You might not know this, but The Fratellis are on hiatus. While some might consider this a break, the band is doing anything but that — well, at least lead vocalist and guitarist Jon Lawler. Partnered with singer/songwriter Lou Hickey, Lawler has jumped right into another act. It’s called Codeline Velvet Club and as quick as you can say, “Wow, how does he do it?”, the band’s debut album arrives digitally next month on March 16th and physically the month after on April 6th, all via Dangerbird Records/Management Roster.

So, how’d this come to be? The collaboration started soon after The Fratellis returned from its Australia/Japan leg and announced its hiatus. Lawler had teamed up with Hickey on a track called “Vanity Kills” for her next record, and the experience went so well that they decided to create a full-fledged album together. The result features an orchestral score written by Mick Cooke of Belle & Sebastian, backing vocals by the Gospel Truth Choir, and strings parts recorded by renowned classical musicians, including legendary trumpeter Derek Watkins.

If this sounds like your cup of “tea”, and you happen to be galavanting about in Austin, TX next month, Codeline Velvet Club will make an appearance at Dangerbird’s SXSW party at Mellow Johnny’s on March 20th, followed by a week of touring with Metric.

Busy? Quite an understatement.