Get ready to dive into the electrifying world of Room 201, the UK indie band that’s been shaking up the scene with their soul-stirring melodies and raw, poetic lyrics! Hailing from the gritty streets of Salford and the vibrant culture hubs of Manchester and Liverpool, Room 201 has quickly become a name to watch. Led by the enigmatic Ozy Nygma and backed by a powerhouse lineup, this band is all about pushing boundaries and exploring the depths of the human experience. With a sound that seamlessly blends soft rock with indie authenticity, their live shows are nothing short of a wild, immersive experience that leaves the audience buzzing. Join us as we delve into an exclusive interview with Room 201, where we uncover the stories behind their music, their inspirations, and what it means to be at the forefront of the indie rock movement. Ready to rock? Let’s go! 🎸🔥
Your sound is a unique blend of soft rock melodies and indie rock authenticity. Can you tell us how the gritty streets of Salford and the bustling music culture of Liverpool have influenced your music and songwriting?
The way I see it, Salford and Liverpool just seem so bleak to me. Working class people trying to survive every month while dealing with their own issues everyday. I grew up in council estates with divorced immigrant parents and places like these seem to have a weird nostalgic yet reminiscing effect. I don’t really get political in the lyrics but instrumental side of it has a slight anger and a “i’m sick of it” feeling to it which I like to imagine is how my fellow foreigners feel after some time here. Its not even just these cities that inspire the music. There’s something about the realism of living in England. Of course the north is well known for their indie and rock scene with some of the most iconic bands like Oasis and Stone roses being from here. These bands have been built from a similar place as Room 201.
Ozy, your lyrics delve into deep and often complex themes like addiction, nihilism, and unconventional relationships. What inspires you to tackle such profound subjects, and how do you translate these ideas into your music?
I’ve always had a slightly different way of viewing a lot of serious things that are part of life. When I write the lyrics, I get to talk about stuff from my experience, whether it’s the in and outs of relationships and romanticizing the negative sides of them, or the idea that nothing actually matters, and all you can do is try and leave a mark on the world in a creative way. I just get to chat shit, and there are people there who maybe feel like me, who come to listen. Its a good feeling. I make music for people that feel like they belong everywhere but nowhere.
Room 201 is known for its wild and immersive live performances. How do you prepare for a live show, and what do you aim to convey to your audience during these energetic performances?
Well personally, I struggle with agoraphobia, which combined with being a musician, isn’t exactly the best thing. Easiest way for me to get rid of the nerves is to have a few beers before I get on stage. Not too many, so I can still perform haha (we had a gig where I got way too sloshed) It’s not exactly the healthiest way to deal with anxiety, which I’m aware of, and I’m working on, but it sure does give me that extra confidence.
Hamish and Sam just get excited to be on stage and do their solos.
Bart and Roman did this for decades, so to them, its just another day in the office.
Those gigs are all about having fun. I love seeing the crowd get involved and jump and do stupid shit while I very much encourage it. These performances are like a massive “Fuck You” to life, as the songs are very much about some serious and depressing topics yet the energy at the gigs completely counters that. Almost as if people resonate with what I have to say.
With three Gazdowicz members in the band, Room 201 has a strong familial element. How does this dynamic impact your creative process and the overall synergy of the group?
The three Gazdowicz boys is fun and unique, a son a father and a granddad all in one band. Makes us look fun too when you have a 70 year old shredding the keys. It can be a little tough sometimes when we squabble over creative differences and ideas but end of the day they’re a family at 201. Bart and Alex are both amazing musicians. Roman has his years but that’s all experience!
Formed in 2020, you’ve quickly established a dedicated following. What has been the most memorable moment for Room 201 so far, and what are your goals for the future as you continue to make your mark on the indie rock landscape?
I would say there’s plenty when it comes to practice sessions. Were always messing around and getting drunk with Hamish, scoring a Maccies in the process. Once we had a crowd of like 100 people chant “Fuck 201”
We even had a kid bring a “Room 201 fucking sucks” cardboard sign, which we ended up turning into band merch design. During our most recent gig at this Polish Bike Day festival, we had a bunch of hammered motorcyclists assemble a bike out of random bike parts that were laying about in front of the stage, and I jumped off and rode it with them while singing a song about a Harley. Then there’s the behind the scenes. Me and Hamish watching kids fight a taxi driver at a McDonalds’ car park. Or pissing myself in Hamish’s Corsa on our way back from Liverpool. It’s always a lot of fun. As soon as summers over and we finish off all our gigs, I think it would be time to start looking towards some management deals and recording our first full length album, we have like an hour and a half’s set worth of material that’s ready to be put out there.
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