Room 248 is an Austin, TX - based, acoustic soul/folk/singer songwriter
group mixing unique original songs with obscure covers. With strong,
soulful vocals, and rich harmonies backed by tasteful guitar, bass, and
percussion, Room 248 is a feast for those with eclectic tastes and a
love for memorable performance.
The group formed originally in 1992 when roommates Andy Boutot and Steven Duarte began
writing songs in their apartment in downtown Austin. After playing open
mic's and a few showcase gigs, they added guitarist Doug Anthony and
played regular shows at local singer-songwriter venues like Flipnotics
and Ruta Maya, drawing good crowds and gathering a loyal following.
When Andy began a recording project with a newly forming 11 member band
called Millennium Swing (later called Blue Millennium) and Steven began
focusing on a solo writing and recording direction, Room 248 went on an
extended hiatus. Anthony continued as a sought-after guitarist and
bassist in Austin.
In 2011, however, the trio finally decided to
reform and added local singer-songwriter Billy Mutschler (of the
Dimestore Poets) and guitarist / bassist / pedal steel player Nathan
Delacrataz to the fray. The group is currently recording an album and is available for performances.
Influences include: Bill Withers, Ted Hawkins, Sting, Al Green, Rickie Lee Jones, Jackson
Browne, Elvis Costello, Grisman and Garcia, Martin Sexton, Bonnie Raitt,
Robert Cray, Bobby McFerrin, The Beatles, Taj Mahal, Nina Simone, Etta
James, Charles Brown, Stevie Wonder, .......
