ROOM 4.09

ROOM 4.09 is an acoustic band based in Adelaide, South Australia. They play a blend of Australiana roots-rock with a full-bodied sound. They draw inspiration from many of the great songwriters of the 1960’s and ‘70’s such as The Band, Neil Young, and Cat Stevens yet are still drawn to the newer music of The Hold Steady, Iron and Wine, and Augie March. They can seamlessly bounce from rock to roots to reggae, from Indie to Irish, and funk to flamenco.
ROOM 4.09 is Simon Basey on lead vocals, guitar, and foot-controlled bass pedals and Benjamin Roberts on lead guitar, harmony vocals, and foot percussion.
Ben and Simon first met in November 2006 on Hamilton Island, in the Whitsunday’s Queensland. They were both working in a hotel on the island and placed in staff accommodation Room 4.09 (hence the band name). Within hours of meeting each other they were playing music together and began writing songs very quickly. They too discovered they shared the same birthday and middle name...what are the odds? Dozens of gigs were played on the island before moving to Melbourne in May 2007. In Melbourne, ROOM 4.09 played regular gigs at the Great Britain Hotel, Bender Bar, and Elwood Lounge. In August 2007, ROOM 4.09 was flown back to Hamilton Island to play
gigs for 10 days during AUDI Race Week. They have also made two trips to Hobart to play at Irish Murphy’s and The Republic Bar. They recorded a 9-track CD called “Chase the Sun” with acclaimed Melbournian producer Chris Wilson in the early months of 2008. The lads moved to Adelaide in June 2008 which has proven to be a very beneficial move. They have played regularly at the Grace Emily Hotel supporting The Hands and Jamie Messenger and at the Jade Monkey supporting The Last Broadcast. They have played regularly at wineries in the Barossa Valley and at the Prince Albert Hotel.
Ben is originally from Hobart and has a musical background in heavy rock bands which is evident in the dexterous finger work he brings to ROOM 4.09. Simon is an Adelaide boy who has been in originals rock bands since 2000 and has played solo originals gigs since 2003. In 2004, Simon finished a music technology degree from Adelaide University while working as a lolly maker in a chocolate factory.
ROOM 4.09 is renowned for their lively and passionate shows. Their trilogy of “Irish Drinking Songs” regularly gets the crowd up and dancing. They are a band worth seeing live purely to watch both of them use every limb to create their music. They have excited crowds in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia and are ready to take on the rest!

“Simon and Ben create a great energy onstage, and an intimate performance space with their audience” Amelia Dougherty ONDIT

“You have a way with your music that is delightfully unique, both lyrics and performance. I believe you might be one of the best Acoustic bands in Australia. It will be a pleasure to share you with my listeners.” Nana Mex downundathundaradio.com.au