Catch up with Gold Coast-based two-piece The Ruiins (Adam Dooker and Pat Sugden) and listen to the duo's latest single, "Open Up Your Soul", out now.
What brought you together?
We've been mates since the early days of high school and have been playing music together since Year 11 in band with a bunch of our buddies. Adam was on the drums and Pat played the bass. It wasn't until about 2 years ago we started playing music as a two-piece and The RUIINS came about.
Where does your name, The Ruiins, come from?
It is a place in our home town of Forster-Tuncurry that is pretty special to the both of us. We chose it based on that and it has a certain ring to it too.
Which musicians have you been influenced by?
We have a large mix of influences between the two of us. The standouts would have to be Jack White, Matt Corby, Big Scary, and a lot of older stuff. Also just hearing/seeing our mates play is a massive influence to us too.
If you were to make a playlist for your fans, which three songs - from other artists - would you have to include?
"In The Summertime" - Mungo Jerry
"Rock Lobster" - The B-52's
"Surfin' Bird" - The Trashmen
Because life's about having a bloody good time.
How would you describe your sound to someone who had never heard your music?
Raw vocals with catchy melodies, a mix of sounds that'll get you moving. Something Janis Joplin would be in to.
What were your inspirations behind your single "Open Up Your Soul"?
"Open Up Your Soul" came from a simple jam session. Pat started playing the riff and we jammed along to it and the structure and vocal melodies came from there.
Do you have plans to release an EP or album?
Yes!! We are hoping to get an EP out soon :)
What do you hope listeners are able to take away from your music?
Our music is all about having a good time. We like to make people dance and tap their feet or even put a smile on their face. If we can bring people together to have a good time then we're happy.
Upcoming Tour Dates
4th Nov - Soundlounge, Gold Coast
5th Nov - Lakeside Festival, Foster
12th Nov - El Palmo Pacificano, Pacific Palms
24th Nov - Moonshine Bar, Manly
25th Nov - Waywards, Newtowm
26th Nov - RAD Bar, Wollongong
9th Dec - Gold Coast (TBC)
23rd Dec - Grow Your Own Festival