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

Skaondaradio
Ruskabank Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've got a prime, old-time, familiar beat. So put on your shoes and get on your feet. I've got the rude boys and skinheads all in the joint. Enough introductory, man, get to the point! Well, I don't hear ska on the radio, and do I know why, well, I don't know. But if I get my wish when I get to heaven, I'll hear the ska 24-7. I want ska on the radio! I don't hear it at all! I've got a prime, old-time, familiar dance, gauranteed to shake up your pants. When I turn on the radio, what do I hear? Same old shit, the D.J. chewing my ear. But I still don't hear ska on the radio.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ruskabank's "Skaondaradio" express frustration that ska music is not played on mainstream radio. The song begins with a declaration that the band has a "prime, old-time, familiar beat" that is sure to get people dancing. However, despite the presence of "rude boys and skinheads" at their shows, the band remarks that they "don't hear ska on the radio." The lead singer wishes that there was more ska on the airwaves, and if he ever makes it to heaven, he hopes he'll hear it there 24/7.

The song seems to be a call to arms for ska fans to demand more representation for their beloved genre. The repetition of the phrase "I want ska on the radio!" reinforces this sentiment, as does the frustration and disbelief expressed in the line "do I know why, well, I don't know." The song also comments on the repetitiveness of mainstream radio, with a DJ "chewing [their] ear" with the same old songs. The lyrics of "Skaondaradio" call for more diversity and representation in mainstream music, which is a powerful message that still resonates today.

Line by Line Meaning

I've got a prime, old-time, familiar beat.
I possess an excellent and classic rhythm that is instantly recognizable.

So put on your shoes and get on your feet.
It is time to dance and move your body to the music.

I've got the rude boys and skinheads all in the joint.
My music has attracted fans from diverse subcultures such as rude boys and skinheads.

Enough introductory, man, get to the point!
Stop wasting time with introductions and get straight to the music.

Well, I don't hear ska on the radio, and do I know why, well, I don't know.
I am perplexed as to why ska is not played on the radio, but I do not have an answer to this question.

But if I get my wish when I get to heaven, I'll hear the ska 24-7.
In an ideal world, I would be able to listen to ska music at all times, even in the afterlife.

I want ska on the radio!
I yearn for ska music to be played on the radio.

I don't hear it at all!
I have never heard ska music on the radio.

I've got a prime, old-time, familiar dance, gauranteed to shake up your pants.
My music has a classic and energetic dance that will get you moving.

When I turn on the radio, what do I hear?
Whenever I listen to the radio, I am disappointed by the lack of ska music.

Same old shit, the D.J. chewing my ear.
The D.J. plays repetitive and uninspired music that is frustrating to listen to.

But I still don't hear ska on the radio.
Even after all this time, I am still unable to find ska music on the radio.

Contributed by Brooklyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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