Columbia in May 2011 with a degree in music business. He plays rhythm guitar and bass for his band, The Arrowsics, which also includes his sister Molly, 27. Having released their first EP “The Arrowsics EP,” Geiger will soon be moving back to his home in Maine this October and is working on the band’s second EP. The Arrowsics’ sound can be classified as alternate country and indie folk.

The Chronicle caught up with Geiger to talk about his next EP, musical influences and future plans.

The Chronicle: You graduated with a degree in music business. How do you think that will help your career and The Arrowsics?

Trevor Geiger: The music business degree gave me the skills to do everything myself. I took classes in music, publishing, recording, promoting, etc. So now I can do most band-related stuff myself. I don’t see myself signing with a label anytime soon.

The Chronicle: How did you grow as a musician while at Columbia? What was the biggest impact or turn around?

TG: Columbia didn’t influence me musically. Its influence came more in the business sector, learning how to build a fan base [and] network. That said, I was able to hone and develop my style more while at school and went from more of a funky band to an alt-country style that is more representative of me.

The Chronicle: Tell me about your previous band experience.

TG: I moved here with my band DPOM [a three-piece rock band] from Atlanta. I also played in Black Turtle Co-Op here in Chicago and played in a reggae band in Atlanta.

The Chronicle: When asked about musical influences, you credit people such as Neil Young, John Lennon and Bob Dylan.How have they influenced you?

TG: My motto for life is, “What Would Neil Do?” I grew up with folky, hippie parents and listened to a ton of Beatles, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, etc. That stuff really sunk in when I got older. I found myself naturally attracted to making that type of music.

The Chronicle: Tell me about your next EP.

TG: We are currently recording our second EP at Family Bear Music [345 N. Loomis St.] here in Chicago. I am super proud of the songs on it and am really excited to release something that is more commercially viable. The songs were written more recently and are very near and dear to me right now. We are hoping for a December release.

The Chronicle: How would you describe the fan base of The Arrowsics? What are the numbers like?

TG: Most shows we play for between 30–100 people, though we’ve done a few that were bigger. You always have to start with your family and friends and grow your fan base from there. Most of our fans are people who just like simple songs with classical sounds.

The Chronicle: Where do you see The Arrowsics in the near future?

TG: In my ideal world, I will be able to support myself through music. Our first priority is to look for licensing opportunities in film and television. I hope to be able to tour at least a little—two to three months a year—although that is difficult financially.

The Chronicle: Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

TG: Be honest. Be authentic. People can tell you are trying to be something you are not. If you are true to yourself and make music from the heart, people will recognize it.

For more information on The Arrowsics, visit their fanpage on Facebook. Their music can be downloaded at TheArrowsics.BandCamp.com.