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Interview with
RUYTER SUYS
from
NASHVILLE PUSSY

Interview with Dan Gray

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Check out the full interview below

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Ruyter Suys of Nashville Pussy: Rock-and-Roll Unleashed

When it comes to embodying the raw, unfiltered spirit of rock-and-roll, few artists can rival Ruyter Suys of Nashville Pussy. Guitarist, icon, and rebel extraordinaire, Ruyter sat down with us to discuss the band’s beginnings, inspirations, and their upcoming return to Australia. Here are some highlights from our exclusive interview.

The Birth of Nashville Pussy

When asked how the band got its start, Ruyter described it as a product of boredom and desperation in Nashville, Tennessee. “The bands back then were talented but lacked stage presence,” she recalls. “Everyone was just staring at their shoes.” Inspired by the live energy of legends like Jimi Hendrix, Iggy Pop, and Kiss, Ruyter and her husband, Blaine Cartwright, decided to shake things up. Nashville Pussy was born out of a desire to entertain themselves—and the rest of the world.

The Power of Performance

Ruyter’s transformation from a nervous first-timer to a fearless stage-diver happened quickly. By their second show, she was leaping into audiences and letting the energy of the moment take over. “The adrenaline makes you fearless,” she says, her passion for live performance evident.

For Ruyter, stage presence is everything. She finds inspiration in performers like Iggy Pop, whom she describes as “sexy, terrifying, and completely in the moment.” It’s a philosophy she brings to every Nashville Pussy show, ensuring each one is an unforgettable experience.

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NASHVILLE PUSSY @ Crowbar, Sydney, 12th December 2022 / Photo – Glen Morgan

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Feminism in Rock-and-Roll

“We’re the most feminist band in the world,” says Ruyter. Nashville Pussy’s name itself is a statement, reclaiming and recontextualizing a term often used pejoratively. For Ruyter, it’s about turning “Pussy” into a badge of honor, representing passion, abandon, and universal spirit.

10 Years of Pussy: A Decade of Rock

The band’s compilation album, 10 Years of Pussy, is a celebration of their time with the German label SPV. Featuring a mix of studio tracks and live performances, it’s a testament to Nashville Pussy’s relentless energy and dedication to their craft. The bonus live set, recorded at Nottingham’s Rock City, captures the raw power of their on-stage presence.

Returning to Australia

Australian fans, get ready—Nashville Pussy is heading your way. “Australia invented pub rock, which is what we do,” Ruyter says. With influences like AC/DC and Rose Tattoo, the band feels right at home Down Under. “Expect a sweaty, messy, rock-and-roll show—good old-fashioned, backseat-of-the-car sex energy.”

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To give you a taste of what you can hear listening to the full interview on YouTube (above), here are some interesting answers to some questions posed to Ruyter.

Dan Gray: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Ruyter Suys: Man, that’s a tough one. The fire story definitely stands out. Blaine and I were living in our first home together in Nashville. It was a quirky setup—we were on the second floor above a hot sauce shop. The great thing was that once the shop closed at 7 p.m., we could crank up our Marshalls and write music without bothering anyone. That’s where we wrote a lot of the early Nashville Pussy material.
One morning, we woke up to someone pounding on the door, screaming, “Fire!” Smoke had filled the house, and it was already down to our knees. We ran out—completely naked. Blaine managed to grab a blanket, and I grabbed a Nine Pound Hammer t-shirt to cover myself. But just as we were heading down the stairs, I turned back. I ran back into the burning house to grab my guitar. It was the one I’d had since I was 12 years old. There was no way I was leaving without it. I left other things behind, including another guitar I’d owned since I was 12, and that one burned up. That was heartbreaking, but there was no question in my mind about going back for that guitar. In hindsight, it was a dumb move, but it made perfect sense at the time.

Dan: That’s wild! So, what’s one topic you can talk about for hours—but it can’t be music?
Ruyter: Plants. I love talking about plants and nutrition. It might sound boring, but I’ve always been into food. I was raised by hippies who were all about organic living, and I think it made me pretty healthy. Later, I lived on a farm for seven years and drove a tractor. That’s where I really saw how food was grown and became wary of the industrial food system. We wouldn’t even eat the food we grew because of the toxins in the soil. It reinforced everything my parents taught me.
Living on a farm also taught me how to be self-sufficient. We were so far from civilization that we couldn’t go to a store for months at a time. I learned how to cook everything from scratch. During the pandemic, I was like, “This is easy. I’ve got food. I can make sourdough bread, cheese… whatever you want.”

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NASHVILLE PUSSY @ Crowbar, Sydney, 12th December 2022 / Photo – Glen Morgan

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Dan: That’s impressive! Okay, let’s do some quick-fire questions. Favorite album?
Ruyter: Right now, it’s Just Roll Tape by Stephen Stills. It’s an acoustic demo album with songs you’d recognize from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. You can hear him changing tunings between songs, and it’s so raw and beautiful. It reminds me of my dad playing guitar.

Dan: Favorite artist?
Ruyter: Iggy Pop. He’s a firecracker. He’s small but explosive, and he’s still killing it no matter how old he gets. He’s an inspiration.

Dan: Favorite movie?
Ruyter: Sunset Boulevard. It’s a Hollywood noir classic with no heroes. Everyone’s a narcissist, and nobody wins. I’m also a fan of Double Indemnity and old dark Hollywood films from the ‘50s. Oh, and Mouse Hunt! That’s a funny one too.

Dan: Favorite place to visit?
Ruyter: Italy, for sure. The food, the history, and my love for Roman history all make it special. I’m a sucker for Italian food.

Dan: Speaking of food, what’s your favorite dish?
Ruyter: Fish and chips. Simple, British-style fish and chips. But when I’m in Australia, I’m all about the meat pies. I’m planning to eat one every day while I’m there.

Dan: Favorite drink?
Ruyter: These days, it’s spritzes—Campari or Aperol with Prosecco. Refreshing and classic.

Dan: Favorite tattoo?
Ruyter: Rose Tattoo, the band. They’re Australian legends. But personally, I’m tattoo-free—a bit of a rarity!

Dan: Thanks so much for your time, Ruyter. It’s been a blast talking to you. Any final thoughts?
Ruyter: My pleasure! Oh, and I’m wearing a shirt from the Annandale Hotel in Sydney. It’s from our first tour there. I can’t wait to be back. You Australians know how to party!

Catch Nashville Pussy live on their upcoming tour. Don’t miss the chance to see their explosive performances in person. Keep an eye on Amnplify for all the latest updates!

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Follow NASHVILLE PUSSY
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Check out the full interview below

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Press Release 18th November 2024 (below)

HARDLINE MEDIA proudly presents

The SUPERPUSSY TOUR

NASHVILLE PUSSY
& the
SUPERSUCKERS
on the one bill!

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Featuring two of the greatest current American Rock n Roll bands the world has to offer… this is gunna be one Helluva HoeDown Under.

THE SUPERSUCKERS and NASHVILLE PUSSY are ready to rip Australia a new one over the long weekend in late January, 2025.

THE SUPERSUCKERS will start the party in SYDNEY & ADELAIDE, with NASHVILLE PUSSY headlining both of these shows. Then, in MELBOURNE & BRISBANE, NASHVILLE PUSSY will open the shows, while SUPERSUCKERS take the headlining reins. Get ready Aus…

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Nashville Pussy

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NASHVILLE PUSSY rocked our socks off with their sold out shows on their 2022 Aussie tour, including being the last band EVER to play the iconic Frankies in Sydney – which had well over 5000 people lining the streets of Sydney’s CBD attempting to get into the club to witness the closing of the venue and Nashville Pussy!!! Was a raucous Rock n Roll night, one for the history books.

Raised on a diet of Marshall stacks, Gibson Guitars, Jack Daniels and weed, NASHVILLE PUSSY is the bastard offspring of foul-mouthed, demented, hillbilly, ice-cream man Blaine Cartwright and tractor driving, nude art school model and guitar prodigy Ruyter Suys.

Born deep in the Baptist Bible Belt of Kentucky, USA – Blaine Cartwright used the sounds of The Ramones and The New York Dolls to maintain sanity. Meanwhile in Vancouver, Canada, 8 year-old, hippie kid, Ruyter Suys picked up her father’s guitar and started playing along with Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix.

“We got married on a dare, after dropping acid… Nashville Pussy is our baby,” says Suys.

“If there’s been a better band than Nashville Pussy to open for Motörhead, I’ve never heard them” – Lemmy

So, take it from The Man Australia… DON’T MISS OUT ON NASHVILLE PUSSY (appropriately) DOWN UNDER!

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THE SUPERSUCKERS are an American rock band, formed in 1988, whose music ranges from Alternative Rock to Country Rock to Cowpunk. Described as “the bastard sons of Foghat, AC/DC, and ZZ Top after being weaned on punk rock, unafraid of massive guitar riffs, outsized personalities, or pledging allegiance to sex, weed, and Satan with a wink and a nudge” – AllMusic

Having had a long and colourful career with some Alt Hit singles along the way like ‘Born With A Tail’ which received heavy airplay in Australia, THE SUPERSUCKERS return to Australia after their last tour had multiple sell out shows along the way. These legends of Cowpunk have a huge following here in Australia, and these shows are sure to pack out.

On occasion, The ‘suckers have even had some of their legendary mates, such as Willie Nelson and Eddie Vedder out the front singing – and who could blame Willie and Eddie for wanting to join in the ruckus!

THE SUPERSUCKERS consist of the rockin’’ trio Eddie Spaghetti, Metal Marty Chandler and Christopher “Chango” von Streicher. We can’t wait to welcome them back to Australia in January 2025, for one hell of a hot ride with Nashville Pussy.

Limited VIP meet & greet available

*LIMITED VIP MEET & GREET INCLUDES:
– Early access to the show and merch stand**
– Get a photo on your phone/device with both bands
– Australian tour poster to get signed by both bands
– Exclusive VIP lanyard/laminate
– Bring along 3 personal items to get signed
**VIP TICKET INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE SHOW

SUPERPUSSY
TOUR DOWN UNDER
Australian Tour Dates:

Thur 23rd Jan – Sydney – Manning
Fri 24 Jan – Melbourne – Croxton
Sat 25 Jan – Brisbane – Crowbar (The Zoo)
Sun 26 Jan – Adelaide – The Gov

* PAYPAL PAY BY FOUR & AFTERPAY accepted.

General Public tickets on sale now
Tickets & info: HERE

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AMNPLIFY – DB