Rude Zombie

Just when you thought you might have to pack up those plaid pants, suspenders and ditch your dance moves Virginia Beach band Rude Zombie is breathing new life into the ska scene!  In fact, their name even refers to the idea that ska music is making a comeback – the term “rude” (at least in this sense) is often associated with ska music, and while pop culture considered this genre dead after a brief revival in the 90’s, it’s making a comeback (that’s where the “zombie” part comes in).  While most ska or ska-influenced music usually stays underground (which just adds to its cool factor) bands like No Doubt, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Save Ferris, Rancid and Sublime – all of whom Rude Zombie take musical inspiration from – have made it into the realm of pop culture. Besides, they must be doing something right because they are the winners of Syke’s first ever Band Of The Month Voting Contest!

While Rude Zombie might describe their music as “one big dysfunctional muddle, until [they’re] all on stage and it starts to sound good,” they obviously have a huge fan base that loves what they’re doing. Even if ska’s not your thing you’ll have a hard time fighting the urge to dance (or at least tap your foot) when you hear the rich vocals, upbeat guitar hooks, rhythmic horns, vivacious bass and drums of Rude Zombie.

Despite staying pretty true to the roots of ska, this octet  mixes it up in just the right ways by having a chick singer (yay!) and including some guitar solos that are just a lil’ different than what those familiar with ska might expect.  The members of Rude Zombie have certainly grown up with a love for music and were in other bands before (including another ska band called “The Couch Jumpers”) but seem to have found their niche within their current band and have been going strong for almost a year now.

As a group their most exciting show to date was in February of this year at the Half Shell in Virginia Beach; they played with Jackmove, Tsunami Rising and Murphy’s Kids and had a ton of fun.  Singer Jessica says, “The Half Shell was filled to the brim and people were waiting outside just to hear all the awesome music!”  They plan to take America by storm this summer and are currently booking an east coast tour so make sure to go check them out!

Random/Fun Facts about Rude Zombie:

• Jessica Abbott (vocals & clarinet) -  the political guru of the group, always arguing and bringing up 
• ridiculous laws, while keeping the band in order.
• Matthew Cheatham  (bass) -  spends his time doing school work, trying to get his degree in teaching.
• Angus McLean  (lead guitar) - reads a lot and gives us all advice on our computers, he is the geek of the group.
• Steven Hong  (keys & guitar) - spends most of his time with music. If music was a girl... well lets just say you'd never see him again. He probably loves music the most. 
• Andrew Scussel (bari sax & alto sax) -  spends his time reading and scarfing down sushi, while protecting our country (he's in the Navy).
• David Moore (trombone) - is away at school at UVA, but when he is at home he loves to listen to music and spend time with his girlfriend.
• Shawn Atkins (drums) -  loves food, which is where he got the nick name "food money". Because for some reason he always has it.
• Ryson Owens (alto sax & guitar) -  is the youngest member of the group and loves guitar, tennis, and school band.