Bendigo trio Ruteger are out to change the world with their recent debut album Stuffed Animal Parade... but for now they'd probably be happy if they could pay back the oldies for financing their debut effort, and then hopefully move on to bigger & better things.

"My fav TV show is the Simpsons," states Ruteger's Shannon Wakefield (Guitars, Vocals, Songs) when asked about the band name Ruteger. "It's a Simpson reference." So it comes as no surprise that Stuffed Animal Parade is a quirky, melodic affair - lots of fun songs, and a few songs touching on more sociological issues.

The trio - completed by Jamie Brew (Bass, Vocals) & Gavan Moncrieff (Drums, Vocals) - have over the past few years played more than 100 live shows supporting bands such as Blueline Medic, The Art Of Fighting, Not From There, Screamfeeder, Weta, Cosmic Psychos & Bluebottle Kiss. When Shannon was asked what bands he enjoyed playing with most, his response was "P 76 , Alcotomic & Groundswell. They are all great friends with us and people should go and see em." And maybe one day, when Ruteger are huge, he'd like to share the stage with the "Foo Fighters or Weezer, 'cause the Beach boys ain't gunna reform."

So what were the major influences behind Shannon wanting to start up his own band? "Being bored and depressed inspired me to write songs and learn how to play the guitar. The Beach Boys taught me how to write great harmonies."

The harmonies on the Stuffed Animal Parade cd are reminiscent of the Beach Boys, however musically the album would be more influenced by Shannon's fave bands Weezer, The Foo Fighters, You Am I , The Pixies & June Of 44.

Without a manager (Shannon is the current acting manager of the band) or a record contract at the moment, Shannon's vision for the future is a simple one. "Keep putting out albums etc with or without major label support, maybe get a great manager, and do some touring."

To find out more about Ruteger, visit their official website at http://www.ruteger.live.com.au/

Ruteger's next live show is on Friday September 14th @ the Yahoo Bar, Shepparton - supporting the Sick Puppies .