Three Stars is back! This month we'll take a look at Timothy Bracken Complex, The Whips, and kick things off with Rome In A Day.

This past Saturday, DCist trekked out to end of the Orange line to catch two bands from Northern Virginia that have been causing quite stir with their infectious, radio friendly pop rock anthems, and a third previously unannounced group that was added to the line-up last minute. While Welbilt and My Favorite Highway may have already planted their roots in the local music scene, Rome In A Day is just as determined to mark their own territory with the driving force of raw alternative-rock and a powerful set of lungs belonging to front man and DC native, James Stevens.

At their postponed CD release party, the band performed several songs off of their debut EP, Thin Air to a packed Jammin’ Java crowd. Upon first listen one might compare James’ soulfully edgy vocals to artists such as Gavin DeGraw or Butch Walker, highlighted in tracks like “Barcelona” or “Ms. Contradiction." The full band arrangement, while still in the beginning stages with the possible addition of another guitarist, is but the next progressive step in the evolution of their sound. James’ music can be traced back to his days as part of an Ivy Leage a cappella group and more recently sharing his acoustic abilities as a guest performer in Potbelly’s loft. We tossed out a few questions for James about the origins of Rome In A Day, his artistic endeavors, and his opinon on DC’s local music, but be sure to catch them soon at a concert venue, bar or sandwich shop near you. Pick up their new album; give ‘em a listen and help as they work create their own musical empire.

Visit them at:
www.myspace.com/romeinadaymusic

See them next:
May, 31 2006 at PJ Skidoos (FREE/Acoustic)
9908 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030

Questions for Rome In A Day:

I see that you were a member of Yale’s a cappella group, The Baker’s Dozen. What got you interested in singing and ultimately forming your own band?

James: I've always enjoyed singing but didn't think of it as a realistic career aspiration until I took voice lessons towards the end of high school. I worked with a couple of different teachers, including an opera singer at Georgetown University as well as Michael Sheppard, a local rock frontman with whom several of my musical acquaintances have studied. Vocal training helped me immensely but singing in the Baker's Dozen may have made an even bigger difference. I learned a lot about harmonies, blending, working within a group etc. However, I quickly grew tired of singing the same solo written by someone else and quit the group sophomore year. That was when I started writing my own music. I formed a band called Grove Street the following year.

What brought you back to your native Washington DC?

James: Originally it was out of convenience. I had planned to head off to New York shortly after my return home but living arrangements didn't work out. And now I'm glad it didn't work out because I'm enjoying home a lot more than I ever have before.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I’m assuming neither was your band. How did you meet Adam and Jon, and how long have you guys been playing together?

James: The band certainly wasn't built in a day and as you might have guessed, part of the significance of the name relies upon that irony. I had been playing with a bassist and a couple different percussionists for a few months but decided that the only way the music I was writing could reach its potential was to put a rock band around it. I got lucky with Adam, as he was the first drummer I auditioned (I had posted ads on a couple different sites). However, since then (August '05) we have gone through multiple bassists. And oddly enough, we found Jon while we were conducting our bassist search about two months ago. Adam saw Jon's ad online and couldn't resist responding (we had always played as a three piece but were toying with the idea of adding a second guitarist).

How did you come up with Thin Air as the title of your upcoming EP, and do you have any favorite tracks in particular?

James: We went through the lyrics of all the songs on the EP but eventually plucked Thin Air out of a song of ours that isn't actually on the EP. The favorite track question. My favorite song is probably "Avery" but I would say that "Barcelona" came out closest to what I envisioned (actually, it's exactly how I envisioned it).

Aside from your music, you have also been involved in the performing arts, painting, writing, etc… what do you consider your most satisfying creative outlet and why?

James: I have been an avid cartoonist as long as I can remember, before the age at which I could even draw anything recognizable. If I had the same production/marketing knowledge for cartooning as I do for music, I would take it as far as I could.

As a solo artist and a part of the daytime music scene, what was it like playing in the Potbelly’s loft? Did you get a lot of positive feedback?

James: Potbelly's was an excellent way for me to cut my teeth as a live performer. I built vocal endurance (I performed for two and a half hours straight and never elected to take a break) and just as importantly, built a tolerance (although not a great one) for playing to folks that weren't necessarily listening. The fact that one's talent (no matter how extraordinary) will not always be appreciated is a tough pill to swallow for a musician. I've gotten frustrated before (and still do at times) but I try to keep in mind that even as a serious music enthusiast, I'm not ALWAYS in the mood to listen.

Where do you see yourself and the band 10 years from now?

James: I'm crossing my fingers Chris. I'm expecting big things. I've acknowledged the fact that I've taken a rare (and risky) path for a Yale grad but I haven't done a lot of planning for what I'm going to do if I fail. I simply plan not to fail, and I've surrounding myself with band members who are level headed, motivated, and enthusiastic. So wherever a successful band can be in 10 years, that's where we'll be.

What was the last CD you purchased/downloaded?

James: I think it was the latest CD by Fools & Horses, an awesome Baltimore band I highly recommend.

Do you have favorite local bands either that you’ve shared the stage with, or just enjoy in general?

James: I've been fortunate to share the stage mostly with bands whose music I appreciate. But if I had to pick a few favorites (which I think I do), I'd say Crash Boom Bang, Adelyn (whose guitarist and bassist tracked our EP), and Welbilt (with whom we just played our CD release).

What are your thoughts on the DC music scene? Both positive and negative.

James: I love the DC music scene and see it in a very positive light. If you know where to look, you'll discover a ton of talent in this area. Overall, musicians are very supportive of one another and are willing to give their time freely. I've met a few musicians who do not embody these community building qualities, but I don't expect them to last long, not without an attitude adjustment. However, this is the type of scene that can quickly teach better values to a musician who doesn't yet have them down. I'm glad to be part of such a scene.

Photo from MySpace.com/RomeInADayMusic