I interviewed Rookie of the Year July 14, 2006 after their show in Philadelphia.

1. Introduce who you are and tell what you do in the band.

TJ-I play drums.

Mike - I play guitar and do backup vocals.

Brandon - I play guitar, sing backup vocals, and make funny faces.

Pat - I play bass.

Ryan - I sing and play acoustic guitar.

2. Can you give a little background on the band?

Ryan- I was in a band earlier called Farewell to Fashion. I started Rookie of the Year for fun and money. Eventually a CD was given to 111 Records. Brandon is the most recent member to the band.

Everyone - Rookie of the Year is NOT a Funeral for a Friend song.

3. You released "The Goodnight Moon" back in April. What were u thinking when you sat down to write this and what did you want the outcome to be?

Mike-I am happy with the turnout. Ryan wrote and rewrote some songs and it just took awhile to record.

Ryan - There were two parts to making this record. Half of the recording was done in Kansas. Another six months was to listen to what we've done and make anything better.

4. Being in a small band (meaning you haven't gone mainstream or hit MTV yet) where do you want to see yourself and/or what goals do you have for the band?

TJ-I want to get our music heard and appreciated and to be able to live off the money we make from this. Also, "not to be called small."

-Laughs-

Ryan - We have improved a lot and the progress is going really well for us.

5. What are some of your favorite bands and inspirations?

Band-Inkwell, Jimmy Eat World, U2, Arcade Fire, Bone Thugs & Harmony, Bryan Adams.

Pat - Ska.

6. You played part of this years WarpedTour. What was that like?

Band- It was hard and exausting. We flipped out trailer. It was fun getting to meet people and it helped get our band name out there.

Holla to stev.

7. You are constantly touring so i must ask whats your favorite/least thing about being on the road?

Mike- Bums. Kids are excited to see you and know who you are. bums.

TJ -The change of scenery and traveling.

8. What's the craziest thing youv'e ever done or experienced while touring?

Mike and Ryan- There was a fight in Iowa. Tj hit a guy twice after he got hit. Other than that, our trailer being flipped.

9. If you could tour with any bands who would it be?

Band- U2, Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows, All American Rejects, Deftpunk, and Third Eye Blind.

Ryan -Vroom.

Brandon -Journey.

10. Is there anyone you'd like to work with?

Band- The lead singer of Tears for Fears. Johnny from the Goo Goo Dolls and Ed Rose.

11. Are you happy with where your band is right now?

Band-Yes. We could get better but we're satisfied. Things will progress.

12. Are there any big upcoming plans for Rookie of the Year?

Ryan- We are going to be touring in October with This Day and Age.

13. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Mike- The band will probably be done.

Ryan - I still want to be doing music. I want to have a wife and kids.

TJ - I want to be an art teacher.

14. Do you have advice for new bands starting out?

Band- Myspace your band. Don't be obnoxious. Write amazing songs and record. Book tours, and just know everything takes awhile.

15. Is there anything you'd like to say to the fans?

Band- We love you and thank you!. TJ wants friend requests on Myspace and a beard and support.

Ryan - Go buy the This Day and Age, Rory, and Inkwell records.

Thank you to Rookie of the Year for taking the time to sit down with me for this interview. They are amazing guys.

rookieoftheyear.net

www.myspace.com/rookieoftheyear

http://www.111records.com