When I was about 16 I decided to enter this talent contest that was put on by my school. How I can not forget about being a part of the "Black Student Alliance Talent Show." Since it was only me performing by myself, I didn't have a 'band' name. I decided to do a couple of cover songs. The songs I ended up doing was Manufacture's "As the End Draws Near" and a song by Revenge called "Slave." As you can tell that this song went over well with the "Black Student Alliance" LOL... This girl I was dating named Jenny Lutz had told me that she came across a hotel ad with nothing but a picture of a door with the numbers 1202 on it. She then told me that the name ROOM 1202 would be a cool name for my project. I disagreed. I had gone back and forth with several names, I didn't exactly know what I was going to call my solo project for the evening. Many years later when I started to write music. I started making cassette tapes for close friends to get their input on the music I was doing. I was scared that no one would like the music, so I didn't really take it serious. Then one day discussing it with my friend John, he gave me the encouragement that I needed to proceed. I then decided to call my band ROOM 1202. Thanks Jenny where ever you are for the idea.

We play just about everywhere that will have us. Mostly the LA scene. We haven't turned down any offers! Well, we have at certain places, but it's for obvious reasons.

I try not to think of it. In some ways I can see why people are always bi***ing about how they're not making money because of Napster, back in the day or KaZaa. However, if I was a true die hard fan of any band. I would still go out and buy their record no matter the cost.

Depends. If the contract was right. I wouldn't want to give up all my rights as a songwriter. I know that happens, but quite honestly if it was the right deal. Then yes, we would. Who wouldn't? Not sell myself to the devil, but enough to where we didn't have to work!

ROOM 1202 is a concept that dates back to 1995 when Omar and John were in a band called PRIMARY. Primary was a three-piece band that also included drummer Nick Whittaker. Together since 1989, they performed stark, moody music, mainly written by John, which blended driving bass lines with layers of lush keyboards. The band made two demo recordings and achieved moderate local success.

Primary broke up in December 1995, and the three members went their separate ways. John made a pilgrimage to Wyoming, while Omar began conceiving his own musical ideas. Over the next two years, Omar composed several songs, some of which found their way onto a tape. John returned to California and listened to some of Omar's ideas. After several months and much discussion as to what Omar would do with these songs, it was decided in December 1997 that he and John would resume their musical partnership under the name ROOM 1202, which was the name Omar had given to his project.

The first songs were Omar's electronic synthesized keyboards, to which John added bass guitar on some, and guitar on others. In January 1998, John composed his first song for the project, which was to be included on a four-track demo that Omar had already been working on. By February, the project was completed and compact discs were produced. On Feb. 6, 1998, ROOM 1202 made its live debut opening for a local band called Juno Scenario at Boyce's Billiards in Hesperia, CA. In just two months, the ROOM 1202 had enough material to perform for 45 minutes.

From there, the repertoire of the band grew along with its reputation. Playing local pool halls, garage parties and other nearby clubs, the band started to gain a respectable following. The initial run of 500 CDs sold out quickly, and by the end of 1998, ROOM 1202 had performed over 70 live shows.

Along the way, they decided to experiment with a live drummer. Aaron Messmer, the drummer for Juno Scenario, played drums during ROOM 1202s live shows between September and December. However, his departure to the military resulted in another personnel shift for the band.

Enter Tony Trujillo. Tony has been more or less a roadie for the band, always available to lend a hand when needed. His keyboard experience and drive to be in a successful project landed him a spot in the band as live keyboardist.

1999 and 2000 saw the band add another dozen or so songs to its repertoire, which was enough to enter the studio and concentrate on making a full-length album. With the September 2000 release of Afterimage, ROOM 1202 continued to solidify its place within the local music scene.

With its combination of dark electronic textures and melodic guitar work, Afterimage became a huge local success, quickly selling out initial pressings and receiving airplay on local radio stations. However, due to personal obligations involving individual band members, promotional interviews and shows were not scheduled and ROOM 1202 was not able to fully capitalize on their seeming imminent success.

Early 2001 was quite an inactive period for the band as a whole, with Omar continuing to compose music and John writing songs for his own solo project. Omar began an online campaign promoting ROOM 1202 on various MP3 sites in an attempt to bring the music to a much larger audience. By late summer, ROOM 1202 had become one of the most downloaded bands in the Victor Valley Area.

Reinvigorated by this, plans were made for new shows and on October 19, 2001, the band reunited performing a show celebrating Omar and John's 10th anniversary in music. Even after a year out of the collective local consciousness, almost 100 close friends and fans that had not forgotten attended the show.

In mid 2001 Omar also began corresponding with 80’s electronic music icons RED FLAG, who helped ROOM 1202 land a spot opening for them at the world famous Troubadour in Hollywood. This show on December 29, the first in Los Angeles played before an audience that did not know them at all, was an enormous success. Promotional copies of Afterimage were snatched up in seconds and the band received an excellent ovation. It was an outstanding way to close out the year.

2002, however, would once again prove to be a transitional one for the band. The year saw the release of two compilations of unreleased demos and live tracks, titled Outtakes and Oddities Volumes I and II, as well as an album of experimental instrumental tracks penned by Omar titled .exit music for the lost and found. These collections were heavily purchased via download and were indeed very popular.

2003 saw the band performing sporadic shows, culminating with the band’s debut at the historic Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood, CA. The success of this show led to another need for change, and the family of ROOM 1202 began to grow. Drummer Aaron Messmer returned to the band to bring some sonic depth, and Robert Modica was added on guitar, adhering to the desire of John to return to his bass playing roots. Tony Trujillo departed and Michael Buchanan was brought in as the new keyboardist.

Later in 2004, long time member John Beare decided to leave the group to pursue his own musical ideas as well as Michael Buchanan. Now as a three piece, ROOM 1202 has big plans to bring the music to the people. Included among the plans of the band are recordings for a new album, a recording for a movie soundtrack and its first music video. More shows in larger markets, as well as a sprinkling of local shows will display a new cohesive talent. Compendium: 1998-2003 the first five years, a collection of tracks spanning the career of the band, is made available at all shows.

ROOM 1202 has proven that it is a band to watch, if for any reason because you never know where they will pop up next.

Not the end...

I would say my biggest influence would be Depeche Mode, more so Alan Wilder. When it comes down to it all. I would say that New Order is the primary factor. Everyone in the band now has so many different influences, but as time goes by. I'm finding myself in other avenues. Jack Dangers is amoungst the higher ranking influences as well.

I don't have one. Maybe that's a question for the other members of the band. Vegas is always a cool spot. Los Angeles, and all it's glory really sucks when it comes down to it. If I were to pick any city I would live in, it would be Carpenteria, CA

Mainly vintage keyboards. I don't really like to discuss how we do our music. For those that are really that interested, you would have to attend a show. So.. A combination of various vintage keyboards, software, and soft synths. Along with the occasional beer and or Jack Daniels when he pops in a visit.

I can't think of anything else! We are working on new material if that counts as anything else.