Room Nine
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
| Products | Psychedelic rock music |
Room Nine was a rock group originating from Seattle, active throughout the 1980s. Distinct from many contemporaneous Seattle acts, Room Nine embraced a lighter, psychedelic rock sound. Although they did not reach the commercial heights of some peers, they were among the pioneering pre-grunge ensembles that influenced the development of Seattle's musical landscape.
History
In the early 1980s, Room Nine was established by high school friends from Sammamish: Ron Rudzitis (also known as Ron Nine), Scott Boggan, and Scott Vanderpool, with Michael Laton serving as the band's lighting designer. Their musical direction favored psychedelic rock over the prevailing punk style.
The band's name was inspired by their practice room at Seattle Rehearsal Studios, located near Gas Works Park. The "Room Nine House," shared by Rudzitis and Boggan, became a gathering place for local artists and musicians, including Dan Peters—later associated with Mudhoney and Love Battery—and photographer Charles Peterson. This residence later gained recognition for its role in shaping Seattle's music scene.
Prior to 1984, original drummer Vanderpool departed to attend The Evergreen State College in Olympia, where he immersed himself in the local music community. During this time, he connected with influential figures such as Bruce Pavitt (founder of Sub Pop) and Calvin Johnson (of Beat Happening and K Records), co-founded the Young Pioneers, and contributed to founding the Tropicana nightclub—a venue where Room Nine frequently performed. Shawn Allen succeeded Vanderpool on drums and remained until the band's breakup.
Room Nine signed with Louisiana-based indie label C'est La Mort Records in 1986, contributing to their Doctor Death compilation series. The following year, they released their well-received album Voices...On a Summer's Day, which included the track "Seas Without a Shore," gaining notable airplay on college radio stations. The band achieved second place in Campus Voice Magazine's nationwide "New Music Search" for best unsigned band.
The group disbanded in 1988. Subsequent endeavors saw Rudzitis join Love Battery; Vanderpool engage with Chemistry Set and radio hosting; Boggan briefly perform with Black Sea before transitioning into the technology sector; and Allen become part of Peach and Cantona.
In the early 2000s, Rudzitis, Laton, Boggan, and Vanderpool reunited under the name 'Down With People,' performing locally in Seattle and working on an album planned for release through Flotation Records.
Band members
- Ron Nine (born Ron Rudzitis) – guitar, vocals
- Scott Boggan – bass, vocals
- Scott Vanderpool – drums, vocals (1980–1986)
- Shawn Allen – drums (1986–1988)
- Michael Laton – lighting design
Albums
- Voices...Of a Summer's Day (C'est La Mort Records, 1987)
Compilation/soundtrack contributions
- "Angels Sing" featured on Doctor Death's Volume I: Cette Enfant me Fia Mourir (C'est La Mort Records, 1986)
External links
- [ Room Nine @ AllMusic.com]