Music Style the muckrakers’ acoustically-based rock style is centered around tight harmonies and an explosive rhythm section. Implementing acoustic 12-string guitars, fretless and 12-string basses, and percussion toys such as chimes and authentic African drums, the muckrakers draw ever increasing crowds, while continuing to entertain and surprise their established following.

Musical Influences U2, Sting, Crowded House, Lenny Kravitz, Jars of Clay, and the Prayer Chain

Similar Artists Barenaked Ladies, Toad the Wet Sprocket

Artist History the muckrakers have been playing venues throughout Kentucky for over three years. While attending Western Kentucky University, founding members Rob Carpenter (vocalist) and John Ruby (guitarist), performed together for four years as a musical duo in and around Bowling Green, KY and Nashville, TN. Bassist Brian Meurer joined the muckrakers to record a debut album in the spring of 1998. Drummer David Sparks joined the band in the late spring of 1999, completing the muckrakers. After performing venues in Nashville, Bowling Green, Richmond and Louisville, the band relocated to native Louisville in 1999 to establish itself as a dynamic addition to the modern rock scene. In the summer/fall of 2000 the muckrakers played all over the Louisville area gaining popularity and fans the city over. During that same time, the band decided to utilize mp3.com's services and have had great successes. They have had one song, (the stripper song) break into the top 40 and peak at #37 on all of mp3 and a few weeks later another song peaked at #42, (when i fall). Currently the muckrakers are working on their next release, "ready for the push..."

Group Members lead vocals & guitar ~ Rob Carpenter / guitar & vocals ~ John Ruby / basses ~ Brian Meurer / drums & percussion ~ David Sparks

Instruments acoustic 6 & 12 string guitars, electric 4 & 12 string basses, 4 piece drum kit w/ cymbals, djembe (hand drum), bongo, tamborine, woodblock, shakers, and two of the best male vocals to be boy band rejects...

Albums forgot to breathe

Press Reviews Notable Releases - by Don Thomason - Forgot to Breathe - The Muckrakers (self-release) One problem with having an audio slush pile of CDs to go through is that something worth listening to may not get heard right away. This CD by the Muckrakers (primarily Rob Carpenter and John Ruby) is not brand-spankin’-new, but it’s more than a worthwhile effort. The eight tracks of Forgot to Breathe are tuneful acoustic-based rock-n-melodies, with strong lyrical moments (“Through My Door”) and excursions of wit (“Hundefuter”). Forgot to Breathe was recorded at Star Studio, except for “The Stripper Song” recorded live and rowdy at Happy Inn. Check the Muckrakers’ website (www.themuckrakers.com) or possibly Musicians Pro for availability; it’s worth the effort. / _______________________________________________ Features: The Muckrakers not ordinary in any fashion - By Taylor Loyal/Herald reporter - Cigarette smoke and expensive perfume lingered throughout Happy Inn Friday night as an audience of about 150 wedged themselves in to watch The Muckrakers play. The crowd, mostly Western students, consisted of fans new and old who came to laugh, sing along and have a good time. But it seemed that no one had more fun than The Muckrakers. Carpenter and Ruby originally started playing as a duet in dorms while attending Western several years ago. After realizing they would benefit from a drummer and bassist, the duo hooked up with Meurer and Sparks, Ruby’s childhood friends. “I’m a stripper. It’s what I do for a living. Taking my clothes off for very large and sweaty women,” was the chorus that echoed through the speakers right before Carpenter and Ruby debated over which of them would live the lyrics of the song. What happened next? Should have been there. For Tom Riggins, 28, Saturday night was the first time seeing the band. He agreed that The Muckrakers weren’t the type of band you could put into one category. “They play a good variety of music,” he said. Riggins, who came with friends, stood in the back of the crowd among beer bottle caps and fortune cookie wrappers, bobbing his head to the music. Among the songs that had everyone’s head bobbing was “The Rap Medley.” In this song, the band parodied Young MC, L.L. Cool J, Digital Underground, The B-52’s, Public Enemy, Vanilla Ice and others. You will never know the meaning of the word “hilarious” until you see over 100 middle-class white kids yelling “Fight the power!” Carpenter pointed out that he knew around half of the people in the Happy Inn crowd. “This is The Muckrakers’ home,” Carpenter said. Tom Chang, owner of Happy Inn, said that The Muckrakers first played there over two years ago. According to Chang, the band performed at the restaurant every two weeks until they graduated. What does Chang think of The Muckrakers? “They are pretty good,” he said. “They bring a nice crowd.” Although they said they haven’t traveled the globe as much as they would like, the band seems eager to bring their act to other venues. They have a CD out and even a web page at www.themuckrakers.com. “We’re going to do our own thing and have integrity in what we do,” Meurer said. Carpenter agreed. “We will (continue to) play music as long as it’s fun,” he said. / _______________________________________________ /Gayle GadlageLouisville-Music-Notes /The Muckrakers are a polished band, very tight, and they present their works with a professional flair that ya gotta love. They're not the kind of band that can be pigeon-holed, but I will say that they remind me of one of my favorite groups, Semisonic. Yes, it’s true, they do some unexpected tunes that will make you laugh your ass off (“The Stripper Song”/ “Hundefuter”), but they also rock your ass - plus they have some really sweet love songs (“When I Fall”), and other heartfelt compositions (“Ellen’s Song” / “Longitudes”). All of their songs have extremely clever lyrics, but “Through My Door” has one magic phrase after another. (The CD Title, “Forgot To Breathe”, comes from this song.) A line like, “...to make it by until I’m made”, is strong enough to stand alone in a book of poetry. They are story tellers, these Muckrakers are, and they’re pretty damn funny when they wanna be. You must listen to their song “Hunderfuter” just before you listen to “The Stripper Song” to really appreciate their humor. Their original lyrics are accompanied by some of the very best acoustically-based music I’ve heard in a long time. The vocals are perfection, they make you feel the words. Founding members ROB CARPENTER (vocalist) and JOHN RUBY (guitarist) performed together for four years as a musical duo before BRIAN MEURER (bassist) joined up in 1998, and DAVID SPARKS (drummer) completed the band in 1999. If I understand correctly, much of this album is of older works, so I’m really getting fired up about maybe hearing some new stuff when they perform at Gerstle’s. Be there! I like this band, (if you can’t tell by now) and it’s my personal opinion that the songs “Fool” and “Through My Door” are number one hits, just waiting to happen. I’ll update this review after the performance coming up. Until then, go to Mp3.com and get acquainted with The Muckrakers./

Location Louisville, KY - USA

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