Following the release of a powerful new three-track, self-titled EP, New Jersey alt-rock outfit Between Rooms kindly took part in an interview.
We talk songwriting, style, live shows, inspiration, and plenty more. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Hi guys, thanks for the interview – massive congrats on the new EP!
Just to introduce the band, what is Between Rooms all about, how did the name come to be, and what prompted the three of you to start making music together?
Thank you! Well, we’re a 3 piece from NJ that started playing together 5-6 years ago? That feels like a long time haha.
We were originally a pretty straightforward punk band going by the name Fencing, pretty sure our first EP is still out there. The new name Between Rooms came about after we got back together, going for a new sound.
We’ve all known each other for some time, Sachin and myself have known each other since kindergarten. Ross and I met in high school. We’re all musicians so sometime in 2016 or 2017 we got together and started jamming as Fencing. It’s been like that since, only we’ve grown and so has our sound!
The three-track EP leads with the raw emo-rock set-up of a simpler time, with an aptly explosive hook as the passion and story peak. Were you inspired by the likes of Brand New, Jimmy Eat World, or are there some unexpected influences to your creativity?
We definitely draw influences from Jimmy Eat World, as well as a lot of early emo acts of the 90’s. A couple that come to mind are Texas is the Reason, SDRE, Christie Front Drive, and a bunch of others both well known and lesser so.
All of us grew up on Jimmy Eat World so yeah they’re a big one, My Chemical Romance too.
What does the song Home mean to you, and why did you decide to open with this one?
That song is all about the bond between friends. How time can pass so quickly but even as it does and the older we get, that friendship still remains. We have a lot of friends, both distant and close but we know we’ve always got each other. Our friends are our home!
What about Stay – a notably shorter, higher-octane and lyrically simple track; why did you choose to craft this one in such a way?
Stay is definitely more internal for me as a songwriter. I’ve always been a very indecisive person, and while I’ve been able to overcome that it still shows itself every now and again. But with this song I made it very simple, go or stay. And that’s what I wanted to do with the song as well – keep it simple.
What’s your writing process like – do you start with the acoustic, intimate setting, or do you just meet up in the studio and see what happens?
We’ve done a little of both! Lately I’ve been just coming up with simple riffs, sharing it with the guys and seeing where we can take it. Sometimes it plays out, sometimes it doesn’t but we always have a good time when we get together to play.
Where do you imagine people listening to this project for the best effect?
Exclusively on 180 gram vinyl pressed by the top factories in the industry. That one was Sachin’s joke haha but we think just listening on Bandcamp or whatever platform at your favorite place to hang out should suffice.
What’s the live music scene like in New Jersey for this nostalgic kind of sound (pre or post lockdown I mean)?
We’re not too sure, New Brunswick is closest to us and has always had a hardcore scene but we’ve also played shows there with a variety of different bands. Jersey is a strange but interesting place.
What’s a live show like from Between Rooms?
We like to play loud haha
What would be your dream venue or event to perform at, and why?
Nothing crazy, we prefer smaller, more intimate places to play.
What’s next for you as a band?
We’re currently working on another project, possibly a full length album in the near future.
Is there anything else we should know?
Just keep an ear out for Between Rooms! Thanks again!
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Check out Between Rooms via Bandcamp.
