sandiegopunk.com
The Burning of Rome
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SDP: Would you like to introduce yourselves? The Burning of Rome is Michael Richardson (Drums/Percussion), Laura Stanger (Glockenspiel/Synthesizer/VOX), Paul Aguilar (Bass/VOX), Tracy Ball (Synthesizer), Sean Fitzsimmons (Guitar/VOX), and interviewed on the band's behalf, Adam Traub (Keyboard/Lead VOX). |
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SDP: Where do you draw songs from, lyrically?
Every song has its own source of inspiration, but generally I would say most of them are driven by political satire. With an approval rating barely teetering above 20%, the current U.S. administration has been very generous to our band in consistently giving us new material to write about, it seems daily.
SDP: How would you describe your album, and what type of music fans do you think it appeals best to?
By the deranged, for the deranged. It is always difficult to give a quick explanation of our music. I generally say it sound as if Cab Calloway's ghost were resurrected to sing a duet with Mike Patton. Or, if Oingo Boingo never broke up and got a little angrier. Ultimately it is just something you have to listen to in order to find out. Anyone that appreciates music that strays from the norm should appreciate it.
SDP: How do you feel about the final product? Is there anything you wish you could change?
Most people don't realize that our album "Living in the Lie" is a demo. It was completely done independently with no aide what so ever from anyone outside the band. The album was meant to be a peak through a keyhole at the grand intention of The Burning of Rome. Given that, I wouldn't change a thing about it. However, I also wouldn't say it is the truest representation of the band. If you visit our myspace page you can hear a few of the new songs recorded for our "real" album that I would say does our name a little more justice.
SDP: What makes The Burning of Rome different from every other band out there?
What other band do you know of has a screaming glockenspiel player in stiletto heels?
SDP: What was the recording process like?
Liberating. By doing all of this independently there are no deadlines, label
budgets to meet, scheduling hassles to deal with, etc. The recording process
is in many ways the writing process. It is a time where different ideas are
thrown around, and experimentation of the sound's image can be played with.
Everything is actually done at home in my apartment. So if inspiration
strikes at 12pm or 12am, it can always be captured. Thank God for the
digital age...
SDP: What can fans expect at your live show, and how have fans been reacting
to your music?
At first there was always a fear that our live performance wouldn't hold up
to the recordings on "Living in the Lie". Now, after almost every show, I
have at least one person tell me they can't believe how much better it
sounds live. Visually we throw in theatrics every now and then, be it skulls
on set, fake blood on the stage, costumes, etc. If not that then we
supplement visually through our physical deliverance of the music. I can't
tell you how many mornings after our shows I've woken up with bruises and
cuts from the night before. And let me tell you, as a keyboard player,
that’s a tough thing to do.
SDP: As a new band, do you think the music community in San Diego has been supportive in helping you guys get the ball rolling?
YYYEEESSS!!! As I said earlier, all of our stuff is produced independently.
We don't have rich dads in La Jolla dumping thousands of dollars into our
shows and buying us popularity. In likeness we don't have a label doing the
same for us. All of our support thus far has come strictly from the San
Diego community. People coming out to shows, or requesting us on the radio,
or just tell a friend about us, that's what keeps us a float. And I can't
even begin to express my gratitude for those of you doing that for us.
SDP: What's next for the band?
A new album: "A Marriage between Heaven & Hell", which we are aiming for a
release hopefully within these next few months. Some of the songs from it
are posted on our myspace site for anyone wanting a preview. Also we just
got a new band member, Tracy Ball, to play synthesizer for us. She is
amazing. Anyone able to make it out to a show should definitely try to stop
by and hear the difference having her play with us.
SDP: Anything else you'd like to add?
Once again a thank you to those of you not only supporting us but all of the
local independent artists in San Diego, including sandiegopunk.com for this
interview. You are all amazing and we love you!
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