Rooney are ready for the next stage of their career. The L.A. band just released an EP, Wild One, and has a new album due next year. And they don’t plan to rest on their laurels. Named after the principal in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Rooney are best known for showing up on The O.C. and because their frontman is Robert Schwartzman, the son of Rocky actress Talia Shire and brother of Jason Schwartzman, singer for the band Coconut Records and star of Rushmore. But the group wants more than just 15 measly minutes. “We like films and movies, and that’s part of the band,” says drummer Ned Brower, a model who appeared on Dawson’s Creek and in Not Another Teen Movie. “But no one ever gave us a handout. We built this band from scratch. More than ever, we’re just a roots-rock band, and we’re back to the early days, being very independent.” How independent? Rooney are no longer signed to a major label, and they’re now shopping around the new album, their first since 2007’s Calling the World. “It totally has that Rooney sound,” says Brower. “But it’s more organic.” Rooney are jump-`starting 2010 as focused rockers. No more long breaks, says Brower. “We’re hoping to start releasing albums quicker than these three-year breaks,” he says. “It certainly doesn’t take three years to make an album. Now that we’ve really cracked the code on recording and making music, the sky is the limit.” Tally Hall and Nathan Hedges & the Imports open at 8:30 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd., 216.383.1124). Tickets: $15. — Keith Gribbins
