After The Show is thrilled to present our first exclusive interview…with Rooney frontman Robert Schwartzman.
After The Show: What’s your favorite lyric from the new album Eureka?
Robert Schwartzman: “It’s the same old story, the same old movie, but when you’re with me it’s a masterpiece.” It’s from the song Only Friend.
How did the band choose “I Don’t Wanna Lose You” as the first song to share with the world?
It was the first song we recorded for the album and it’s the one we tried with a few different producers. It has our sound and has something new…represents the album in a good way.
What is the hardest part about transitioning from a 5 piece to a 4 piece band?
Well, we tried the 4 piece setup for a few rehearsals, but it didn’t feel right. I like playing guitar in Rooney and it’s been my thing for the last 8 years in the band. We have a bass player with us…names Brandon Quinn…awesome guy and terrific musician. It’s great to have a new energy in the mix.
Matt [Rooney’s former bassist] called Eureka the “best record we ever made” in his farewell note. Assuming you agree, what makes Eureka even better than your previous albums?
It has the strongest songs and it sounds the best. It’s a good representation of who we are and what we’re made of. The playing is really good from everyone and it just feels the closest to home. We made it on our own, produced and engineered, which wasn’t the easiest thing for us, so it feels like a big accomplishment.
How have the songwriting duties been shared among the band on previous albums, and how were they shared while writing Eureka?
I’ve written everything for the band so far. Eureka has two songs that I didn’t write…Into The Blue, by Louie Stephens and The Hunch by Ned Brower and Taylor Locke. We started Rooney with my songs and it’s just been our thing…shaped our sound. The other guys are working more on writing and wanting to contribute, so this was their first chance to put music on a Rooney album.
What is your song “Suckceed” about?
It’s about some of the characters at our old label. Some of the things I witnessed or felt while working with them. How people pass the blame and how people do whatever it takes to make it…keep your job.
What do you see as the role of collaboration in Rooney’s future? What about collaborating with other artists (Ben Lee, Jonas Brothers) in your own SoloBob music?
I like collaborating and I’m loving the more and more I do it. Perhaps there will be some other artists featured on Solobob. As long as it makes sense for the music.
+Rooney’s new album Eureka comes out June 8, 2010. For tour dates, click here.
