OurStage Snapshot: Northern Room

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Sounds Like: Needtobreathe, U2

The Story: The atmospheric openings of songs like 'We're on Fire' and 'Galaxy' are reminiscent of the influence U2 has had on this band -- and it's not surprising that lead vocalist AJ recently covered 'Beautiful Day.' Taking their name from a passed-on lyric that AJ once wrote, the group was only together for a year before they began recording together. After working on two EPs, they found themselves with enough material for their full-length debut, 'Last Embrace.' The title track placed first in OurStage's Music Finals in July. Northern Room have recently found themselves making the festival rounds, supporting acts like Dashboard Confessional and the Bravery.


Q&A with AJ, lead singer of Northern Room:

Who do people normally compare your sound to?
I have heard Pink Floyd from 50-year-old stoners, U2 from Generation Xr's and Michael Buble from this one dude in Iowa who was so out of touch with popular music I'm thinking he was under the impression that MC Hammer was still charting.

If you could open for anyone, who would it be?
U2 would be it for me. I would give God props for that one in Heaven.

What's the hardest thing about being in a band?
The stench of four men in a 12x12 practice space.

What's your coolest experience with a fan?
We have crazy super fans. They are fantastic. Last Christmas one fan made all of us personalized Christmas ornaments. This year for the holidays, we are going to return the gift by knitting sweaters for them.

What's the strangest thing you guys have done on tour?
One night in New York we started a garbage jumping contest. Restaurants and businesses throw their day's garbage on the street every night. We were challenging random people to see how much garbage they could clear with their best jump.

What else pays the bills for you guys?
In no particular order, we have done roofing, plumbing, collected unemployment and worked for "the man." I'm still saving all my old comic books to sell when our van breaks down and we need a new transmission.

You'll know you've made it when?
[We] don't have to punch a time clock anymore.

What are your plans for next year?
Touring nationally and buying that villa in Italy.