When In Rome

Artist Information

Biography

When In Rome has just joined Spectra Records and will be releasing a brand new album in 2012. 

The band had a #1 billboard hit in the late 80's with "The Promise". The original members parted ways after their first album release, never to reform.

In 2004, the award winning film Napoleon Dynamite featured "The Promise". This rekindled interest in the band. 

Founding member Michael Floreale (piano, synths, programming) decided to reform the band with new lead vocalist & guitarist Johnny Ceravolo.

"We met in person and just started playing songs. It felt really natural, like we'd been in a band before. It was almost eerie."
Michael and Johnny began writing and recording immediately. Together they have collaborated to create an exciting new sound, as well as an impressive and extensive catalog of original material. 

"The chemistry between us was instant, natural, and overpowering. It overtook us. We went straight to work. It didn't take long for us to get to the point where we had more than enough material for a full length album. Once we got to that point, it became readily apparent that we were going to need a great drummer and a great producer to give the songs their due. We started talking to producers and drummers right away, but it took a really long time for us to find the right people. A lot of people were interested in working with us, but we felt it was extremely important to be patient and wait for the perfect personnel to manifest."

And all good things come to those who wait. And work.

Enter Warren Huart and Victor Indrizzo: 

Producer Warren Huart has worked with some of the biggest names in the business (The Fray, James Blunt, and most recently Aerosmith). 

"When we met Warren, we knew immediately that he was the guy. We knew his track record was impressive, but when we got the chance to actually sit and talk with him face to face, we were convinced. It was as if someone had handed him our secret list of things we wanted from a producer, and within 5 minutes he had checked everything off the list! After going through droves of producers who just didn't get it, we finally found him and it was like, 'Yeah! This is totally the guy!' We just knew instantly."

At Warren's suggestion, Victor Indrizzo was brought in to play drums on the record. Victor has worked with artists such as Beck, Macy Gray, Queens of the Stone Age, and Brandon Flowers of The Killers. Talk about pedigree!

"Victor is one of the top 10 session drummers in the world. His list of credits is ridiculous. We were blown away. He literally came in and nailed all 10 songs in less than half a day. It was unbelievable. Victor's not human. Plus, he's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet."

When In Rome had the album mastered by Stephen Marcussen of Marcussen Mastering.

"Stephen is just the guy to go to. He's a legend! He's worked with everyone: U2, STP, The Rolling Stones, Prince, you name it! Stephen's the man! It was incredibly rewarding to sit and listen to Stephen putting the final touches on our 4 year long labor of love. We knew we had something special, but once we heard the final masters, we were beyond ecstatic. The songs sound even better than we had ever envisioned."

A music video for the opening track "Last Train" has been shot and is currently being edited. The debut of the video as a teaser for the album is scheduled for release in early 2012. 

When In Rome are currently preparing to tour in support of the release of "When In Rome II". 

"We're super excited. We've just signed to an awesome label, our record is done, and we just shot a video. As well, we've started playing with a killer new drummer Chris Willett. The music has never sounded better. We couldn't be more grateful. Everything is finally coming together."  

Instrumentation

Michael Floreale - Keyboards/Programming
Johnny Ceravolo - Vocals/Guitars
Chris Willett - Drums

Discography

Discography
Album
Artist Title Origin Format Label Cat.No Tracks Year
When In Rome When In Rome UK CD 10 Records DIX CD 73 12trk 1988
When In Rome When In Rome US CD Virgin 7 90994-2 10trk 1988
When In Rome When In Rome MX LP Virgin SLEM-1619 10trk 1988

When In Rome
The Promise [3:41]
Heaven Knows [3:56]
Something Going On [3:35]
I Can't Stop [3:44]
If Only [4:05]
Big City [4:10] (not included on US CD)
Sight Of Your Tears [3:34]
Wide, Wide Sea [4:05]
Child's Play [4:00]
Total Devotion [3:04]
Whatever The Weather [3:27] (not included on US CD)
Everything [4:02]


Singles
Artist Title Origin Format Release Year
When In Rome The Promise UK 12" 10 Records TENT186,4trk 1987
When In Rome Heaven Knows US 12" Virgin DMD1270 Promo,3trk 1988
When In Rome Heaven Knows US CD 10 Records PRCD2599 Promo,1trk 1988
When In Rome Everything UK 12" 10 Records TENX210,3trk 1988
When In Rome The Promise UK 12" 10 Records TENX244,3trk 1988
When In Rome II US Spectra

When In Rome The Promise US 12" Virgin 0-96662,4trk 1988
When In Rome Sight Of Your Tears US 12" Virgin 0-96560,5trk 1988
When In Rome Sight Of Your Tears UK 12" 10 Records TENX267,3trk 1989
When In Rome Sight Of Your Tears UK CD3 10 Records TENCD267,4trk 1989
When In Rome Heaven Knows UK 7" 10 Records TEN277,2trk 1989
When In Rome Heaven Knows UK 12" 10 Records TENX277,2trk 1989

The Promise 12" (TENT186)
The Promise (The Ollie North Mix) [6'25"]
The Promise (Dub)
The Promise (7")
Tonight [3'14"]

Heaven Knows 12" (DMD1270)
Heaven Knows (12" Version) [8'00"]
Heaven Knows (Dub) [5'10"]
Whatever The Weather [3'58"]

Heaven Knows CD (PRCD2599 Promo)
Heaven Knows (7" Version) [3'44"]

Everything 12" (TENX210)
Everything (Extended) [4'02"]
Whatever The Weather
Basilica [3'55"]
Note: The "Extended" version is identical to the album version.
The Promise 12" (TENX244)
The Promise (O.N. Mix) [6'25"]
The Promise (Coliseum Club Mix) [6'26"]
The Promise (Dub)

The Promise 12" (0-96662)
The Promise (O.N. Mix) [6'25"]
The Promise (O.N. Dub) [3'45"]
The Promise (Coliseum Mix) [6'26"]
The Promise (Vatican Dub) [4'49"]

Sight Of Your Tears 12" (0-96560)
Sight Of Your Tears (12" Version) [6'01"]
Sight Of Your Tears (Dub Version) [4'50"]
Sight Of Your Tears (Seize Her Mix) [6'35"]
Sight Of Your Tears (Dub With Percussion) [3'40"]
Sight Of Your Tears (7" Mix) [3'20"]

Sight Of Your Tears 12" (TENX267)
Sight Of Your Tears (12" Mix) [6'01"]
Sight Of Your Tears (Mental Mix) [4'51"]
1,000 Reasons [4'52"]

Sight Of Your Tears CD (TENCD267)
Sight Of Your Tears [3'22"]
The Promise [3'42"]
1,000 Reasons [4'52"]
Sight Of Your Tears (12" Mix) [6'01"]

Heaven Knows 7" (TEN277)
Heaven Knows (Powerhouse Mix) [3'50"]
Heaven Knows (Big Beat Mix) [3'50"]

Heaven Knows 12" (TENX277)
Heaven Knows (Powerhouse Mix) [8'01"]
Heaven Knows (Big Beat Mix) [8'35"]

Official Website

http://www.wheninromemusic.net

Audio

• 02 Come On
  Listen  
• 06 Haunted
  Listen  
• 05 Metropolis
  Listen  
• 04 Eventide
  Listen  

Lyrics

• The Promise
• Eventide

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Taste Of Ladera When In Rome [+ Show ]
  

  Introduced by the drummer’s niece, When in Rome played at the Taste of Ladera Festival on Sunday. If...Introduced by the drummer’s niece, When in Rome played at the Taste of Ladera Festival on Sunday. If you’re worried about how the new singer compares to the original line-up, don’t. He sings with just as strong and deep a voice as Clive Farrington.
  
  Using a synthesizer, keyboard, electronic drums with chimes and cymbals, they performed a variety of their older and current tracks. Their newer songs still have an impressively 80s synth quality to it, but it’s changed with the addition of guitar. Check out Last Train on their myspace to hear what I’m talking about.
  
  Many bands have a difficult time playing live because the vocals are overshadowed by the instruments. When in Rome had a perfect set up, but John Ceravolo’s voice itself presents a very resonant sound that is heard without any difficulty. It blends in with the tracks as well and creates a smooth melody.
  
  Metropolis is by far one of the catchiest songs. You’ll be hardpressed not to tap your feet to it at the very least.
  
  And of course, they ended with “the Promise.” Most of the show, they didn’t move from their spots. But on “the Promise,” John walked across stage and got the entire audience to sing.
  
  The next time When in Rome is in town, be sure to check them out.
  
  An Interview with When in Rome
  
  How would you say your musical style has developed over the years?
  
  Michael: I think what’s happening is that music’s changed. In the late 80s when we first started, it was basically electronic. We do a lot more guitar and different elements to it now, but we’re still doing electronic stuff. With the Killers, it’s almost coming full circle. It’s definitely evolved, but it’s weird. It’s going back toward the 80s with synth. The songs are written in a more complete manner because you become more knowledgeable about how to write songs. Basically, we’re being caught up with that circle of time! How come you’re writing it down if you’re recording it?
  
  Oh, it’s to keep myself notes.
  
  Michael: Delete one minute, forty seconds.
  
  John: Buy milk. Pants first, then shoes. Get Aloe Vera – have burn on wrist.
  
  I am pretty burned over the day. This is not my natural hue of pink.
  
  John: Oh, Michael was just telling me this. If you put lemon on it, it’ll stop the burning.
  
  I’ve never heard of Lemon doing it.
  
  Michael: Trust me. You won’t burn.
  
  I like that When in Rome is giving me advice on how to get rid of my sunburn.
  
  John: We can also give you a lot of advice concerning cooking. If you’re interested in developing your culinary skills. We’re professionally licensed.
  
  Not the direction I was going to take the interview, but okay, let’s talk about cooking. Is it just you who likes to cook or is it all of you?
  
  Michael: He’s on his own on that one
  
  John: This is how I can direct the conversation toward me. Don’t listen to me.
  
  Haha. So how were you involved in the Taste of Ladera?
  
  Michael: That’s a question for that man over there. *Points toward Rob*
  
  Rob: Okay, that goes back 7 years. I own an agency as well as being a part of When in Rome. They (the Taste of Ladera) asked me for the Motels and the English Beat. They said ‘Why don’t we ask When in Rome to play because “the Promise” is one of the most recognizable songs of all time.’ I said ‘Sure. Are you going to pay us?’ And that was it. Now, we’re here.
  
  Michael: That’s the honest answer! Haha.
  
  John: Honest. Yah.
  
  Michael: No bull about “it was a calling and Ladera is a place we always wanted to play.” It is, but it’s an honest answer!
  
  Rob: So, I represent bands like the Motels and the Thomson Twins. And we’re all part of the same circle, so we love doing this. My god-children actually just live around the corner, so I’m thrilled to be here. I was here last year for Sugar Ray, and they always wanted When in Rome to play. So I was exccited when I got the call. C’mon. Look at this place. Beautiful stage, beautiful day!
  
  Michael: We don’t get an opportunity to play to children. We only play at night, so we don’t really get an opportunity to play to anybody under the age of 18, which is weird.
  
  John: ‘Cause kids love our music. They dance to it especially 4 year olds.
  
  Yah. I saw kids dancing outside. Definitely a great job. How do you feel about the song ‘“the Promise?”
  
  Michael: No band likes to admit they only have one song. It’s just a song that resonates with everybody ‘cause of the lyrics. We still write today and write what we think are great songs. It’s just that at that particular moment that worked. It’s all about timing.
  
  Rob: John Easdale from Dramarama says it best to me. It’s a double edged sword. It cuts you either way. The crowd wants to hear it. The crowd doesn’t want to hear anything else but it. As an artist, you want to express yourselves. It’s a controversy: we do a lot of 80s shows where our package only has us play 80s music. John has great songs, but the crowd wants “the Promise.” It’s what gets us the show though.
  
  Michael: What’s ironic is that many bands who have a history of ten, fifteen years – they have great songs, but people only want to hear one.
  
  Rob: Modern English – I Melt with You. People just wait for that.
  
  John: Every band has their signature song: Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven, Aerosmith – Dream On, but when Michael and I sit down to write, we don’t think about writing something as good as or better than “the Promise.” We just write honestly.
  
  Michael: It never works anyways if you try.
  
  John: No, we just try to let nature take its course. The music just comes through us.
  
  What inspires you write music?
  
  Michael: When you get royalty check, it’s always inspiring! Haha. It’s really just a love of music. It’s just something that you do. I think you find that most musicians just love it. If they didn’t do it tomorrow anymore for a living, they’d still do it because it’s in the blood.
  
  John: I spent five years not writing music, but music just kept playing in my head. I couldn’t help it. My heart beats and the music comes into your head?
  
  So the heart’s setting the beat for the music in your head?
  
  John: Okay, now you’re getting kinda hippie on me, and that’s kinda weird. Haha.
  
  Rob: He’s writing a song as he says that.
  
  John: The heart, the hair.
  
  Michael: You know that Sting is a member of X-Factor, a thing like American Idol over in England? It’s actually owned by Simon. Sting said it’s not right. It’s just Karaoke – people learn to sing songs, they get successful, and they build a career. I don’t think they have it in the blood. Doesn’t mean they can write. Doesn’t mean the song is theirs.
  
  Rob: Except for Clay Aiken.
  
  Michael: Yah. There’re exceptions. Did you know Kelly Clarkson sings “the Promise?”
  
  Really?
  
  Michael: Yah. She plays it all over tours. It’s weird to see her performing “the Promise.”
  
  So have you seen Amberlin perform it then?
  
  Michael: I’ve only seen the royalty checks. Haha.
  
  John: New Found Glory does it with the singer from Dashboard Confessional.
  
  Michael: And there’s a cover on youtube of three college kids pretending to be us.
  
  John: It’s ridiculous.
  
  Rob: You could tell they were film students. It’s done just like Virgin Records did a video. It’s really good.
  
  Michael: It’s charming. It’s not meant to be taken seriously.
  
  John: And they clearly state on their page they’re a huge fan of When in Rome. This is their goofy way of appreciating it.
  
  Not to continue talking about “the Promise” although it’s a great song.
  
  John: That’s usually followed with more talk about “the Promise.”
  
  *Laughter*
  
  There’re other songs. One caught my attention was Metropolis. How recent was that?
  
  Michael: 6-8 months.
  
  John: Michael sent me the music for that, and it blew my mind when I heard the musical tracks. It inspired me. I asked Michael what went through his mind when he wrote the song. He said he was being in the city and trying to get out of the city. Being in a fast pace life and getting to a slower place. At that time, I was thinking a lot about environmental issues. So what I did was I married the two lyrically. The song is a metaphor about the pollution of the human spirit. The fears we have in common keep us a part from each other. The idea is to break that cycle and be connected with one another.
  
  Michael: It’s a love song then! I finally found what it’s all about.
  
  John: It’s a light-hearted ditty.
  
  What is your musical composition style? Do you compose the music first?
  
  Michael: The way it’s worked for me all the way back was I write something musical first. I’ll pass it along to John, and he comes up with an idea that inspires him. He’ll write lyrics. He asks what it’s about, but sometimes I don’t know. Maybe it helps him. But I always write first.
  
  John: Michael’s the machine in this band.
  
  Michael: Needs oiling though.
  
  John: Michael writes music that brings out the best lyrics and the best vocals arrangements I’ve ever produced. We’re really excited about the new material and we’re really grateful for the legacy of “the Promise” because it opens the door to show people new music.
  
  Michael: Thanks to Rob, we get to do shows where we get the best of both worlds. We play “the Promise” and play new songs to gauge audience reaction. Last Train’s another one that usually goes out well.
  
  Rob: Yah. I gotta say I felt like I sucked. I was so wiped out from being here so early. Once that song picked up, my adrenaline pumped in. There’s so much power to that song that John has so much passion behind it, that you want to beat the electronic pads, and that’s how I feel. It’s because of the passion that John brings that drives me.
  
  John: Thanks, man! We like each other.
  
  Rob: We have our own personalities, but sometimes, he has something that’s so dynamic that brings it all out. I have my own legacy, but this band is so much to be around. We all express our own selves while doing what we need to do and keeping the crowd happy. But we get to have fun! Once the fun’s over, I’m going to go flip burgers.
  
  Michael: Yah. I think I nearly knocked someone’s drink out when I threw one of those Napoleon Dynamite’s out. I don’t think he knew it was coming, did he?
  
  Rob: What they put together, it drives me. When John’s on, then everyone’s in sync. He’s the leader when we’re in front of a crowd. Even when Last Train comes out, I see Michael get pumped up. We don’t need Red Bull because we hear him sing.
  
  He’s the Red Bull of the group.
  
  Michael: He’s the cook and the red bull.
  
  Rob: Inspiring don’t you think?
  
  John: Uh… okay. This is like the nicest thing I ever heard you say. I’m touched.
  
  Rob: It’s true!
  
  Michael: That’s what Ladera does to you. Brings out all these emotions.
  
  Rob: It’s Ladera!
  
  John: We should get a video camera.
  
  I have a camera, but it’s not high quality.
  
  Michael: Probably a good thing.
  
  Rob: I have a blister for him. (Shows finger). It’s not what you’re thinking.
  
  John: That sounded precarious.
  
  Rob: That started on Last Train.
  
  John: We wouldn’t get to do the new stuff without “the Promise.” I’m a huge fan. I thought that Clive did a great job on “the Promise.” When I was younger, I wish I could have a voice like that.
  
  You’re doing it, and you’re doing it great!
  
  John: I was so afraid of doing it to a certain extent, but the fans have been so accepting. I feel really fortunate.
  
  How’d you all meet?
  
  John: They met first.
  
  Michael: Rob approached me to reform the band because of Napoleon Dynamite. He said there’s definitely a market out there, so we put together the band again over here in the States. I found John through Music Connection, which was like 3 years ago now. It’s been a dream really. Works perfectly.
  
  You guys are doing great.
  
  John: It was such a trip. We both have studios, so I remember Michael sent me the backing tracks to “the Promise” to see how I sounded singing it. I remember being in my studio singing. It was the most surreal experience. I’ve been singing this song my whole life, and here I am, singing it for the guy who wrote it. It was incredibly humbling. I felt like I was the smallest guy in the world.
  
  Don’t. You’re doing a great job.
  
  Michael: Yah. Don’t.
  
  What do you think is the future of when in Rome?
  
  John: Cooking.
  
  Michael: Cooking. Plenty of shows. Doing the 80s thing. And place new material in movies and release it probably through iTunes. We have a massive MySpace following. Metropolis will be out soon.
  
  Where are you guys located currently?
  
  Rob: Redondo Beach
  
  Michael: Dallas
  
  So how does that work out?
  
  John: We e-mail tracks back and forth.
  
  Michael: That’s how we did it for Metropolis. Haha.
  
  Rob: I don’t know until a couple days before. He sends me a track. And I’m just like okay. Rob’ll handle it.
  
  Michael: It’s a song made for Rob. It’s very percussive.
  
  Rob: It’s a great song! I love Metropolis. You always have your babies. John wrote the lyrics. Michael wrote the music. I can’t see traditional drums play it. I’m hitting chimes. I’m hitting toms, explosions, orchestra sounds, and it brings the song up. John is just so into it, and it makes my veins pop!
  
  John: It almost has a Gothy kind of thing at first. And then the chorus rises. It stresses my range. It goes across 3 octaves.
  
  Wow. That’s a huge range.
  
  Rob: When people ask me where I see that song. I see it in a movie. It’s very cinematic. Like a chase scene.
  
  John: I think we’d also do well with a cheese manufacturer.
  
  *Pure laughter*
  
  Rob: When I played it, my friend from Dramarama said it could be from Blade Runner.
  
  John: Like the best movie of all time.
  
  Rob: He must’ve been thinking of Ridley Scott.
  
  John: I’m always thinking of Blade Runner. I’m always thinking of Ridley Scott. Well, we should probably go meet up with our fans. This is one of the funnest interviews. Good job!
  
  Thank you so much!
  
  Rob: You can see us on our website.
  
  John: And Facebook.
  
  Rob: And MySpace and the corner of the Cannery performing for tacos.
  
  John: We love the tacos.

Setlist

Varies

Last Train
Come On
Let It Go
Eventide
Metropolis
Haunted
Never Let You Go
Giving Up
Throw Me A Line
Take Me Home
Talk Talk
The Promise (20120

Basic Requirements

Calendar