After meeting at DePaul University in 2005, Fortyone's formation unfolded gradually over the course of a decade. Although never playing in bands together in college, Ashley (guitar/vocals) and Villy (vocals) continued encountering each other in bands assembled by mutual acquaintances over the years, ultimately leading to the decision to form a duo of their own. Originally, this duo was an opportunity to play songs that were overlooked in other musical projects, but soon evolved into a band with a personality and style of its own, blending uniquely arranged covers and original music.