The Ruckus is a (mostly punk) music blog that focuses on new, unsigned, and otherwise lesser known bands that are 100% worth your time. It was founded in mid-2009 by Melanie Levi and Tiffiny Kallina, two super best friends who live on opposite sides of America. In 2012, The Ruckus took on Moon & Back Music and they were joined by Anthony Barlow, their surrogate little brother and official UK Editor. The trio share an obsession with punk music and a love of jeopardizing their hearing at shows.
Read more about them:
Melanie, Executive Editor - Tampa
The daughter of a guitarist and a groupie, Melanie's future was written in the stars in her fathers eyes the night she was born. By the time she was 16, she had taken over his vinyl collection and could regularly be found blowing curfew at The State Theatre in Downtown St. Pete.
As a reluctant adult, Melanie spends her days community managing for Typepad, and her nights shooting shows and fine tuning her mastery of l'esprit d'escalier. Melanie likes cupcakes, road trips, mixtapes, her wiener dog, Foxy, and biting off more than she can chew.
Living in Florida affords her the opportunity to go to a lot of punk shows. As a result, she is frequently drunk and enjoys naps 100% more than the average person. Email her at melanie@whatstheruckus.com.
Tiffiny, Co-Executive Editor - Denver
Tiffiny was raised by a pack of wolves in the wilds of Montana where she learned to hunt, fight, and generally be hardcore.
Overcoming extreme adversity (but not a lack of social skills), she made her way to the big city to become a music blogger. Tiffiny likes her camera, awesome funny things, badass t-shirts, pie, and freedom.
Tiffiny's favorite Beatle is George. She is of the opinion that if Josh Ritter or Frank Turner come to town you should drop everything and be there.
Tiffiny is a victim of hyperbole. To discuss these subjects, contact Tiffiny at t@whatstheruckus.com.
Barlow, Co-Co-Executive Editor - Manchester, UK
Hailing from Manchester, in the grim North of England, Anthony Barlow was introduced to punk rock by Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtracks and hasn’t looked back. Often described by his friends as a “pikey” a “bum” and a “layabout”, it’s a common misconception that he doesn’t actually work his arse off. When he’s not out there getting drunk, being a huge nerd or reaffirming the fact that Chris Farren really does love him, Barlow spends his time at venues up and down the UK (and elsewhere when he can), watching bands, pestering the people in them and...well...getting drunk. Barlow is always buying too many records, spending time writing books no one will read and denouncing the existence of ska (unless you’re talking Slapstick, Lightyear, NoComply or Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtracks). If you’d like to discuss such matters further, shine a light under a copy of Frank Turner’s ‘Love, Ire & Song’ and he’ll come running. Or you could just email him - barlow@whatstheruckus.com
Please enjoy our handy FAQ.
Will you review my album/EP/single/show/book/cat?
Honestly, we’d love to. Unfortunately, like many bloggers, we have day jobs in addition to bringing The Ruckus. We got into this because we love music (and we really love new music), but it would be impossible to evaluate every submission we get. We do want to hear your stuff, though, so send it over. Digital is great- save a tree and the postage (email for the address if you want to send a physical release). Looking for a local contact? We have bloggers everywhere. In Denver, email Tiffiny. In Tampa Bay, email Melanie. In the UK, email Barlow. Anywhere else? Send it to hello@whatstheruckus.com and we'll make sure the right person gets it. If we like what we hear, we'll be in touch.
Are you aware that posting MP3s is wrong?
We support the artists that we write about, and we expect our readers to do the same. In the cases where we do not have explicit permission to post, the MP3s on this site are intended for sampling purposes and will only be available for a limited time. If you like the music, please support the artist by purchasing music, t-shirts, concert tickets, posters, beer cozies, or whatever they're selling, and make sure to tell your friends.
You shot my band. May I use your photo?
We would be honored. Please please please credit back to whatstheruckus.com, though. It would also be much appreciated if you sent us an email about it because we'd love to see it.
Why are you guys so awesome?
We were born this way.
Who would win in a fight - Tiffiny or Melanie?
Tiffiny is pretty scrappy but has some major coordination problems, so likely Melanie. Melanie also lives on the mean streets of St. Petersburg, giving her an environmental advantage.
I am in a band, but we are under 21. Is it true that Melanie will buy us alcohol if we come to Florida?
[We were asked to remove the answer to this question for legal reasons.]
Are you more likely to listen to my band if I have a mustache?
Frankly, yes.
Why do you love Fake Problems so much?
Because they are amazing. Also they give us presents.
What about Frank Turner?
If you have to ask, you’re never going to understand.
I heard that Tiffiny was once bitten by a tiger and in retaliation she took an equally sized bite of flesh from the tiger and used it to patch her own wound. Is this true?
Yes.
