The DeKalb-based band, Zirra, will be performing at the House Café tonight along with Son of Starkiller, Picture Books and The Evangelicals. Zirra consists of NIU students Matt Zingale and Drew Hartman. The duo is releasing its debut CD, “The Lesson of Metcalf,” for free to those who attend the show.

Northern Star: How long has Zirra been a band?

Matt Zingale: Zirra has been a band since January, so about nine months. Drew and I had been in different bands for about four years or so, but because of our different tastes in music, we weren’t sure how forming a band would work.

NS: Describe your sound.

MZ: That’s really tough. We’re a little bit of everything from straight rock to mellow.

NS: How do you think Zirra will connect with the audience?

MZ: I think we’ll connect well with the audience. Our sound might take them by surprise, but our songs speak for themselves, and I’m very passionate about them. I feel the audience will connect well with the sound.

NS: What can people expect from “The Lesson of Metcalf?”

MZ: The CD covers a wide range from electronic to mellow to ambient rock; each track has a different sound. It has kind of a DIY sound to it because it was recorded in my apartment, but the quality of the audio is really good.