Interviewer: Kim
Time Period: June 13th-18th, 2003
Thanks To: Taylor

Q: So, I know that the band wants to release a second album within the next year. Has Robert been working on writing any new songs? And do you think that the possibility of a second album within the next year is possible due to all of the touring?

A: im not sure what you mean by next year...do you mean 2004? if so, we hope to put out a new record then for sure. robert has tons of songs as usual and i have a few as well. there is a shitload of material for the next record and its very exciting to us...but we keep it a secret because it is time to focus on album 1 right now and work on our live show.
 
Q: What Rooney song is your absolute favorite and why?  Now, I don't just mean to play but to listen to as well.

A: probably that girl has love. its fucking powerful and all the parts came out just right. it has all of my favorite rooney elements: smart lyrics, well arranged drum and bass parts, great classic chord changes, just enough counterpoint and lead guitar parts, brilliant keyboard and piano sounds and parts, excellent vocal delivery from robert, and very nice harmonies. on top of it all, i get to play a little slide guitar lick in the pre-choruses.
 
Q: Could you please explain the best gift that was ever given to you by a fan? Is there something you wish someone would get for you?

A: cartoon drawings are usually quite interesting.
 
Q: What are your pet peeves about each member of the band? (i.e. bad habits, weird pre-show rituals, etc...)

A: they are all rad dudes and we get along quite well. i get bummed out when people are inconsiderate on the bus or in the dressing room. but everyone has their flaws and i accept those fuckers either way.
 
Q: What are your thoughts about random people IMing you on AIM?  Do you find it really bizarre or comforting to know that whenever you log into AIM, people will message you?

A: i do not partake in any instant messaging with people whose faces i cannot visualize when they im me. i have very little time to be online while touring and i use that time for email, research and pleasure. i like to look up things im interested in and read up. thats what the internet is about for me....not chatting it up with strangers.

Q: How come the band decided to change "That Girl Has Love" from its original title?

A: the story in that song is a true one. we wanted to remove her name from the title because we didn't want to upset her family and because it makes the song more universal. we like using our choruses as titles because thats the logical thing to do in pop music.

Q: Why were "The Floor" and "Make Some Noise" included on the UK version of the CD and not the American version?  "The Floor" is like everyone's favorite Rooney song!

A: the US version is what the band considers the real deal....those are the 11 songs we chose because they are the best, the were recorded and mixed the best, and they work well together. foreign territories, (especially the UK), often insist upon including bonus material in order to make their version more desirable. so if it is the import version that you desire, then the english record company has accomplished exactly what they wanted too.