The New Room sat down with us to talk about about their post-punk sound, musical upbringing and what happens when you keep a band together long enough to understand why The Beatles broke up. Brothers Anthony on vocals and guitar and James on bass, along with their “default brother” drummer Jason, started playing together in 2004. Their first rehearsal attracted the cops.
(Apparently, the neighbors weren’t ready for the debut.)
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The trio eventually found rehearsal space behind Pink’s Hot Dogs. More than two decades and a hiatus later, they’re still making music together and giving each other plenty of shit in the process.
Even explaining the band name turned into a debate. Anthony liked “The New Room” because it was concise, open to interpretation and reminded him of The Doors. James recalled a more practical origin: an old shared bedroom had been cleaned up, prompting an invitation to check out “the new room.” Jason accused Anthony of romanticizing things a little.
For those unfamiliar, The New Room describe their sound as post-punk and alternative rock, drawing from ’70s and ’80s post-punk and new wave. Listeners have compared them to The Smiths, New Order and The Cure. Their influences also include The Beatles, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, David Bowie, The Beach Boys, Yes and Depeche Mode.
“We want to turn heads in the room,” Anthony explained, describing the atmosphere and urgency they chase in their songs.
Anthony and James grew up with music throughout the house, including church rehearsals near their bedroom. They found an old guitar in the attic and started learning together. James also recalled catching the end of a Depeche Mode concert while picking up his older sister with their family. Hearing “Personal Jesus” helped make an impression.
Jason’s introduction required some negotiation. His family favored classical music and wanted him to play cello. He wanted drums. His parents eventually bought him a kit, and a neighbor promptly banged on the garage door when he played.
Keeping the band going brought its own challenges. James discussed creative differences and showing up to a hot, loud rehearsal room after a bad day.
“I get why the Beatles broke up,” he said.
After a hiatus, the trio reunited as pandemic restrictions eased and had to find their footing in a changed Los Angeles music scene. Their connection remained: Anthony can play a note or chord and his bandmates already know which song is coming.
Support at home matters, too. Jason described being welcomed at Anthony and James’s family dinner table. Anthony credited his wife with encouraging him to continue: “You’re not done, get your ass back out there.” He almost cried after telling us that.
With a newly released seven-inch, out-of-town shows and hopes of another full-length album, The New Room have more to do. Their advice for other bands? Patience, honesty, perseverance and having fun.
Considering they survived their first rehearsal’s police visit and still enjoy hanging out together, we’d say they’re qualified to answer.
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Concert lovers turned creators. Highlighting creators, bands, stories, sounds, and places you need to know.
Disarray Magazine is an independent media platform established in 2009, spotlighting rap, R&B, punk, hardcore, alternative culture, live music, food, nightlife, and the chaos in between. Created by journalist Christy Buena, C² exists to document the bands, people, and moments shaping the scene.
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