BAND LORE

In the fabled realm of Aotearoa, where melodies wield magic and power chords strike like lightning, there exists a legendary guild of bards known as Club Ruby. Led by the fearless President Ruby, a spellcaster of song and chaos, this band of adventurers has roamed the lands, spreading anthems of heartbreak and rebellion. By their side stands Vice President Hon, the steadfast bass-wielding knight, holding down the rhythm like an unshakable fortress. Bubbles the Barbarian, a vocal warrior of unmatched might, delivers battle cries that shake the very earth, while Jonathan, the mysterious axe-wielding sorcerer (rumored to be a sentient machine), shreds through the air with arcane precision. Guiding them through the storm with unbreakable tempo is JJ Stixx, the master of drums and treasurer of the club’s fate. Together, they embark on a never-ending quest—to conquer stages, defy the gods of heartbreak, and ensure that every lost soul finds sanctuary in the sound of Club Ruby.

PRESIDENT RUBY

President Ruby is the visionary force behind Club Ruby, assembling the band from a mix of university collaborations, pandemic-era songwriting, and a well-timed fusion with the trio from Underscore. Their leadership solidified with the addition of bestie Sophie—aka Bubbles the Barbarian—completing the Club Council. When not crafting anthems for the heartbroken and chaotic, Ruby can be found making collages, rolling dice in D&D, or gaming across their Nintendo 3DS, PC, and Switch. Inspired by artists like Beabadoobee, David Bowie, and Chappell Roan, their songwriting blends raw emotion with a theatrical edge. While it’s impossible to pick a favorite Club Ruby track (since they wrote them all), Was God Birthed!? holds a special place in their heart. As for live moments, Forage Fest at the Basement Theatre stands out—an unforgettable night playing alongside Aotearoa’s thriving indie scene. And when it comes to pre-show fuel? It’s all about mandarins, hummus, and chips.

  • Beabadoobee, David Bowie, Beach Bunny, Origami Angel, Chappell Roan

  • Ooooo I mean I wrote all of them soo… all of them? Nah I mean Was God Birthed!?

  • Playing at Forage Fest at the basement theatre!! It was so cool to play alongside so many fellow indie artists in the community 🙂

VICE PRESIDENT HON

Hon, the low-end powerhouse of Club Ruby, found their way into the band in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion—mid-toast, in a university common room, when President Ruby walked in searching for a bassist. Since then, Hon has been the steady force behind Club Ruby’s groove, blending deep, driving basslines with a love for the simple things in life, like plain toast and Pak’nSave sponge cake. A devoted fan of Mad Max: Fury Road, Hon also appreciates a well-executed rom-com, particularly 13 Going on 30 and The Holiday. Whether locking in the rhythm section or hunting down the perfect slice of sponge cake, Hon is always keeping it cool.

  • the sounds of the wind and ocean and industrial roadworks and sometimes weezer

  • Dear diary, the riff goes hard.

  • I"‘m not gonna say who, but one time we were doing a show at the Wine Cellar and one of the members farted so bad it was a piercing smell and then to make matters worse ANOTHER member and it was double trouble.

Jon@th@n THe Computer

Allow me to introduce Jon@th@n the Computer, Club Ruby's unexpected but invaluable guitarist. Brought on board by Hon after the first guitar player departed, he’s certainly second to none when it comes to shredding on stage. Outside of the club's spotlight, Jon@th@n is a digital wizard by day and a gaming maestro by night. You'll often catch him breaking a sweat on a run, tearing through waves on his water skis, or cheering on his favorite Formula 1 racers.

When he's not lighting up the stage with Club Ruby, Jon@th@n is rocking out with his own band, Underscore. With an insatiable appetite for yogurt and Tim Tams, Jon@th@n fuels up while watching "Rango" on repeat, his go-to cinematic masterpiece. In short, he’s the secret sauce that adds a dash of tech-savvy flair to Club Ruby.

  • Switchfoot, Dreamtheatre, Relient K, House of Heroes

  • Komorebi

  • The Ep release show at the Wine Cellar or playing at the Tuning Fork

Bubbles the barbarian

Let’s dive into the world of Bubbles the Barbarian, Club Ruby’s dynamic backup vocalist also known as Sophie Gibson. Joining the crew after stepping in for Reuben during a Tuning Fork show (who could resist such serendipity?), Bubbles quickly carved out a niche with her infectious energy and unstoppable charisma.

When she’s not harmonizing with the club’s melodies, you’ll find Bubbles cutting a rug on the dance floor, perfecting her latest accent, or chilling with her beloved cats. A fervent chip enthusiast, she could munch on them all day, every day. And don’t get her started on her favorite flick, "My Cousin Vinny"—an absolute classic in her book.

In other words, Bubbles is the heartbeat of fun and spontaneity at Club Ruby.

  • I love Hiatus Kaiyote, Mahalia and I have been revisiting Amy Winehouse lyrics lately because they crack me up.

  • BADA

  • Why most memorable CR show was at the Wine Cellar where Jonathan the computer let our rancid farts the whole time, truly unforgettable.

Jj stixx

Josh Johnston, Club Ruby’s very own groove machine, first fell in with the club back at uni while studying music (and probably skipping lectures). When he’s not throwing down beats for Ruby and the crew, you’ll find him hopping around the local music scene, smashing it with bands like Underscore, Kin Kachow, MANUELA, and Max Earnshaw.

An absolute fiend for the sunshine (“suns out, guns out,” anyone?), Josh is also known for squeezing the necks of his enemies to hone his jiu jitsu skills. His favorite film? In Bruges. Favorite green room snack? Pods, may they rest in peace.

  • At the moment I'd say Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta), Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders) and Jeff Porcaro (Toto).

    My earlier influences were Travis Barker (Blink 182), Jimmy -The Rev- Sullivan from (Avenged Sevenfold).

  • I think it's Wearing Me out, it's got like the really Punk, Emo vibe of the music I listened to as a Teen. I love that I get to play it.

  • Playing at the Fifa Fan Festival in 2023. Because it was so cool to play for such a big event. It was a bit funny playing to people who weren't our usual audience. I was chuckling at the thought of playing blastbeats to a family friendly audience at a morning show.

WE ARE NOT A CULT

WE ARE NOT A CULT