The Window Room

The Window Room is an ambient rock project based in Rochester, NY USA. Our definition of ambient rock ranges from the electronica ambient era of the late-70's and includes the work of artists like Brian Eno and Harold Budd along with the electronica foundations of Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk, through the work of the modern era artists such as the omnipresent Mogwai, the irrepressible Flying Saucer Attack, and the more obscure, but nonetheless incredibly valid, efforts of Eucalyptus and the like.

The Window Room began simply with an offer made by Shannon Bailey: "Keyboard player looking for like minded musicians to form an ambient style rock group." Well, not exactly. What really happened, at least to the best of all collective recollections, was that Shannon posted an ad looking for a “heavily textured rock band,” whatever that means. Guitarist Mike Farrington was the first to email and being of the eminently strong opinion that “doing the rock-band thing usually means that you’re stuck doing all of the old rote and requisite covers” dictated that their collaboration would go in a different direction. Over a cup of tea, Craig agreed. On the subject of Craig, Mr. Beideman, who in a former life was a noted purveyor of fine teas, was the second guitarist to respond.

After a month of deciding on a time to meet and play, 06 October 2005 was agreed upon. Armed with only their guitars and amps, Craig and Mike headed to Shannon’s apartment with no expectations. After the exchange of pleasantries and the brewing of tea, Christmas lights were engaged. Shortly thereafter, they were ready to play. Several hours of jamming took place as the three explored lush textures, stark soundscapes, and fragile timbres. An ambient rock project was beginning to emerge.

After one potential bass player was driven away by this chaordic approach to music, Lou Leone responded. Shortly following, the four met for evening of tea and conversation. After dissolving their credulity towards metanarratives, they wanted to start composing. However, without a drummer, efforts stalled. Eventually one was found and the first rehearsal with a complete ensemble took place on 07 December 2005. Even though there were general feelings of great promise for this ambient rock project, at the start of the fourth rehearsal the drummer was misplaced. Fortunately there had been another inquiry from Steve Daniels who joined the effort on 23 January 2006.

This is The Window Room.

Mogwai, Sigur Ros, Eno, Harold Budd, Boards of Canada, Tangerine Dream, Explosions in the Sky