*From The Daily Texan - June 9th, 2003*

The Rise Of Rooney

In a time where bands are reproducing by the minute, it takes something special for new musicians to stand out. Whether it is a funky look or an imaginative sound, a band must have a style that is as captive as it is memorable. One particular band has managed to capture an audience and has begun their journey of leaving a memorable impression on their music fans around the country.

"We play rock and roll music that was sort of inspired by lots of different eras and different music," stated Ned Brower from the rising new band, Rooney. Though the band intertwines sounds and styles from past decades, the five young artists still manage to create music that is modern and inventive. When asked to describe their music, Brower stated, "I guess our sound is kind of sunny and poppy with lots of songs - about girls and other fiction based stories."

From internationally acclaimed bands such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Nirvana, to the more novel modern musicians such as, Jellyfish and Jason Faulkner, Bower shared some of the band's favorite artists who have perhaps been the inspiration behind their music. "I also like Granddaddy, who we just toured with, The Cars, Weezer and all those other bands everyone compares us to when they review our shows."

The initial name of the band, "Ed Rooney" was created four years ago when Taylor Locke, Matthew Winter, Robert Carmine and Louis Stephens needed a name for their first gigs around their hometown, Los Angeles. Shortly thereafter, Ned Brower joined the band as their fifth and final member. The revamped group decided to drop the "Ed" and "Rooney" became the official name for the band. When asked the significance of the chosen name, Brower said. "It really has no significance to our sound or our lives in general, but it was just a quick fix."

Brower originally moved to California to be an actor and started playing in the band on the side. "I knew the band was really good, and I guess music was always a hobby and a passion of mine. Pretty quickly I realized the band could potentially eclipse the other things that were exciting for me," he said.

In choosing to pursue a music career, in place of a film career, Brower justified his reasoning and explained the benefits that music has to offer aspiring artists. "I think we get the most pleasure in the control of our music. It is something that we can do for ourselves, as opposed to just performing for other people. We can make our art for ourselves, and then, we can bring it to other people, which is amazing."

Rooney first began playing in various venues around Los Angeles, quickly establishing the group as a promising new rock band.

"Often times, if you can make it in a big place like Los Angeles, especially where it is so competitive, it makes it easier to get started," Brower said. "We had more exposure to the powers that be. Also, when we started going to other places it seems like people are often more turned on by things from New York or LA."

Their self-titled debut album hit music stores on June 5.

"We put a lot of time into making it, and I think every song is very well thought-out and exciting to listen to. The songs are positive, fun and uplifting." Brower said, "We have a lot of darker material, too, and we've gone through different phases but at least for this first record we decided to make a California pop record."

Rooney has toured with several established bands - opening for Weezer, the Strokes, the Vines and Granddaddy. However, at this point in time, Brower said, "We're focused on trying to headline now, even if the shows are smaller, just for the fact that we can play more and play to an audience that is really there to see us. We are looking forward to jumping into our own thing, and that's what we're doing now and when we come to Austin." Brower continued, "I've been to Austin a few times. We're all excited about going back. Austin is another one of my favorite cities."

The band started their headline tour two months ago in New York. "It has been a really great two months. Everything is going very well, and we are working hard out here. It's strange being on the road for so long but I guess you just get used to it. It's a long time to be away from home and your loved ones, but we have each other and our friends - so its cool we still have our team. It's tiring, but fun, and I'm certainly not complaining," he said.

As Rooney bounces from city to city, Louis, Matthew, Ned, Robert and Taylor continue to share their sound with music-seekers around the country.

"I think we're all very happy and getting along well, and I think that we are going to have a long career so I think people should take notice," Brower concluded.

The band is scheduled to perform at Stubb's this upcoming Wednesday, June 10.

-Weezie Melancon