4 Days to Prepare for a National Tour and Cool as a Cloud!
June Caldwell
August 13, 2006
After a triumphant tour through Australia, The Cloud Room hunkered down to do some recording when they got a call that they had four days to prepare for a national tour supporting Muse at the largest stadiums in the largest cities throughout the US. They were taking it in stride, as cool as clouds drifting across the sky on a summer day!
The Cloud Room had a chance to chat moments before their sparkling set opening for Muse at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on July 19, 2006.
The Cloud Room is: Steven on piano and Wurlitzer, J on Vox guitar; Jason on drums; David on guitar; and Jon on bass.
June: What did you like best about touring in Australia?
TCR: We loved Australia! The part we loved best were the folks we toured with. They're the nicest guys ever. When we left it was like summer camp. It was like leaving family. Maybe even the Wizard of Oz! We made friends and everyone was so free and gracious to us. It was awesome! Cricket is big there, it lasts so long it gives you and excuse to drink for 48 hours! They had a Cricket game on while we were in a bowl off with another band there called The Dynamites. A magazine in Australia called the Hot Press set the whole thing up. They interview you, you have beers and go bowling. At the end of the day no one really bowls. It's another excuse to drink!
June: Do you think of your sound as part of a New York scene? What do you notice different between the East coast and West coast scene?
TCR: As far as the New York scene everything is fragmenting. There used to be a New York sound but more and more bands are doing their own thing. The biggest difference between the west coast and east coast is the look. It's one thing to go to a place where people actually know you. It's a different experience than going somewhere for the first time. That's when you really see how well you can do!
June: What is the biggest surprise about the tour with Muse?
TCR: What it is like playing for this many people… We played for 6,000 people at our first Muse concert. It's exciting! We worked our way up on our own tour in small clubs with 200 or 300 capacity. When we toured with the Editors it was a step up. Touring Australia was another step up. I guess now we have to tour with the Stones or U2! (lol).
June: What is it like hanging with Muse?
TCR: We just met Muse last night. They said "hey." Once everyone works out the kinks in the show, we’ll relax, get drunk and pass out together!
June: Muse is open about the theme of their current album being a criticism of the Bush administration.
TCR: Maybe our next album will be a rock opera about Tony Blair!
The Cloud Room had a chance to chat moments before their sparkling set opening for Muse at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on July 19, 2006.
The Cloud Room is: Steven on piano and Wurlitzer, J on Vox guitar; Jason on drums; David on guitar; and Jon on bass.
June: What did you like best about touring in Australia?
TCR: We loved Australia! The part we loved best were the folks we toured with. They're the nicest guys ever. When we left it was like summer camp. It was like leaving family. Maybe even the Wizard of Oz! We made friends and everyone was so free and gracious to us. It was awesome! Cricket is big there, it lasts so long it gives you and excuse to drink for 48 hours! They had a Cricket game on while we were in a bowl off with another band there called The Dynamites. A magazine in Australia called the Hot Press set the whole thing up. They interview you, you have beers and go bowling. At the end of the day no one really bowls. It's another excuse to drink!
June: Do you think of your sound as part of a New York scene? What do you notice different between the East coast and West coast scene?
TCR: As far as the New York scene everything is fragmenting. There used to be a New York sound but more and more bands are doing their own thing. The biggest difference between the west coast and east coast is the look. It's one thing to go to a place where people actually know you. It's a different experience than going somewhere for the first time. That's when you really see how well you can do!
June: What is the biggest surprise about the tour with Muse?
TCR: What it is like playing for this many people… We played for 6,000 people at our first Muse concert. It's exciting! We worked our way up on our own tour in small clubs with 200 or 300 capacity. When we toured with the Editors it was a step up. Touring Australia was another step up. I guess now we have to tour with the Stones or U2! (lol).
June: What is it like hanging with Muse?
TCR: We just met Muse last night. They said "hey." Once everyone works out the kinks in the show, we’ll relax, get drunk and pass out together!
June: Muse is open about the theme of their current album being a criticism of the Bush administration.
TCR: Maybe our next album will be a rock opera about Tony Blair!