Lineup Changes
Early 2001 was quite an inactive period for the band as a whole, with Omar continuing to compose music and John writing songs for his own solo project. Omar began an online campaign promoting ROOM 1202 on various MP3 sites in an attempt to bring the music to a much larger audience. By late summer, ROOM 1202 had become one of the most downloaded bands in Southern California.
Reinvigorated by this, plans were made for new shows and on October 19, 2001, the band reunited performing a show celebrating Omar and John's 10th anniversary in music. Even after a year out of the collective local consciousness, almost 100 close friends and fans that had not forgotten attended the show.
In mid-2001 Omar also began corresponding with 80's electronic music icons RED FLAG, who helped ROOM 1202 land a spot opening for them at the world famous Troubadour in Hollywood. This show on December 29, the first in Los Angeles played before an audience that did not know them at all, was an enormous success. Promotional copies of Afterimage were snatched up in seconds and the band received an excellent ovation. It was an outstanding way to close out the year.
2001 also saw the release of two compilations of unreleased demos and live tracks, titled Outtakes and Oddities Volumes I and II, and in 2002, an album of experimental instrumental tracks penned by Omar titled .exit music for the lost and found. These collections were heavily purchased via download and were indeed very popular.
2003 saw the band performing sporadic shows, culminating with the band's debut at the historic Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood, CA. The success of this show led to another need for change, and the family of ROOM 1202 began to grow. Aaron Messmer returned to the band to bring some sonic depth, and Robert Modica was added on guitar, adhering to the desire of John to return to his bass playing roots. Tony Trujillo departs, and Michael Buchanan is brought in as the new keyboardist.
2004 the group continues to work with its new format. Much time is spent re-working old and some new material, as well as many shows including opening for ORGY on their Southern California tour, and sharing the stage with CAUSE AND EFFECT. The band released "Compendium 1998-2003: The First Five Years" a compilation highlighting the bands achievements so far of their career. Mid year brought unexpected changes resulting in longtime member John Beare to leave the group to pursue his own musical ideas. With John not a part of 1202, Omar is left with the decision as to where to lead the band. It is then decided to continue working on new songs in hopes to gather enough material for an EP highlighting the collaboration process with 1202’s new members. Michael Buchanan leaves the band due to personal reasons. Tony re-joins permanently.
2005 the band wins the “Best Electronic Rock” award at the Inland Empire Music Awards. Michael Buchanan returns. The band continues to work on new material, however is frustrated with result of the collaboration process brings another shift, asking guitarist Robert Modica to leave the band. Now a four piece, they will continue with an electronic format.
2006 the band is nominated for “Best Electronic Rock” category for the Inland Empire Music Awards, and starts recording the new EP titled “Movement.” Exhausted in working with several engineers and producers, it is decided that ROOM 1202 will produce themselves. This is the first recording using live drums, as well as using utilizing two studios, one for recording, and one for mixing. Michael Buchanan leaves again due to personal reasons, and the band continues recording and does sporadic shows for the rest of year as a three piece. Hopes to spark interest in ROOM 1202, Omar accepts collaboration remixes for the song WEAK from Beau Baker, keyboardist and drummer for Los Angeles based Depeche Mode Tribute band VIOLATOR, as well as from synth-pop/darkwave band CARVED SOULS. ROOM 1202 decides to release a new single available for the first time on iTunes in the early part of 2007.
2007 the band is nominated for “Best Electronic Rock” and “Best Instrumental” categories for the Inland Empire Music Awards.
2008-2011 the band is inactive.
ROOM 1202 has proven that it is a band to watch, if for any reason because you never know where they will pop up next.
Be sure to check www.room1202.com for more information.
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