Room 30

Take a little bit of rock music, mix in two parts ska, add some funk and punk and a dash of reggae, and you get this year's Ten Ugly Men Ugly Idol winner, Room 30.
"It's nice not to be typecast as a certain type of band," says Rochester Institute of Technology student Chris Hynes, 24, the band's singer, songwriter and lead guitarist. "Our music is something different."
Since winning the Ugly Idol competition in July, Room 30 has played more than 30 summer shows, and its fall schedule is filling up fast, including a Saturday, Oct. 14, show at A-Pub Live.

Something new

Booking shows in a city that loves cover bands isn't easy when you're trying to play originals, but Room 30 finds ways to draw crowds. "Sometimes we'll play a show with a cover band, and that'll get people in," Hynes says. "They'll hear us and think 'Hey, these guys aren't bad.'"
Members acknowledge that they've been shaped by other acts. As a composer, Hynes draws on influences including O.A.R. and Reel Big Fish, but he always leaves room for Room 30's other members to put their spin on a song.
"It's fun because every song we've ever written we all put different elements into it," he says.

For its A-Pub Live show the band plans to play mostly originals, although it may throw in a couple of familiar songs for the crowd, Hynes says.
"We like to cover the Sam Cooke song 'Another Saturday Night,'" Hynes says. "It's one of those songs you don't think you know, but then you hear it and you suddenly recognize it."

One fan at a time

Room 30 understands that part of making a name for yourself is getting as much exposure as possible.

"Very rarely do we say no to a show," says Hynes. "It's one fan at a time. There may only be 10 people at a show, but if one person likes you, that's good."
Longtime fan Derrick Bazer, 22, appreciates the distinct sound that Room 30 brings to Rochester.

"Most other bands play the same covers, and it gets repetitive," says Bazer, who has seen all but two of Room 30's shows. "It's nice to hear some new music."
"Their music is very energetic," says Jared McMullen, 23. "They work up the crowd a lot, and the music is well-composed. It's fun to listen to and be around."
Room 30 credits its loyal fans for its increasing success.

"If we were having an off night, they would drink a lot and make the bar a lot of fun," says Hynes. "They helped us out a lot."
With no booking agent or manager, Hynes markets the group himself.

"I carry CDs ... everywhere I go," he says. "I just stay after every show and talk to everyone I can."

Coming soon

Room 30 has put out an EP of its best-known songs — "Come My Way," "Here's to Snap" and "Melvin" — but in the spring the group plans to release a full-length CD. Members also want to start booking shows in other cities.
"We've got something going here," says Hynes. "I would love for this to be my full-time job."
- Rochester Insider (9.29.06)

Rochester's Ugly Idol winner takes stage at APUB LIVE! to bring you their unique sound and high energy on stage. These guys are down to earth musicians that love to rock it out for our loyal APUB fans. Keep your eye on these guys, you can say you saw them at APUB LIVE when.... - www.iamthirsty.com

Room 30 packed a solid groove for a small line-up. - City Newspaper (Rochester, NY)