Spookey Ruben

Los Angeles-based pop musician Spookey Ruben was born in Ottawa, Canada, and grew up in Germany, Holland, and Washington D.C. In his childhood, Spookey's parents insisted he take up an instrument and he chose classical guitar. At age 13 he began playing electric guitar and spent the remainder of his teenage years playing in array of hardcore and speed metal bands (most notably Transilience). It was at this time that he received his nickname "Spookey", a result of his high-school school friends teasing him about his metal-musician appearance with his long hair and Satanic T-shirts. At age 19 he moved to Toronto and enrolled in film school at York University, but remained active in music, making demos on a 4-track recorder.

Spookey began developing his talent for pop songwriting, mixing keyboards with acoustic and electric guitars and trademark distinctive vocals. These experiments led to his solo debut album Modes of Transportation Vol. 1 (TVT Records). International critical acclaim followed, hailing the album as the 'Pet Sounds of the 90s'. Disputes with TVT resulted in his leaving the label and years of apparent silence. Eventually, Ruben simultaneously released two separate CDs entitled Bed and Breakfast (Hi-Hat/Zomba). Currently, Spookey is promoting his independent album Alone at the Zoo, co-produced by John McEntire of Tortoise/The Sea and Cake.

Trivia

• Birth Name: Alan Deil (pronounced 'deal')

• Birth Place: Ottawa, Canada

• Height: 5'5" (1,65 m)

• Son of German born space engineer Derek Deil and Spanish artist Angela Ruiz.

• His parents worked briefly as live-in butler and maid for the Eaton family in Toronto before moving to Ottawa.

• Is huge fan of Rush (band) and the Toronto Maple Leafs

• Directs most of his own music videos and designs his own album art (illustrations and photography).

• Can speak English and German fluently. Also knows some conversational Spanish, French and Japanese.

• Spent 1st grade at BSN in the Hague (British School of The Netherlands)

• Made his first home recordings at age 13 playing multiple instruments and layering vocals.

• At age 14 hailed as guitar prodigy in local newspaper.

• Is close friends with director Tryan George and producer Jimmy Harry

• Graduated from South Lakes High School, Reston, Virginia - as did Avail, with whom his band Transilience played many gigs.

• One sibling: Reuben Deil, computer scientist.

• His debut album 'Modes of Transportation, Vol. 1" was voted Favorite albums of 1996 by New Yorker Magazine (among Beck and Fiona Apple)

• Has worked a lot with Eric Matthews, Andy Chase and John McEntire

• Is close friends with Cornelius (musician)

• Worked for several years as staff composer for music house Stimmüng, Santa Monica, California.

• Is good friends with Jason Falkner

• Has written songs with Bijou Phillips, Gonzales, Rachel Haden & Esthero

• Stated in a German radio interview that "Blixa Bargeld is the last true genius of our time."

• His father is a 'rocket scientist' who works for the European Space Agency.

• All album artwork for his double album release, Bed & Breakfast, was created by Bulent Akman and Spookey Ruben in his Toronto flat on a standard Mac G4 in only 3 weeks.

Discography

Albums

• Modes of Transportation Vol. 1 (tvt records 1995, quattro japan 1996, intercord germany 1996, emi uk 1997)
• Wendy Mcdonald - Live in Japan EP (1997)
• Modes of Transportation Vol. 2: What's a Boy to do? (1998)
• Brunch
• Bed (2001)
• Breakfast (2002)
• Alone At The Zoo (2003)
• Ausfahrt Walsrode (2006)

Singles

• "These days are old" (1995)
• "Running Away" (1995)
• "Wendy McDonald" (1996)
• "Brand New Game" (2002)
• "Shauna" (2003)
• "Glenn Take Care" (2003)

External links

• Official Website
• Hi-Hat's Website
• Spookey Ruben's Video for Wendy Mcdonald
• Spookey's Video for "These days are old"
• Mote MGZN's Interview
• Official Myspace Page

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