Rooney, fronted by Robert Schwartzman, is an American rock band known for its alternative rock, power pop, and indie rock sound, consistently releasing music and touring since its formation. After forming the American rock band Rooney in 1999, Robert Schwartzman rapidly propelled the group to national recognition. In early 2002, Rooney signed with Geffen/Interscope Records, leading to the recording and release of their self-titled debut album in May 2003. This acclaimed debut sold approximately 500,000 copies and featured hit singles such as ‘Blueside’ and ‘I’m Shakin’.’ ‘Blueside’ gained additional traction through its inclusion on the ‘Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004’ soundtrack, further cementing the band’s presence.
Rooney expanded its reach in 2004 with a notable cameo appearance on an episode of the popular television series ‘The O.C.’ The same year, the band released their first DVD, ‘Spit and Sweat’. Rooney continued its trajectory of success with the release of their second album, ‘Calling the World,’ in 2007. This album debuted impressively at number 42 on the Billboard Top 100 Albums chart. Its lead single, ‘When Did Your Heart Go Missing?’, further elevated the band’s profile through its prominent use in commercials for ‘Beauty and the Geek’.
The same year, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Schwartzman co-founded Utopia Media, a film distribution company dedicated to independent cinema. In 2020, Schwartzman further expanded his contributions to the film industry by directing ‘The Argument.’ Concurrently, he launched Altavod, an innovative streaming platform designed to empower filmmakers. Robert Schwartzman consistently demonstrates a multifaceted career across music, film, and digital entrepreneurship, building a robust body of work as both a recording artist and a dynamic creative force behind the camera and in industry innovation.