Pop/Rock outfit The Waiting Room started in February 2005 when Ryan van den Berg (Singer/Rhythm Guitar) got together to rehearse some of the songs he had written with Jason Townsend (Original Drummer). They quickly added a bass player and started gigging all over Johannesburg in South Africa where they are from.
It wasn’t long before Mike Varalla replaced the original bass player (Ross Turner) and Mark van den Berg (Ryan’s brother) joined as a fourth member on lead guitar to complete the lineup. The band supported many well known SA bands such as Just Jinjer, Prime Circle and the Parlotones to name just a few. They recorded their first album in January 2006 which was generously sponsored. They only had 14 days in studio to record and mix 10 tracks. The album was released independently across the country and sold well. The first single (Love To Death) did extremely well. It was played and charted on numerous South African radio stations. The success of this single got the band signed to David Gresham records in February 2007 where they started recording new songs for their second album.
There was much excitement, but 2007 turned out to be a tough year for the band. Mike left due to personal reasons and Jason left the commercial music scene to pursue a career as a session drummer, thus leaving Ryan and Mark as the only official members of the band. They wrote and recorded 18 new songs for the second album and played shows with a session drummer and bassist. Things seamed as though they were getting on track again, but unfortunately after 15 months on their record label and no second album out, they were released from their label. A first single (What are we doing with our lives) from the new batch of songs was released and did well on SA radio.
It was in May 2008 that the duo decided it would be a worthwhile decision to get their music abroad. Due to family commitments, Mark would have to stay in SA originally, but Ryan decided he would represent the band abroad until Mark and his family could join. Ryan, soon to be married will be leaving for the UK in November 2008 with his wife to represent The Waiting Room abroad.
The Waiting Room has signed with www.mubito.com and will be selling their music digitally. (Purchase our music at http://www.mysite.mubito.com/thewaitingroom) This is a more global approach as the band’s goal is to expand internationally.
Ryan will be playing shows across the UK, representing The Waiting Room.
Wow! Been a while and spank me for that! I don't do this often, 'cuz it's not often you give new music a listen and know INSTANTLY, you've gotta have it. Think I'll have to break out the cash stash and add this talent to my rotation. Excellent work darlins...excellent!
Hi Guys, Long time no hear, you guys are sounding GREAT! I ALSO FINALLY uploaded my songs! Hopefully THIS South African can also leave her mark on the world, LOL, :-)
I'd LOVE you to check them out & tell me what you think??.
Wow!! I came to check on you guys and your new look almost threw me for a loop!! Damn fine!!! How ya doin hun? I hope things are good! Can't wait to hear the new tunes!!!!
Our new video to "Abandon" is now up and in the Top 10 round at Famecast! The voting started yesterday and the video is already racing up the charts, currently sitting at #2 in Top New Media less than a day after it was added.
Come by our myspace to see the rough cut and click on the "VOTE" button above it to cheer us on to the Top 5! By clicking you also get to check out Famecast and see the video on a bigger screen!
hey guyz how you ladz doing in the diggidy dog? bark bark, i say a loud unpredictable wooooof!!! Grrrrr. thanx for requesting me!!!! MAY THE SLICK BE WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Hey guyz. Sorry havn't catted 2 u in ages. been really busy. so how u been? Please check out the band 'The Inside Job' on my page and leave comments and tell us what u think. Would love 2 heard from u guys. Luv M
