ROMES (band)

History

Two parts Canadian and two parts Irish, the four members of ROMES all met while attending school in Wicklow, Ireland. The members played music together in various arrangements for over 10 years and moved to Toronto where they formed ROMES in early 2015.

ROMES released their debut EP titled "BELIEVE" on April 8, 2016 on Five Seven Music. The EP was produced and mixed by acclaimed, Grammy-nominated L.A. producer Tony Hoffer (Beck, M83, Phoenix, The Kooks). Talking about the EP, Tony said “We chatted about old and new songs that excited us which led to planning on what to do with the ROMES songs once we entered my studio. I wanted to make sure you could literally ‘feel’ the power of the band as if you’re standing in the same room with them as well as be able to hear the personality of each member’s playing.”

In August 2016, ROMES' single "Believe" was put into rotation on Sirius XM Alt Nation's Advanced Placement program. "Believe" is also featured in EA Sports Madden NFL 17 and was selected as CBC Radio One's Here and Now Song of the Week. "Believe" reached a peak position of #23 on Spotify Ireland's Viral 50 Chart and #48 on Ireland's Radio Charts.

Acclaim

On the day of ROMES' EP release, Paul Lester selected the band as The Guardian's "New Band of the Week" saying, “The four tracks on their EP virtually knock you down with their brio and self-belief…Surrounded by swirling synths and ebullient percussion, ROMES sound giddy with possibility."

ROMES debuted their first music video for title track "BELIEVE" on Noisey, part of Vice Magazine, who stated “’Believe’ is an indie-pop anthem replete with layers of unexpected percussion and rippling synths. Meanwhile, singer Jacob delivers a topline melody that’s lithe and catchy as hell.” Lead singer Jacob explained the meaning of the song, “Everyone has the power to dream and no one can take that away from you. I wanted to write a song to motivate all the dreamers, myself being one of them. Live your life how you want to, not how others think you should.”

On April 22, 2016, ROMES performed live on the Humble and Fred radio show on SiriusXM. The band's music has also aired on Ireland's 98FM and added to rotation on CBC's Sonica Radio Station.

On April 23, 2016, "Believe" was licensed by Turner Broadcasting to soundtrack NBA on TNT's NBA Playoffs coverage. It was also used by the NHL's New York Islanders for their Stanley Cup Playoff montage video. ROMES' songs, including "When The Night Comes" and unreleased "Deja Vu", have also appeared on MTV, with the band being one of their featured artists.

Upon the release of ROMES' debut EP, the band received praise from superstar artist Hozier who endorsed their EP saying "So thrilled ROMES have released their debut EP. First releases are rarely this strong.". The band was selected as The Irish Times' 'New Artist of the Week' and the UK's Q Magazine selected ROMES' EP track "Spend The Night" as their 'Track of the Day'.

One review of the band's EP from Indie Music Filter said, "ROMES blend delicious indie and irresistible pop, with groove-laden R&B and funk. The band meld these with stunning electronics, which nod to the charming swells of Mura Masa amidst a soulful croon reminiscent of Jamiroquai. VENTS Magazine also wrote on the band saying "ROMES have quickly made their mark as one of the most impressive and exciting new bands today, rapidly clocking up nods from influential tastemakers and building a fervent new fanbase with their beautiful sound in the process."