Sean Ruse, a third-generation Tucsonan, has an impressive musical
pedigree: He’s been in 22 bands, 20 of which are local. Ruse currently
plays with the Stripper Killers, Goatspell and Digital Leather. He is
also half-owner of Kill Skateboards. Ruse explains: “We make our own
skateboard decks from scratch, sans cutting down trees.” The decks
emphasize old-school shapes and unique cruiser-style boards. Special
orders are apparently welcome, as Kill Skateboards produced a special
phallic-shaped deck for Digital Leather.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
INXS at the Tucson Convention Center, for the Kick tour. I’ve
hated them ever since.
What CDs are in your changer right now?
My CD player got stolen almost a year ago today. Mötley
Crüe, Too Fast for Love, is on my turntable.
How many total albums do you own (CDs, vinyl, cassettes,
8-tracks)?
About 300 records. I sold all my CDs for beer money.
Do you download music, and if so, legally or illegally?
Soulseek, nukka!
What was the first album you owned?
Alvin and the Chipmunks, Chipmunk Punk, followed by Alan
Parsons Project, Eye in the Sky. Yeah, I know, I suck.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
I want the Stripper Killers, Goatspell and Digital Leather to play
live at Evergreen Mortuary Cemetery. Everyone needs to pour Mickey’s on
my coffin … for their dead homie.
Musically speaking, what do you love that your friends don’t know
about? What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
I loves me some Pat Benatar, specifically her first album (In the
Heat of the Night). I listen to it when I’m horny.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
The Thrashin’ soundtrack.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all
time?
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti. House Arrest.
This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2009.
