Meet the Band: Rookie of the Year

Jordan Trippeer spoke with Ryan Dunson who does vocals and plays the acoustic guitar for Rookie of the Year.

Q: Could you tell me a little bit about what inspired you to pursue music?

A: I grew up in the church singing in the choir. Then, after a concert I went to, I said I want to do that. I want to perform.

Q: What was it like to sign with your first label, Vice Verse Virtue?

A: It was weird to have someone pay for all your stuff.

Q: How did you celebrate?

A: I didn't really celebrate after getting signed. I worked really hard to get it and then I felt refreshed.

Q: Why did you call yourselves Rookie of the Year?

A: When I first started doing the band it was a solo project - like a rookie - and it slowly grew and became the band it is now.

Q: How would you describe your music?

A: Pop-college, pop-rock with a little bit of an alternative '90s sound.

Q: What is your relationship like with the other band members?

A: They're like my brothers. We have brotherly fights and brotherly talks and brotherly arguing.

Q: What is your favorite thing about touring?

A: I like changing cities. You're in a new city. You make friends. Then you come back and it's a big family reunion.

Q: What is your favorite piece of your own music?

A: Diff for diff records - On our album, "Sweet Attention," my favorite is "My Ocean." On "The Goodnight Moon," it's "Blue Roses." They're kind of more personal - they're more about stuff I've gone through.

Q: Anything else you think our readers should know about your band?

A: Our video for "What is Love," is on MTV and at purevolume.com/whatislove. Definitely come out to the show. We do this for a living.

Rookie of the Year will perform with School Boy Humor, Jet Lag Gemini & Kiernan McMullan at Alley Katz on April 16, 2009 at 6 p.m. 10 Walnut Way, Richmond, Virginia $10 advance or $12 at the door

Contact reporter Jordan Trippeer at jordan.trippeer@richmond.edu