Interview: Rooney talks “Washed Away “, Taco Tuesday, and Filmmaking

California indie rock band Rooney emerged in 2002, making their live debut with Phantom Planet, a more experienced L.A.-based group who shared similar classic pop influences (E.L.O., the Beach Boys) along with a family member. The younger brother of actor and former Phantom Planet drummer Jason Schwartzman, Rooney maestro Robert Schwartzman was also a son of Hollywood who had dabbled in acting, but by the early 2000’s had turned his full attention to crafting pleasantly retro guitar pop.

Fast forward to 2016, and Schwartzman is back with Rooney’s new album Washed Away. When ’70s power pop meets ’90s alt-rock, the result is Washed Away. Schwartzman’s songs combine pop hooks and guitar grunt. “My Heart Beats 4 U” features an anthemic “We Will Rock You” style beat, Weezer-like dynamics and a sly Barry Manilow reference in the lyrics, while the group’s love of The Cars and Cheap Trick come to the fore with the crunchy riffs and snappy melodies of “Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow” and “All the Beautiful People.”

In our new interview, Schwartzman discusses the making of “Washed Away”, taco tuesday, filmmaking, and more!