*From USATODAY.com - May 20th, 2004*

*****
Rooney has built up an extremely dedicated following in both the new and old-fashioned ways: through their independent releases, all-ages club shows and a well-maintained website. Touring with pioneering bands like Weezer and The Strokes, Rooney has established themselves at the forefront of the newest incarnation of rock. They've also joined the ranks of U2, Metallica, Tom Waits, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to record a tribute to The Ramones. Their self-titled debut album has launched them onto the music radar screen and clearly shows that they're a band to keep an eye on.

*****

Comment from USATODAY.com Host: Hi everyone, Rooney is running a few minutes late, stick around.

*****

(Eagle Rock)Los Angeles, California: What song do you most enjoy performing?

Rooney: Hi this is Ned and Taylor...sorry we're late. We had the wrong time. To answer your first question, I think we all really enjoy playing alot of our new material the best. We will be showing off the new jams this summer....Ned faves are "Are You Through With Me" and Enough's Enough. Mine (tl) is One Armed Man and Enough's Enough.

*****

Walnut, CA: Hey Rooney! I love all of your new songs. When is your next album coming out?

Rooney: We are going to record the album in August after our spit and sweat summer tour is over. We are planning on recording in LA of course, and will be working with Kieth Forsey who produced our first record along with Adam Kasper who produced I'm Shakin...he has worked with everyone from Queens of the Stone Age to Nirvana to the Posies to just about everything on sub pop in the old days. The record will come out in January we hope.

*****

Camarillo, CA: Do you guys like headlining better than not headlining? What are some of the positive/negative aspects of each?

Rooney: Ned here, both have their advantages...with supporting, we generally play to larger audiences who may not have seeen the band...it is always a callenge to try and smoke the other bands and turn on new people...ultimately, we like headlinig the best because we can play longer, choose the support bands, and have a very excited crowd...even if the shows are smaller, the crowds make up for that with intense enthusiasm and an understanding of what Rooney is really about....FULL ROCK.

*****

Bristol,UK: You Supported a english band called keane in bristol ainson rooms back in january and i was just wondering if u plan on commin back to headline any gigs in bristol in the near future,if so any chance of a geust list hahaha,my email addy is glen22@hotmail.com if u fancy giving your bigest UK fan a free night

Rooney: We hope to come back to the UK in the fall. That last tour was amazing. Great crowds and definitely our best trip to the UK yet....it seems to get better each time which is all we ever hope for. I'll let you know about those freebees....Taylor

*****

Are planning on putting out a DVD?:

Rooney: We are thinking about putting out a DVD shortly before Christmas so that we can give you all something to hold you over. When we do a DVD, we want to be really interestng and exciting...I personally have been consistently disappointed with the band DVDs that have come out as of late....we have hundreds of hours shot by ourselves and our man Craig Weaver. He will probably direct the whole thing we hope, Ned.

*****

Toronto, Canada: Do you ever get tired of playing the sames songs over and over again? -Sara

Rooney: It's gets a little tiresome. Sometimes I'll get sick of a song and then all of a sudden get really pumped again...lately we have been mixing up the sets more so that keeps things exciting. Since we now rotate in new stuff, that also helps us get through the sets...all in all, we still stand by all of the material on the first record and feel very proud of the work. Ned

Comment from Rooney: Hello...sorry I'm late! I'm gonna play catchup and get all these questions answered....Don't worry.....this is Taylor by the way.

*****

Toronto, Canada: Do you guys listen to your own music? Now while recording or listening how it came out, but just for fun? -Sara

Rooney: Ned and Robert are definitely guilty of this....they like to rock out. I spend more time listening to new demos so I can work out new guitar parts and tones for the next record...listening is a great part of the work and the art form.

We do lots of listening when the songs are shaping up initially. We demo everything and review the demos together when we're on the road. As for the 1st album...it's been out for a year now and I haven't listened to it in a long time. The versions of the songs in my head are the live versions. The little things we do live that are slightly different from the album get stuck in my head and that how I "hear" those songs now.

*****

houston, TX: will you guys be touring this summer???? and if so, PLEASE go to houston, TX (preferrably at engine room)

Rooney: We are playing the engine room this summer. See our site for details. We will be taking out a band called Ozma who are an old LA favorite and stray light run...2/5 taking back Sunday...hopefully the good part...much less screamo than tbs who I can't really say I like very much. Ned

We will begin a headlining tour on june 7 in NYC and work our way west. we always play texas! I think I saw the engine room on our intinerary but I can't be absolutely sure. It's a good bet though.

*****

WOuld you date a fan?:

Rooney: I'm not sure I could date a fan. it depends how hardcore they were as a fan. It might be hard to relate to someone who has spent alot of time researching you on the internet or something like that. I prefer smart girls who like to talk and are interesting to listen to.

*****

los angeles, ca: what is your favorite character on the simpsons?

Rooney: Krusty the clown, Nelson the Bully, and also the old see captain. I love the show. ned

*****

Toms River, New Jersey: What is your favorite roller coaster?

Rooney: Goliath @ Six Flags Magic Mountain. What a rush!

*****

London: Which female popstar do you prefer? Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera or Ashanti?

Rooney: Taylor I don' t prefer any. They are all the same. None of them impress me.

Cmon now...do you really think we listen to this stuff? I change the channel. Ned

*****

Kehewin Canada: I was wondering, if you ever thought that you guys should like, enjoy the now, like what you are doing right now. Because to just realise that you can't go back to a certain day and relive that day agian, you have to make every hour count, I was wondering, what you thaought about that scenerio?

Rooney: No offense, but I don't really understand the question. I think the concept that you're getting at is CARPE DIEM. I think we all should try and live in the moment, and seize the day.

*****

coral springs FL: This question is for robert carmine Did you enjoy being in "the princess diaries" and if so do you plan on being in any other TV productions anytime soon?

Rooney: Robert is not here...this is Taylor. I can safely answer on his behalf that his heart lies in the music world/ Rooney world these days. That is the priority. Acting is not.

*****

East Petersburg, Pennsylvania: Will Robert Carmine be doing any more films in the future?

Rooney: Same question.....same answer.....probably not any time soon. I would never say never but I have the same schedule as Robert and looking at it I cant really see the time for anyone to do a movie. (or anything besides the band for that matter)

*****

germantown, tn: What is your tour lineup for this summer? Are ya'll going to try and come on tour in Memphis this summer since you missed the tour with the other bands?

Rooney: The support acts are Stray Light Run, Ozma, and on a few very special dates The Redwalls. I don't have the tour calender in front of me at the moment. We will be out for almost 6 weeks and going pretty much everywhere that rock lives.

The Spit and Sweat tour will be heading out this summer(June and July) in about 30 cities. We were very recently in Memphis for the first time so we actually won't be there this summer...we will be somewhere close and I would advise a road trip. Ned

*****

Philly, PA: i know you get asked the same questions a lot from your fans, but what do you think is the best/unique question you have ever been asked and what was your answer??? thanx...

Rooney: I cant remember...this question is unique. Ned

Thats very hard to remember. I'm not sure I really have an honest answer for you. I like questions about our songs and our playing as opposed to ones about other things.

*****

Fremont, California: Are you going to be playing a show in the bay area any time soon?

Rooney: We'll be in San Fran and Sacremento. See you there.

We are playing the Filmore this summer...we are very excited as the San Fransisco is one of our favorite cities...y'all were some of our first fans out of LA and for this...we thank you kindly.

*****

Bell Buckle, TN: From what I've heard, you guys are a great live band. What is your favorite part about playing live? What is the craziest thing you've done live?

Rooney: Thanks for the compliment. The best part about playing live is recreating all the great parts to the songs and seeing the reactions on people's faces. I like to feel the wind on my back from my guitar amplifier. craziest thing? I don't know...we're not really that kind of band. I just keep my head down and shred.

*****

Sand Springs, Oklahoma: hey its haley from Sand Springs, Ok. i just want to say you guys rock and i love you guys, first thing tomorrow is my birthday i will be 13 if you want-don't have to-can you send me good wishes on my birthday on e-mail its gc27aar@aol.com it would be really nice cause a mirrior fell on my leg about a month ago and had to get 40 stiches-i'm fine-but anyways to the question will guys ever be coming to Tulsa, Ok. please guys!!! thanks for reading my question and more thanks if you send me good wishes. thanx a bunch, you guys rock!!!! keep up the good work ;*

Rooney: Happy birthday. Good luck. And sorry about your leg. we hope you heal up and recover.

Come to Oklahoma city...our last show there was INSANE. We will be back this summer. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Sorry about your leg. At least you still have one. You could have been the one arm man.

*****

Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan: What is it like leaving your life behind, traveling around the world experiencing all these new things, and then coming back to everything you left behind?

Rooney: We started touring when Louie and I were just out of high-school. We didn't leave anything behind. This is our life. We don't have wives or children. Coming home between tours is nice. It was strange after our first couple of tours but we have adjust to the lifestyle.

*****

Comment from USATODAY.com Host: Rooney will stay a little later to make up for their late start so stick around.

*****

Corinth, Mississippi: In some of the pictures I've seen of Robert, he's wearing a skull ring on his left ring finger and I was wondering what that’s all about. When u guys go on tour again don’t forget about Mississippi! Y’all are the best!! Luv ya!!

Rooney: That's just Robert expressing himself.

*****

Lake Charles, LA: What do you miss the most while on tour?

Rooney: Certain people. Friends, family, girlfriend. That kind of thing. I don't really miss a favorite restaurant or anything like that.

*****

Lake Charles, LA: What's your favorite song that Rooney's ever played?

Rooney: I don't have one favorite. We generally favor our latest material. We are preparing to make another album soon so there are about 15 new songs that I'm really excited about. We'll be playing them live this summer.

*****

Lake Charles, LA: What was your favorite band growing up?

Rooney: Nirvana was very influential to me. They got me to want to have a band. I later got around to all the 60's classics and fell in love particularly with the Beatles.

*****

Lake Charles, LA: What's your all-time favorite album?

Rooney: I dont like to rank or rate music that I like. All the albums in my collection serve a purpose for when I'm in a certain mood. A certain happy album might make you joyous if you're in a good mood but it might annoy you if you're in a bad one. I like all of the Beatles albums.

*****

Atlanta, Ga: Hi Rooney! What was it like performing "Shakin" on the set of the O.C?? ~Steph

Rooney: It was not unlike shooting a music video. We did not perform live, but rather to a "playback". I would classify the experience as humorous, ridiculous, and slightly awkward.

*****

boston, ma: do you get tired of having to please fans and interact with them before/after shows?

Rooney: Only if they are rude or inconsiderate. We love our fans and try to be available to meet them. If someone comes on too strong and doesn't really seem to respect you it can be frustrating. That doesn't happen too often.

*****

kingston, pa: was daisy duke inspired by a real life experience?-amanda

Rooney: Almost all of our songs are part reality/part fiction. Did Robert have an experience that led him to write that? Probably....did he ever cuff someone to a bathtub?..Probably (and hopefully) not.

*****

kingston, pa: will your heardlining summer tour come anywhere by wilkes-barre, pennsylvania? please come! we love you guys here

Rooney: I don't know the exact locations yet. Check the website as we get closer

*****

Great Neck, New York: Hey guys! Taylor, I'm in love with you and wanted to know if you are dating anyone. Is anyone else in the band dating?

Rooney: You cant be in love with me since you dont know me! Don't be silly.

*****

Scottsboro, Alabama: Are you coming to Alabama????

Rooney: Don't know yet. Check the site for updates.

*****

Anderson, S. Carolina: You made a wonderful contribution to the Ramones tribute album. If you had the chance to participate on another tribute, for which legendary band would you like it to be?

Rooney: The Beatles, the Zombies, Queen.....a band that has similar elements to us. (keyboards, harmonies, etc).

*****

Anderson, S.C.: Robert, what is one of your favorite Beach Boy songs?

Rooney: Robert's not here. But I know that we all love the pet sounds album.

*****

Anderson, SC: Is there a Rooney concert DVD in the works to sell at your shows this summer? (I'd buy it!)

Rooney: There has been talk of doing a DVD this fall.

*****

Sydney, NSW: Are there any plan for you to visit Australia this year? thanks-Cat

Rooney: We've been trying to get to Australia! hopefully by the end of the year. But if not, definetely next year.

*****

Steubenville, OH: When are you coming back to the Pittsburgh area

Rooney: Check our tour dates online for accurate answers to all touring questions.

*****

Belize City, Belize, Central America: Have any of you ever traveled to Belize?

Rooney: Nope

*****

Savannah, GA: How does a band maintain integrity in this day and age?

Rooney: There is no single straight answer to that. You do whatever YOU like. Make records that you would like to listen to and videos that you would want to watch..etc.

*****

Thailand,Bangkok: I don't have any questions but I want to tell them"I like Rooney Band so much They are every awesome"

Rooney: Thanks

*****

New Hyde Park, N.Y.: Hey what is your next video going to be? I heard it was going to be Popstars was going to be the first or second single, but is it going to be be third?

Rooney: I'm not sure we'll have another video. We are preparing to make an album after the summer tour.

*****

Hollister, Ca: Individually, what are the goals that you want to still acheieve as a band, that you haven't already? Thanks!!

Rooney: We've only made one album! The goal we haven't acheived is making many many albums.

*****

ontario, canada: What do you have to bring to the music industry?

Rooney: I don't know about the INDUSTRY....what we have to bring to MUSIC is good songs and a good live show.

*****

Dallas, Texas: How do you feel about the cookie cutter image in the music industry today, and do you feel that you will soon be a part of it?

Rooney: I think our video stands out on mtv like a sore thumb and I like it that way.

*****

Austin, Texas: Do you guys get chased or stalked by any of the fans, yet?

Rooney: I dont know how you define "stalked". I have been chased i guess. It wasn't like "A Hard Days Night" but it was a good chasing nonetheless.

*****

Miami, FL: What's your favorite song or songs from your older material: Deli Meats and Plug It In?

Rooney: Well Blueside and Losing All Control we obvious favorites because we re-recorded them for our record. I also liked "Why".

*****

Dallas, TX: If yall do a summer tour, are you going to stop in Dallas?

Rooney: Check our web site.

*****

Crown Point, Indiana: When is your next cd comin out?

Rooney: Hopefully early next year.

*****

Ogden,UT: Rooney, I'm wondering how to start a band AND a music lable!!! How do I do that???? A Big Fan of Rooney's, Audra

Rooney: To start a band you need songs, friends and instruments. To start a label you need money and bands.

*****

Page 2