Rooney (band)
Encyclopedia
Rooney is an American rock
band from Los Angeles, currently self-produced and formerly signed to Geffen Records
. The band is now composed of Robert Schwartzman (lead vocals, guitar), Louie Stephens (keyboards, piano), Taylor Locke (lead guitar, backing vocals), Ned Brower
(drums, backing vocals), and Brandon Schwartzel (bass guitar). The band is named after Ed Rooney, the principal in Ferris Bueller's Day Off
.
Their music is reminiscent of British Invasion rock and 1980s pop, and has been compared to The Beatles
, The Cars
, Jellyfish
, Red Hot Chili Peppers
and Blur
. They have toured the nation with acts such as the Jonas Brothers
, Kelly Clarkson
, Weezer
, The Strokes
, Tally Hall
, The All-American Rejects
, and The Academy Is...
.
The band played multiple shows a month around Los Angeles and Anaheim and built up a strong following. Schwartzman moved to New York City
to attend the Eugene Lang College at the New School. Instead of writing papers, he spent his dorm room nights writing new Rooney songs. Schwartzman sent his latest material to his bandmates in LA and flew home every month to perform. They recorded another demo CD with producers Keith Forsey and Brian Reeves. It consisted of the songs "Popstars," "If It Were Up To Me," and "Losing All Control." The demo made its way around LA and created buzz for the band at the major labels and management companies. Schwartzman decided to leave school and pursue the band full time. Rooney played a show at the Roxy in early 2002 packed with Rooney fans and A&R representatives. After the show, the president of Geffen Records approached the band. After meeting all interested parties, the band went to Interscope to meet with Jimmy Iovine
. Iovine expressed his love for the demo and said he would produce a couple of tracks himself if they signed with them. Based on their roster, Rooney signed the deal with Geffen/Interscope in 2002.
. On March 6, 2007, the single "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?
" was released on their official MySpace. The single also was used in commercials of the TV show Beauty and the Geek
. It was also used in an episode of Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County
, in the Gossip Girl
season 1 episode "Wild Brunch". and in the movie Nancy Drew. The album was released to stores July 17, 2007 and debuted #42 on The Billboard Top 100 Albums chart.
Between the release of the first album and Calling the World, Rooney recorded, produced, and mastered two complete albums that were subsequently scrapped. Schwartzman has stated his desire to re-record these two albums for release in 2011.
Rooney headed out on a headlining tour dubbed "The Calling the World Tour" in May 2008 in the United States, which was scheduled to run through August. The band said during live shows that they planned to record a new album upon after the tour ended.
Rooney worked on the theme for the show Iron Man: Armored Adventures
on the Nicktoons network. The song premiered online on March 29, 2009, and the show launched on April 24, 2009.
on November 27, 2009, in Los Angeles. The tour went through most of December. The band streamed several songs from the album on MySpace
days before the official first day of the tour. The EP was subsequently available for sale on Amazon's MP3 and Apple's iTunes stores.
for several weeks of their tour. These shows were interspersed with others where Rooney headlined, with bands The Young Veins
and Black Gold
supporting.
"Holdin' On" will be the next single in 2011.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band from Los Angeles, currently self-produced and formerly signed to Geffen Records
Geffen Records
Geffen Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-Beginnings:...
. The band is now composed of Robert Schwartzman (lead vocals, guitar), Louie Stephens (keyboards, piano), Taylor Locke (lead guitar, backing vocals), Ned Brower
Ned Brower
Edward Andrew "Ned" Brower is the drummer/vocalist in the Los Angeles rock quintet Rooney and is also a model and actor. Brower was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S., and raised in Seattle, Washington. He has modeled for J...
(drums, backing vocals), and Brandon Schwartzel (bass guitar). The band is named after Ed Rooney, the principal in Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a 1986 American teen coming-of-age comedy film written and directed by John Hughes.The film follows high school senior Ferris Bueller , who decides to skip school and spend the day in downtown Chicago...
.
Their music is reminiscent of British Invasion rock and 1980s pop, and has been compared to The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
, The Cars
The Cars
The Cars are an American rock band that emerged from the early New Wave music scene in the late 1970s. The band consisted of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, lead singer and bassist Benjamin Orr, guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes and drummer David Robinson...
, Jellyfish
Jellyfish (band)
Jellyfish were a power pop band from San Francisco. It formed after Beatnik Beatch broke up in 1989. The core members were drummer/singer/songwriter Andy Sturmer and keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Roger Joseph Manning, Jr...
, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...
and Blur
Blur (band)
Blur is an English alternative rock band. Formed in London in 1989 as Seymour, the group consists of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Blur's debut album Leisure incorporated the sounds of Madchester and shoegazing...
. They have toured the nation with acts such as the Jonas Brothers
Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers are an American boy band. The band gained its popularity from the Disney Channel children's television network. From the shore region of New Jersey, the band consists of three brothers: Paul Kevin Jonas II , Joseph Adam Jonas , and Nicholas Jerry Jonas...
, Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Brianne Clarkson is an American pop rock singer-songwriter and actress. Clarkson came into prominence after becoming the winner of the inaugural season of the television series American Idol in 2002 and would later become the runner-up in the television special World Idol in 2003.In 2003,...
, Weezer
Weezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
, The Strokes
The Strokes
The Strokes are an American indie rock band formed in 1999 in New York City. Consisting of Julian Casablancas , Nick Valensi , Albert Hammond, Jr. , Nikolai Fraiture and Fabrizio Moretti ....
, Tally Hall
Tally Hall (band)
Tally Hall is an American rock band formed in December 2002 based in Ann Arbor, Michigan with a relatively significant cult following. Once under the Atlantic Records recording label, Tally Hall is, again, signed to indie label Quack! Media who previously helped finance and nationally distribute...
, The All-American Rejects
The All-American Rejects
The All-American Rejects are an American rock band formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1999. The band consists of lead vocalist and bass guitarist Tyson Ritter, lead guitarist, Nick Wheeler, rhythm guitarist, Mike Kennerty, and drummer Chris Gaylor....
, and The Academy Is...
The Academy Is...
The Academy Is... was an American rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 2003. Before dispersing, they were signed by the Decaydance imprint of the Fueled by Ramen label. They were originally known as "The Academy", but added the "Is..." in 2004 to avoid legal complications with other...
.
Early history
Rooney first formed as Ed Rooney back in 1999. The original lineup consisted of Robert Schwartzman, Matthew Winter on bass, Teddy Briggs on drums, and Matthew Star (née Srolestar) and Taylor Locke on guitar. Ned Brower replaced Briggs as drummer and Louie Stephens was added as keyboardist. They released a series of independent EPs called Deli Meats (2000), Plug It In (2001), and Mastedonia (2002).The band played multiple shows a month around Los Angeles and Anaheim and built up a strong following. Schwartzman moved to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
to attend the Eugene Lang College at the New School. Instead of writing papers, he spent his dorm room nights writing new Rooney songs. Schwartzman sent his latest material to his bandmates in LA and flew home every month to perform. They recorded another demo CD with producers Keith Forsey and Brian Reeves. It consisted of the songs "Popstars," "If It Were Up To Me," and "Losing All Control." The demo made its way around LA and created buzz for the band at the major labels and management companies. Schwartzman decided to leave school and pursue the band full time. Rooney played a show at the Roxy in early 2002 packed with Rooney fans and A&R representatives. After the show, the president of Geffen Records approached the band. After meeting all interested parties, the band went to Interscope to meet with Jimmy Iovine
Jimmy Iovine
James "Jimmy" Iovine is an American music producer, entrepreneur and chairman of Interscope-Geffen-A&M.-Biography:...
. Iovine expressed his love for the demo and said he would produce a couple of tracks himself if they signed with them. Based on their roster, Rooney signed the deal with Geffen/Interscope in 2002.
Calling the World
Following their summer tour, the band began their third sessions for a second album. Only three songs from the previous sessions ("Don't Come Around Again," "Paralyzed," and "Tell Me Soon"), were kept for their new album, Calling the WorldCalling the World
Calling the World is the second studio album by American alternative rock band Rooney. It was released on July 17, 2007.The album is the result of almost three years of recording, with over 50 songs recorded during the sessions. "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?", was released as the lead single....
. On March 6, 2007, the single "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?
When Did Your Heart Go Missing?
"When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" is the lead single from Los Angeles power pop band Rooney from their second album Calling the World. It is their most successful single to date.-Peak chart positions:-End of Year Charts:-Music video:...
" was released on their official MySpace. The single also was used in commercials of the TV show Beauty and the Geek
Beauty and the Geek
Beauty and the Geek is a reality television series on The CW. It has been advertised as "The Ultimate Social Experiment" and is produced by Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg and Nick Santora....
. It was also used in an episode of Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County
Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County
Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County, also known simply as Newport Harbor, is the replacement show of MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. Just like its predecessor, the show documents the lives of several teenagers living in Newport Beach, California, a beachside community located in...
, in the Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl (TV series)
Gossip Girl is an American teen drama television series based on the book series of the same name written by Cecily von Ziegesar. The series was created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, and premiered on The CW on September 19, 2007...
season 1 episode "Wild Brunch". and in the movie Nancy Drew. The album was released to stores July 17, 2007 and debuted #42 on The Billboard Top 100 Albums chart.
Between the release of the first album and Calling the World, Rooney recorded, produced, and mastered two complete albums that were subsequently scrapped. Schwartzman has stated his desire to re-record these two albums for release in 2011.
Rooney headed out on a headlining tour dubbed "The Calling the World Tour" in May 2008 in the United States, which was scheduled to run through August. The band said during live shows that they planned to record a new album upon after the tour ended.
Rooney worked on the theme for the show Iron Man: Armored Adventures
Iron Man: Armored Adventures
Iron Man: Armored Adventures is a 3D CGI cartoon series based on the Marvel Comics superhero Iron Man. It debuted in the USA on the Nicktoons on April 24, 2009, and has already begun airing on Canadian network Teletoon. The series is story edited by showrunner Christopher Yost, who also worked on...
on the Nicktoons network. The song premiered online on March 29, 2009, and the show launched on April 24, 2009.
The Wild One
Rooney became free agents, not attached to any record label. The new self-released EP Wild One was exclusively available only at live shows. The band started a winter tour with Tally Hall and Crash KingsCrash Kings
Crash Kings is an American rock trio formed in Los Angeles, California in 2006. The members are vocalist-keyboardist Antonio Beliveau, his brother and bassist Mike Beliveau, and drummer Jason Morris....
on November 27, 2009, in Los Angeles. The tour went through most of December. The band streamed several songs from the album on MySpace
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
days before the official first day of the tour. The EP was subsequently available for sale on Amazon's MP3 and Apple's iTunes stores.
Eureka
Rooney's third full-length album was released on June 8, 2010, through California Dreaming Records, Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The album features the lead single "I Can't Get Enough" and the final appearance of bassist Matthew Winter, who announced his departure from the band in February 2010. With new bassist Brandon Schwartzel, Rooney toured again nationally in Summer 2010, supporting HansonHanson (band)
Hanson are an American pop rock band formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by brothers Isaac , Taylor , and Zac Hanson . They are best known for the 1997 hit song "MMMBop" from their major label debut album Middle of Nowhere, which earned three Grammy nominations...
for several weeks of their tour. These shows were interspersed with others where Rooney headlined, with bands The Young Veins
The Young Veins
The Young Veins is a rock band from Echo Park, California. The band is composed of Ryan Ross and Jon Walker, two former members of the Las Vegas band Panic! at the Disco, along with bassist Andy Soukal, drummer Nick Murray and keyboardist Nick White.-History:...
and Black Gold
Black Gold (band)
Black Gold is a Brooklyn, New York, U.S. based music project with Eric Ronick and Than Luu formed in early 2006. The project was started after touring with M. Ward, Ambulance LTD, Rachael Yamagata, Panic! at the Disco, and Adam Franklin of Swervedriver...
supporting.
"Holdin' On" will be the next single in 2011.
Band members
- Robert Schwartzman – vocals, guitar
- Taylor Locke – guitar, vocals
- Ned Brower – drums, vocals
- Louie Stephens – keyboards, synthesizer, vocals
- Brandon Schwartzel - bass
Albums
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Rooney Rooney (album) Rooney is the debut album by American alternative rock band Rooney. It was released on May 27, 2003, by Geffen Records. The cover features a recreation of the flag of California. The track "I'm a Terrible Person" was used in a commercial of Carolina Herrera's perfume... |
Geffen Geffen Records Geffen Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-Beginnings:... |
| 2007 | Calling the World Calling the World Calling the World is the second studio album by American alternative rock band Rooney. It was released on July 17, 2007.The album is the result of almost three years of recording, with over 50 songs recorded during the sessions. "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?", was released as the lead single.... |
|
| 2009 | Wild One (EP) | — |
| 2010 | Eureka | California Dreamin' |
Singles
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2003 | "Blueside" |
| 2004 | "I'm Shakin'" |
| 2007 | "When Did Your Heart Go Missing? When Did Your Heart Go Missing? "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" is the lead single from Los Angeles power pop band Rooney from their second album Calling the World. It is their most successful single to date.-Peak chart positions:-End of Year Charts:-Music video:... " |
| "I Should've Been After You" | |
| 2008 | "Are You Afraid?" |
| 2010 | "I Can't Get Enough" |
| 2011 | "Holdin' On" |
Compilation appearances
- "You Got It", from the album Roy Orbison Celebration (2009)
- "Metal Guru", from the album Herbie: Fully Loaded SoundtrackHerbie: Fully Loaded (soundtrack)Herbie Fully Loaded is the soundtrack album to the 2005 film of the same name, it was released on June 21, 2005. It includes Lindsay Lohan's third single, "First", and remakes of classic songs by Hollywood Records artists including Aly & A.J., Caleigh Peters, Ingram Hill and Josh Kelley, and big...
(2005) - "Death on Two Legs", from the album Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen (2005)
- "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow", from the album We're A Happy FamilyWe're a Happy FamilyWe're a Happy Family: A Tribute to Ramones is a tribute album to the Ramones by various artists. It started when Johnny Ramone was confronted with the idea of a tribute album and was asked if he wanted to participate, to which he agreed, as long as he would have full control over the project...
RamonesRamonesThe Ramones were an American rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first punk rock group...
tribute (2003) - "Merry X-Mas Everybody", from the album The Year They Recalled Santa Claus and The O.C. Mix 3: Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah
- "Sleep Song" featured in The ChumscrubberThe ChumscrubberThe Chumscrubber is a 2005 dark comedy film directed by Arie Posin and written by Posin and Zac Stanford, starring an ensemble cast. The film focuses on the lack of communication between teenagers and their parents, and the prevalence of prescription drugs in American society...
- "I'm Shakin'" featured in Teachers 4: Top of the ClassTeachers 4: Top of the ClassTeachers : Top Of The Class is the official soundtrack, on the Channel 4 label, of the fourth series of British television comedy-drama series Teachers.This album contains music by various artists, heard in the show its self.-Track listing:...
Digital-only releases
- "When You Walk into the Room", released online only
- "Forever Young", released online only
- Lost Album
Music videos
| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "Blueside" | Marcos Siega Marcos Siega Marcos Siega is a film, television, commercial, and music video director. He has also worked as a producer and a musician.... |
| 2004 | "I'm Shakin'" | John Schwartzman John Schwartzman John Schwartzman A.S.C. is an American cinematographer for numerous films.He is the son of Jack Schwartzman and stepson of Talia Shire. He is best known for his collaborations with director Michael Bay... |
| ? | "If It Were Up to Me" | ? |
| ? | "Popstars" | Marcos Siega |
| 2007 | "When Did Your Heart Go Missing? When Did Your Heart Go Missing? "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" is the lead single from Los Angeles power pop band Rooney from their second album Calling the World. It is their most successful single to date.-Peak chart positions:-End of Year Charts:-Music video:... |
Benny Boom Benny Boom Benny Boom is a music video director and current director of Gorilla Flix, Inc. He trained at Temple University's School of Radio, Television, & Film, and also served as a protégé of veteran director Little X and Hype Williams.... |
| "Tell Me Soon" | Roman Coppola Roman Coppola Roman Coppola is an American film director and music video director.-Early life:Coppola was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, the son of set decorator/artist Eleanor Coppola and Francis Ford Coppola. Coppola was born in the American Hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine while his father was in Paris... |
|
| "I Should've Been After You" | Brian Lazzaro | |
| 2008 | "Are You Afraid?" | |
| 2009 | Theme from Iron Man: Armored Adventures | ? |
| 2010 | "I Can't Get Enough" | Marcus Herring |
| 2011 | "Holdin' On" | Marcus Herring |
External links
- Rooney website
- RSS feed – Rooney website feed
- Official Rooney Street Team
- Audiojunkies interview with Rooney
- Rooney on Geffen RecordsGeffen RecordsGeffen Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-Beginnings:...