Playing their distinct brand of ska, this eight-piece band was like no othe… Read Full Bio ↴Playing their distinct brand of ska, this eight-piece band was like no other in Manhattan, Kansas. Guitarist David Spiker began playing with drummer David Darby and keyboardist Donnyves Laroque in fall 1995. Shortly thereafter, they added a 3-piece horn section and bassist Jayson Sullivan. Ruskabank went through two other horn players before settling on the classic lineup of Dave Studnicka (trombone), Jamie Rogers (trumpet), and Ben Schierling (tenor saxophone).

They began practicing in the music room in the basement of Moore Hall at KSU, and threw all their diverse influences into one big pot and let it simmer until the Ruskabank sound came out. They mixed up heavy metal, ska, jazz and even Rush to create a potent, danceable mix of sounds. Ruskabank's debut CD is titled "This Took Some Time," and can be purchased along with other band merchandise through their web site, even though the band no longer exists.

Ruskabank was:
David Darby - drummer
Donnyves Laroque - keyboard
Chris Mayne - trumpet
Jamie Rogers - trumpet
Ben Schierling - tenor sax
Dave Spiker - guitar, vocals
Dave Studnicka - trombone
Jayson Sullivan - bass

Mission
Ruskabank Lyrics

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We're on a mission to save this scence from all the kids that are acting mean. Getting drunk and showing off, it's that kind that really piss me off. But there's nothing that you can do. They out weigh you by a pound or two. A little jerk with a bigger friend. That maddness has got to end. It's a common plague, as far as I can see, that the kids don't got nowhere to be. In a town that sucks and a scence that blows, we can at least put our hearts right into the shows. But some kids got their heads screwed on wrong, doing the same old shit that's been around too long. Deep down, you really know what I mean. We're on a mission to save this scene! We're on a mission because there is no scene. No one here to tell you who to be. You think it's dumb because you all dance the same. And if you do, you know who to blame. Just stomp the stomps and shout the shouts. That's what the music scene is all about. And if you do you'll know who to thank. Just give a shout to Ruskabank!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ruskabank's Mission tell the story of a group of individuals who are on a mission to rescue and restore their music scene from the younger generation, whom they believe are acting inappropriately. The first verse highlights the disrespectful behaviour of some of the younger members of the scene, such as getting drunk and showing off. The second verse conveys the helplessness felt by the older generation who witness this behaviour but cannot do much to stop it. The next verse, however, reassures that they will continue to do what they can to make the shows better and more enjoyable for everyone, even if they can't control the actions of these younger kids. In the final verse, Ruskabank stresses the importance of everyone always supporting their music scene, even if they don't always agree with all the actions of others. The song encourages everyone to come together and celebrate their love for music and the scene that has brought them all together.

Overall, the message of the song is about preserving and promoting a positive music scene, and encouraging everyone to put differences aside and come together to create a space that is enjoyable and inclusive for all. It is a call to action for everyone to do their part in supporting and upholding the values of the scene, and to not let the negative actions of a few bring it down.

Line by Line Meaning

We're on a mission to save this scene from all the kids that are acting mean.
Our goal is to rescue this environment from ill-behaved kids who need guidance and discipline.

Getting drunk and showing off, it's that kind that really piss me off.
Their tendency to flaunt and drink excessively is what angers me the most.

But there's nothing that you can do. They out weigh you by a pound or two.
You are powerless in this situation as they outnumber and overpower you.

A little jerk with a bigger friend. That madness has got to end.
The troublesome behavior of a small miscreant with a more formidable ally needs to cease.

It's a common plague, as far as I can see, that the kids don't got nowhere to be.
It seems to me that the lack of constructive places for youngsters to go is a widespread issue.

In a town that sucks and a scene that blows, we can at least put our hearts right into the shows.
Despite the unpleasant town and dull scene, we can channel all our energy into the performances.

But some kids got their heads screwed on wrong, doing the same old shit that's been around too long.
Certain children are misguided and perpetuating pointless routines that have lost their novelty.

Deep down, you really know what I mean. We're on a mission to save this scene!
You intuitively understand what I am saying. We are determined to salvage this sphere!

We're on a mission because there is no scene. No one here to tell you who to be.
We are prompted to undertake this task since there is no evident culture. No authority to prescribe norms.

You think it's dumb because you all dance the same. And if you do, you know who to blame.
You may deem it tedious because everyone dances identically. And if so, you are responsible for it.

Just stomp the stomps and shout the shouts. That's what the music scene is all about.
Just dance with vigor and shout out loud. That's the true essence of the music culture.

And if you do you'll know who to thank. Just give a shout to Ruskabank!
When you imitate these activities, you will realize who deserves recognition. Please just recognize us, Ruskabank!

Contributed by Sarah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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