MASTEDONIA

Chats

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

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Los Osos, California: I saw you guys at Cal Poly and you guys were great... are any of you dating someone?

Rooney: Some of us are....some of us are not. There is one way to find out....make a move.

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Miami, Florida: How do you guys deal with with your social lives and people who only want you for your money?

Rooney: Huh??? we're not a rap group. I don't feel that I've been used.

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richmond, VA: what is going to happen with the popstars video?

Rooney: What popstars video? Have you seen it? How did you get a copy of it? Who are you? Did you steal it? Somebody stop this person!

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virginia beach, VA: are there any bands you haven't already toured with that you would love to?

Rooney: We have played with the Redwalls and we want to keep playing with them because we love them.

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Charlotte, North Carolina: You guys have amazing stage presence. Does it just come from the adrenaline, or do you feed off of each other's enery/the crowd's energy? Or a combination of everything?

Rooney: I guess we feed off of the songs and our part.s

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: About Wango Tango, did you really want to perform with some of those musical guests or was it just returning a favor to the radio station?

Rooney: It was about playing at the Rose Bowl, the country's biggest arena. It was our biggest show to date. Hard to say no to that. Obviously we didn't do it because Hillary Duff was going to be there.

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: WHEN are we going to get some more information on this summer tour?

Rooney: Soon

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Madison, WI: Hey- you guys rock! Are you planning on touring anytime soon? (I know you just finished one up) If so, come to Wisconsin!

Rooney: June and July

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Melbourne, Australia: Is there any plans to tour Australia, at all??

Rooney: Yes. Maybe this year....definetely next year.

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Shelby, North Carolina: Do you ever get annoyed by (some) fans accusing you of selling out?

Rooney: Not really because I don't agree and I think that term is bogus anyway.

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U.k, Essex: Thanks for coming to the u.k i cant wait to see you at Barfly, Did you actualy want to come to the u.k? from Beckie

Rooney: Of course. we want to tour all over the world....in fact that what we named our touring corporation.."All Over the World". America is but one country. The rest must be explored and rocked as well.

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San Antonio TX: If you guys were not musicians what will you bee doing instead?

Rooney: I'd be a college student.

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NC: Have any of you had an 'oops' moment on stage where you forgot to sing, forget the lyrics, forgot the song etc?

Rooney: I think everybody has.

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Los Angeles, California: Are you at the point in your carrear where you get noticed on the streets? Not in your hometown, because you guys have been well - known for years! If so, what is it like?

Rooney: We get noticed only if we are about to play a gig. Last night someone asked if we were Hanson and we got in a fight.

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Medway Ma: How do your parents feel about you being in a band rather than going to college?

Rooney: We have supportive parents.

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Whitney,Youngsville,NC: For Robert: What was the toughest song for you to write?

Rooney: Sorry he's not here.

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Whitney,Youngsville,NC: What other instruments do you guys like to play, if any?

Rooney: We all play eachothers instruments for fun. Louie is a very good guitarist, Robert is a good keyboardist, Matt plays guitar, Ned likes to mess around on bass, and I like to slam on the drums.

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San Diego, California: What's the realationship between Allison Robertson and Taylor Locke? Are you two dating?

Rooney: Not really any of your business I'm afraid.

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Houston Texas: When is your next CD coming out and are you ever going to come to Houston for a concert?

Rooney: Our next album comes out early next year. We can't play houston because Louie has vowed to never go there again for as long as he lives......psyche! See you this summer!

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Madison, Wisconsin: When did all of you start playing your instruments?

Rooney: Since we lip sync, we have never actually had to learn our respective "instruments" at all. psyche! We all started at different times in our youth.

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mechanicsville, va: how did you like the concert tour w/ michelle branch in richmond,va ( seigel canter )

Rooney: Very nice

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mechanicsville,va: what are each of your favorite songs to play?

Rooney: I don't think anyone has faves at this point....we are most excited about our new songs.

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Thibodaux, Louisiana: Who are you guys listening to these days?

Rooney: New stuff: the Coral, the Fire Theft, the Redwalls
Old stuff: the Beatles, the Kinks, Zeppelin, Sabbath....etc......

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Pittsburgh, PA: Do you guys have any timetable on when work on the new album will begin? And do you have any idea when a release date will be set?

Rooney: In August. It will hopefully come out in the winter.

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Kissimmee, Florida: I know all of you have awesome taste in music. What is one song you wish you had written?

Rooney: "Everybodys got something to hide except for me and my monkey" by John Lennon off of the White Album. I like that style quite a bit. Humorous, clever, and chock full of riffage.

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Kissimmee, FL: If you could tour with any band, who would you choose?

Rooney: We'd like to open for Weezer again because their crowd would/should/could dig us.

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Kent, UK: Did you have fun in the UK?

Rooney: FUN fun fun!

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Kissimmee, Florida: Taylor: Would you like to have more of a chance to show your vocal ability on future records?

Rooney: I'm afraid I don't have much more vocal ability that has already been showcased. I would like the harmonies to be interesting and loud enough to hear and natural sounding. I'll take a lead someday but I'm not too anxious about it.

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Kissimmee, FL: Which of your video's was most fun to make? The worst?

Rooney: We only have 2! Blueside was a blast. It was our first and it was on the beach and it came out great. I guess would make shakin the worst by default. That one is great too! So I guess I love our worst video.

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Kent, UK: Do you like Michelle Branch? Truly?

Rooney: She is very nice and we had fun with her. She writes her own songs and plays guitar and doesn't lip sync at her shows. All good in my book

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Greenville, SC: If y'all could dress up and spoof an 80s hair band, which band would you choose?

Rooney: The darkness....oh wait...they already are a spoof and they are around today! hahahahaha

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Claremont,California: For Taylor: Why do you rarely smile in photos with fans?

Rooney: Why do I always get singled out for this? I have noticed that the other guys do not smile in lots of photos either.

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Murrieta,CA: What is your favorite song perform and why?

Rooney: We rotate our sets to keep things fresh and exciting. We are currently having fun with our new songs.

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Melbourne, Australia: WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO AUSTRALIA?

Rooney: We're come there on sunday.......oops...i mean SOMEDAY

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New York, NY: What was the inspiration for your new song "Paralyzed"?

Rooney: A big crunchy riff

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Mt. Carmel Illinois: Where do you guys buy your clothes? Do you like shopping? Because all of you seem to have a pretty good sense of style.

Rooney: I don't really like shopping. I like getting my clothes home after I've bought them. Being in a store for too long makes me antsy.

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san leandro, ca: do you see yourselves getting married anytime soon?

Rooney: Nope

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Arizona: I was wondering what the song That Girl Has Love is about, can you give me any insight?

Rooney: The song has quite literal lyrics. It's about a girl who tragically died at 17.

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Youngsville,NC: If you could chose one song to do a cover of, what would it be?

Rooney: We're not much of a cover band. We do a Ramones song and a Searchers song.

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Ramsey, NJ: What is your favorite Beatles song?

Rooney: Impossible. Why pick 1?

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San Diego, CA: At least one of the rooney shows that I have been to, the entire concert has been videotaped. Are there any plans for releasing a Rooney concert dvd in the near future?

Rooney: We would like to do a dvd by the end of the year.

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Ramsey, NJ: Do you feel that since you've become more well-known you're beginning to neglect your older fans or do you think you can continue to meet with people after shows?

Rooney: I don't think "neglect" is the appropriate word. We like to spend some time after the shows saying hi to the fans....new, old, big, small, smelly, not-smelly...whatever.

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La Quinta, California: How do you guys feel about some people calling you "sell outs"?

Rooney: I feel that they are STUPID

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La Quinta, California: What are the Rooney guys favorite albums from any artist/band?

Rooney: All beatles....the Zombies' Odyssey and Oracle, the Beach Boys Pet Sounds....some Sabbath.,..some Elo....Nevermind and In Utero....first 2 Weezer albums.

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Dallas, Texas: While y'all were first starting out...or perhaps, even before that...was there ever a defining moment that made you KNOW you had to create and play music?

Rooney: No not one moment. We got positive feedback from the start and that was very encouraging.

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california: For Robert: Is it weird to watch your mom in movies such as Rocky? P.S. tell her she's an awesome actress!

Rooney: He's not here. I don't think he watches Rocky too often...

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La Quinta, California: Do you guys plan on taking time off from touring, or are you going to play till your fingers bleed?

Rooney: One more tour...June/July. Then back to the studio

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Malaysia: Did you guys ever consider doing a concert in South east Asia...?Thanks

Rooney: Someday

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Greenwood, SC: Why did y'all choose the name Rooney and what does it mean?

Rooney: It means nothing and we chose it because it looks good on paper

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Holt, MI: Do you guys want to squash all the rumors about you and Phantom Planet not liking each other?

Rooney: I actually want to play squash. you know, the sport. It's a great game.

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Greenville, SC: What was the best concert you guys have ever been to individually?

Rooney: Radiohead are always killer.....I never got to see Blur with Graham in the band and I'm bummed about that. I like seeing Sloan play live.

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dublin, ireland: When are you guys going to IRELAND?!?!?

Rooney: Next time we're in the UK

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Sydney,australia: Hey guys,jus wondering how you got started up and how you got your name???.....thanks!!!

Rooney: We met in high school and chose our name because it's funny and simple.

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Wisconsin: Where do you guys get your inspiration to write such awsome lyrics?

Rooney: The lyrics are a combination of real life and fiction. I can't comment any further because Robert is the principal lyricist.

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Miami, FL: Where do u see yourselves 5 years from now? -Mishelle R.

Rooney: On our 5th album

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Houston, Texas: It really frustrats me when people say Rooney got their big break from the O.C. . How do you guys feel when people say that?

Rooney: Who cares. we know what we did prior to going onWthat show.

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San Diago, California: Is Robert married? Because I have seen pictures of him with a ring on his wedding ring finger (left hand, forth finger). Thanks

Rooney: He is married to the skull.

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Viborg, Denmark: Will Rooney come to Denmark? Or promote their cd here? I really want it, but I can't buy it here... love Karina

Rooney: Yes we will eventually come over there.

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Austin, Texas: I was wondering when will you be coming to Austin for a show? I heard you came a while ago but was curious if you plan to come back.

Rooney: I think this summer

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shelby town ship michigan: hey this is gonna sound weird but you guys have the coolest clothes where do you get all these cool vintage tops and pants at? hey Matt if you remember me i met you at bermingham michigan 8/16/03 i talked to you at the doors i had kinda long hair(right after those kids asked if they could touch your glasses lol)

Rooney: Various places. It's not about where you shop...it's about having your own taste.

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Eugene,OR: Who is single?

Rooney: Louie and Robert

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Anaheim, California : In surtain media you are being exposed as a pop band how do you feel about that?

Rooney: We're not an "art rock" band. We are pretty open to being played by pop formats.

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Colton, California: I have read bits and pieces of No Logo, by Naomi Klein and despite the fact of how major corporations use the masses as human billboards. I still wear my favorite band T-shirts. Does that make me and anyone else a human billboard to any band on the T-shirt? Or is there some kind of exception, I still need to read up on. What ever happend to wearing what you like? And one last quesion, what's another book you could recomend, and this time I'll finish it before commiting..lol. Thanks for your time, love your music and wear your T-shirts.

Rooney: Bands arent major corporations are they? Some bands are so they don't really need you to promote them. I think it's totally cool to represent a band you like. That's how you express yourself. Another cool book is Reefer Madness.

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Chardon, Ohio: Was the lead singer in the movie Princess diaries?

Rooney: Is the Pope old?

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Goshen: I have been a CRAZY Rooney fan for about two years now, and I live in New York and I want to go to one of your concerts, any chance you'll tour the east coast? P.S Get some more merch I want to represent my Rooney dedication in a cooler way haha.

Rooney: Dont dis our merch please! We come to NY on every tour.

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Los Angeles, California: Did you guys expected to have so many fans when you guys first started the band?

Rooney: We had no expectations at all. We just rolled with it.

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Toronto: Hi I'm a fan from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and I'm not happy with the fact that I haven't heard any of your songs on the main rock stations in the city here. Can you actually get our rock stations to play some of your songs. Because I think you are a great band with a great future, and these stations have been playing Strokes, Franz Ferdinand and others (also good music)nut not your music. Can't wait to hear it on our radio here when it happens, take care

Rooney: Why don't you call them and tell them to play us?

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Houston, TX: For Louie: Why don't you play the keys in ALL of "Sorry, Sorry"? It's such a fun part! You should play it. For Robert: Since Louie doesn't play the keys in all of "Sorry, Sorry," why don't you? I know you're completely capable of doing it.

Rooney: That part is on a piano and we don't travel with one. On the next tour we may bring a keyboard that has piano sounds and perhaps Louie will start playing that part.

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Birmingham England: Met you at the gig on Wednesday. You said that you liked Birmingham and the bands of Birmingham but what other artists do you admire? oh and what was Norfolk like?

Rooney: Birmingham is where ELO and Black Babbath formed. Norfolk was great

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Norwich ENGLAND: hey, do you guys remember ellie and val from the norwich gig at the waterfront?

Rooney: Oh yeah. They were awesome

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TULARE,CA: How old were you guys when you decided you wanted to be in a band?

Rooney: Early teens

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TULARE,california: whats the best gig you've ever gotten??????????

Rooney: probably Japan

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Mission Hills Ca: You guys have been playing a lot of new stuff here and there. When will you guys start to record you new material and who would you like to work with when producing your new album? Wendy~

Rooney: We will start in August and we are currently having talks about producers.

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glendale, arizona: how long does it take for you to figure out your harmonies, for your songs.

Rooney: Not very long at all. I just get to know the melody and then start singing harmony to that.

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Bradford, Ontario: When is your new cd gonna be out?

Rooney: Next year. Hopefully Jan or Feb.

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Mechanicsville, Virginia: Are you working on making a new cd or anymore music videos? If so, when will they come out? I love you guys!!

Rooney: Probably no more videos. A new album due out next year.

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Bremerton, WA: If you had to have nicknames, like the Spice Girls, what would they be?

Rooney: Cool, Rad, Badass, Awesome, and Killer.

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San Jose, CA: What is the most important thing about your music that you try to focus on?

Rooney: There is no one thing. I'm keen on interesting lyrics.

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beaverton, oregon: what is it like in a band?

Rooney: That's pretty broad. It's like a sports team except with instruments.

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Spring, Tx: How do you keep sane on long road trips with the same group of people?

Rooney: You dont....you go psycho!

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Newtown, CT: Is it wierd to talk to your fans? or does it seem like they aren't real people?

Rooney: They seem like real people.... but sometimes they treat us like WE'RE not really people.....but we totally are. we are real.

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Boston,Ma: Yo, What's up Rooney fellas, my question is simple... what is the one thing that you must have on tour with you and why? thanks, Danielle

Rooney: An ipod.

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Belfair, Wa: How old are all of the band members?

Rooney: Early 20's

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Dallas, Texas: How do you guys deal with being away from your girlfriends, in long distance relationships with out much free time?

Rooney: Text message...call...visit when you can

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