Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Jarrad Thompson and Jake Shaffer McDonald of Ruckus.
Ben Jarrad and Jake Shaffer of Ruckus, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Ruckus was formed in 2014 in Houston, Texas.
Jake Shaffer reconnected with an old friend, Josh Bowen, & shortly after a longtime friend/tour veteran, Ben Jarrad, joined the group.
After several months of shows and touring, Scott Benton, (keys/percussion) was added to the roster.
The boys spent the next years pushing the EP and touring the state. All while writing and developing the first full-length Ruckus album with Steve Torres (producer/drummer) as the engineer.
Steve Torres & Ben Jarrad met while playing in Spain Colored Orange. Steve is an older brother & mentor to the band. Paul Gold mastered the record at Salt Mastering in NYC.
After finishing the full length, they are set to release with Jake Shaffer and Ben Jarrad touring & pushing the record the rest of 2019.
They have shared the stage with Bob Schneider, Drivin N Cryin, The Lone Bellow, Brendan Bond, Rocco Deluca, Booher, A. Sinclair, WIlderado, Bros. Landreth, Ian Moore, Harvest Thieves, Get Down Boys, & Ghost of Paul Revere, Jay Hooks, Szlachetka,
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Ruckus is constantly making art; we have many different processes. When we started the band, we knew it would be important to live in the same neighborhood because we want to meet as frequently as possible.
Steve Torres, our producer, lives in the neighborhood as well. We each have our own overdub studios.
Typically, we get together to rehearse, record jams, & we write on our own.
Jake & Ben record & bring their demos to Steve. Then Steve records the guys all over again & mixes the track.
All songwriters enjoyed playing solo, but would much rather play in a band, especially with close friends.
The art is in the show & the connection with the listener. We just want people to have a good time.
Ruckus is unique, in that we create songs combining traditional aspects & a diverse usage of musical influences.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
It’s all about the art & the craft of making music.
Don’t worry about what people think & stay focus on putting in the hours.
It takes a lot of unpaid time to create something that can make money eventually.
Even though the point is to make art, it is a paradox to try & do that while making a living.
If you care about the craft, you will educate yourself about all music & find brilliant mentors.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find Ruckus on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuckusMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruckus_band
Website: www.ruckus.cc
There are many ways people can support! One of the best ways is coming to a club show where Ruckus is headlining, purchasing a ticket, and buying merch.
Merch is so important to us; it can single-handedly underwrite a tour. The individuals support us, & they also support the acts that are on the bill that night by just going to the show.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ruckus.cc
- Phone: 7135423409
- Email: Ruckusbandbooking@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruckus_band/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuckusMusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruckustx
Image Credit:
Madison Richards – First two Photos (Gruene Hall)
Pat Laughrey – Second Photos (Karbach Brewery & White Oak Music Hall) & last photo
Olivia Rutherford – Duo Photo
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
