The Backroom
Born in the 80's and raised on the mean streets of the Chicago suburb Downers Grove. The Backroom started when long time friends Keith von Kaenel and Matt Greenfield had a chance encounter with Matt Jankowiak a local drummer they had known since grade school, in the liquor aisle of their local Dominick's. Before noon. On a Sunday. With Keith and Matt G on the mic and acoustic guitars and Matt J on the acoustic and electric drums, the trio started making music where all good bands start, in the back room of Keith's garage. Eventually Matt G dropped the guitar and took up sushi to be the band's bassist, Matt J dropped the electric drums and took up Theology at Xavier College, and The Backroom as it exists today was formed. In true garage band style, the band recorded a 16-track demo entitled "The Backroom – A Self-Recorded Demo" during the summer of 2004. A year later, the band released a shorter self-recorded demo and took their act on the road, playing venues as far away as Bolingbrook and Lisle. Spectacular receptions and screaming encores encouraged the band to take their music to the next step. In February of 2007, The Backroom began recording at Strobe Recordings in Chicago under the direction of producer Jon Williams. The final tracks of their debut album, "Reagan Era Rocketship", were laid in June of that year and a launch date of 07.07.07 was set. The Backroom continues to rock the Chicagoland area with their signature brand of velveteen smooth power-pop. Watch for them at your favorite venue.