Creating a song voyage is just the first step, and the guys of Thousand Yard Stare are not only willing, but also committed to circulating their sound and getting themselves heard.
And even though the term "thousand yard stare" refers to the distant, unfocused gaze of a weary soldier, the guys are anything but unfocused.
"There's so much that's involved with releasing a record," Romes said. "We're trying to juggle everything, calling venues trying to get shows, sending out tons of e-mails, handing out flyers and doing promotion. I don't particularly enjoy handing out flyers, but we do it. We know it's important to take it to that next level."
Their distinct sound, and of course the flyers didn't hurt either, helped catapult the foursome from a local circuit into national exposure last summer.
"To be selected out of all the bands in Phoenix for EdgeFest was awesome," Romes said. "There were eight bands selected to share the day with people like Incubus and Sparta, it was just a blast and we got to really promote [ourselves]."
While their live show got thousands at EdgeFest energized, their song writing skills sparked potential interest from Disney for a new animated film.
"We wrote a couple songs for the 'Meet the Robinsons' trailer," Romes said. "But it didn't quite pan out. They actually didn't go for it, and ended up picking another band."
But that's how it often goes, and Romes and his bandmates don't have time to wonder what if. There are too many fans that need rocking, and far too many songs that need visualizing.
Inspired by bands like fellow Arizona rockers Jimmy Eat World, Smashing Pumpkins and the Beatles, creating new tunes is when Thousand Yard Stare has the most fun together.
"I know it sounds cheesy, but when I first got the mixes back, I was listening to them in my car," Romes said. "It's just like everything came alive and sounded amazing. [The album] is everything we wanted and to me that's the most rewarding."
Along with the rewards of course come challenges, especially when constantly on the road.
"We're playing towns closest to us all the time," Romes said. "The [local] scene is really good, but compared to L.A. it's not quite as attentive. People in L.A. really get into the music and talk to us after the show, ask us questions, where in Phoenix is seems like people just come to see their friends band and leave."
But like Romes said, whatever size of crowd or whatever city they're in, Thousand Yard Stare play their hearts out no matter what, leaving it all on the stage every show.
"This is something we've always wanted to do," Romes said. "If I had a 9-to-5 job, I don't think I could do it. I'd have to have some kind of outlet. I love it — I don't know what I'd do without it." For more information on Thousand Yard Stare, visit their official Web site — www.thousandyardstare.net
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