Interview with Chris James of the Small Change Romeos

How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

-We've all been making music since childhood. Right before yr. 2000 the Small Change Romeos came about through a jam session in a small North Beach apartment in San Francisco. We all had a desire to write our own material and create a fresh rock n' roll sound, especially because around that time the SF scene was leaning toward Tribute Cover bands and DJ's. We wanted to carve out our own piece of the music scene instead.

Who are the members of your band?

-Small Change Romeos includes Mike Ruy, Matt Berg, Robbie Wright, John Patterson and me, Chris James

What genre of music do you usually perform?

-We are a rock band, a blood, sweat, tear jerking, bootie shaking rock n roll band!

Who is your inspiration?

-Our inspiration is our families first of all. Musically you name it, although I think we seem to always come back to the greats like Tom Petty, The Stones, Springsteen, and The Beatles

What was the name of the last song that you wrote?

-Live and To Die For. It's mostly about the changing world and the political whirlwind that's happening right now and how my children will be affected by that as they get older.

What new things do you have going on? A CD release, tour, etc?

-A new video was just released that's receiving some attention called 1.20.09 (Bush's last day in office). We're doing a huge Halloween Show at Kimo's in San Francisco and we plan to be on the road this fall, and, we are working on a new album as we speak.

Where are some of the places where you play?

-We play a lot in the San Francisco Bay Area, Slim's, Kimo's, Fat City, El RIo, The Rickshaw Stop, Broadway Studios, The Octopus Lounge. If you want to check us out the best or most updated place is our MYSPACE page www.myspace.com/smallchangeromeos

What's your e-mail address?
info@smallchangeromeos.com

What words of wisdom do you have for other musicians who are just getting started?
-Perseverance is the key to even the smallest amount of success. Don't give up trying and play your heart out whether it's front of 10 people or a thousand

Is there anything else that you'd like to share with the fans?
-Yes, without you there would be no us.