about
Czars of Leisure is the recording and musical project fronted by Greg Roth, a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist producing “thrift store rock”, which mixes the secondhand stylings of 70s power pop, 80s new wave, 90s college/slacker alternative, and 00s indie/garage rock. A former rock journalist, his treats his setlists like mixtapes and has been described as “the quirkiness of Elvis Costello, the storytelling of Tom Waits and the alt-country styling of Wilco.” (Indie Music Stop)
Born in Bethlehem PA, now based in Alexandria VA, he has released two albums of original music, a soundtrack, a holiday single, and performed in 25 states and 6 countries, including such rock clubs as the State Theater (VA), DC9 (DC), Rock and Roll Hotel (DC), 8×10 (Baltimore), Khyber Pass (Philadelphia), Cafe 111 (New York City), Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta), McGonigle’s (Houston), Turf Club (Minneapolis), Cafe 111 (New York City), plus the occasional corporate event and professional conference.
In the early 2000s, Roth left Haywood Trout (named one of the best rock bands in Philadelphia by radio station Y100) to relocate to Washington DC and start his own band, The Jillians. They recorded their sessions entirely live at NPR’s Studio 4A with only two microphones, where such programs as All Things Considered are taped. The result was an organic brand of roots rock that has been called “warm, inviting and tuneful” (Demo Universe) with “good, thoughtful songs” (Left Off the Dial). “The material is strong,” said Listen.com.
He has released 4 albums, played in a dozen bands that weren’t his, and co-founded a concert series, Proof Through the Night, which raised money for September 11-related charities. His solo album, Caught Looking, was well-reviewed, and was played on a number of internet radio stations. He toured and played in 23 states and Canada. Eventually, he formed Czars of Leisure, and their record OK Fine, is probably better than Caught Looking, but that’s just our opinion. Czars of Leisure remains his recording name and band project.
Drawing on such influences as Neil & Tim Finn (Crowded House, Split Endz), Teenage Fanclub, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Elvis Costello, Spoon, Tom Waits, Pavement, Yo La Tengo, Freedy Johnston, Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket), Joe Pernice, The Jayhawks, Wilco, The Band and OK you get the idea. He plays a certain style of music that you’ve heard of, but isn’t completely mainstream.
One of Roth’s best-known songs, “Your Providence,” has been covered by other local artists in the Washington DC area and was featured on the first volume of a two-disc set compilation of Arlington, Virginia songwriters. Three songs off The Jillians’ Yes CD (“Las Vegas Wedding,” “I’m Gonna Marry That Girl Someday” and the title track) were featured in the independent film, Breaking Down. “I’m Gonna Marry That Girl Someday” also appears on a compilation put out by DC’s Rising Sons Records.