If Michael Stipe (REM) ever sung covers of the Beach Boys with indie band Buffalo Tom that would be deemed a remarkable moment in rock history.

Bendigo (Victoria, Australia) four-piece power pop/rock band Ruteger have been trying to replicate that exceptional sound since 1997. Talented Singer/Songwriter Shannon Wakefield shaped the group after Jamie Brew (Bass/Vocals), Josh McGuffie (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals) and Gav Moncrieff (Drums) answered an ad he put in a music shop window. On just their fourth gig Ruteger won the 1998 TAFE Campus Band Competition and haven’t looked back.

Ruteger have played over two hundred gigs across Australia with noted bands Magic Dirt, You Am I, The Church and Motor Ace. Ruteger came to the attention of MGM Distribution who released the bands first 3 releases (Stuffed Animal Parade LP 2001, South Tech EP 2002, Just For You CDS 2002). Ruteger have received great support from radio to their previous releases culminating in live performances on ABC Radio National, interviews on RRR, JJJ and PBS. Triple J also chose Ruteger as one of their 2001 “Next Wave” artists for “Aus Music Month”. Sainty Magazine made Stuffed Animal Parade their album of the month (Sept 2001 Alt.Sec) and Freeza’s Push Play Record Competition picking Ruteger as their 2001 winners. In 2002 Beat Magazine nominated South Tech their “Single Of The Week” (March 27th 2002) and Sainty Magazine’s “Hot Single Of The Month” (May 2002). Many kind words also flowed upon the band.

“The kids…they are our future” – Neala Johnson, Beat Magazine

“Strong guitar songs with plenty of drive, depth and melodic creativity” – Shane O’Donohue, Inpress Mag.

After the release of the single Just For You in July 2002 which was heard on Channel Ten’s “The Panel” and on Six Pack Record’s Longneck USA/Canada compilation, Ruteger started to demo songs for a new album with the result being one of the recordings landing second place in the Rolling Stone Mag/Levis 501 "Living Your Dream" Song Contest. In June 2002 Ruteger commenced recording their sophomore album “Formation of Flight” with Co-Producer Cameron McKenzie (Epicure & The Androids). Formation Of Flight is Robot Records fourth Ruteger release which took place on May 3rd 2004. This album had a worldwide release date with releases in Australia and New Zealand through MGM, in Japan through Wizzard in Vinyl and in the US and Canada through Jam Records.

The album's first pressing was sold in the first month due to the vibe on the band in Japan. Press was rock solid and JJJ added two tracks (Shineo Ballo & Stanhope) to spot rotation. Blunt magazine did a few features on the band as did Australian Musician Mag. OZ music Central's named FOF album of the week.Jeff Jenkins from Inpress mag named Ruteger in in Top Ten album’s of the year and it’s only August.

On August 31st Ruteger signed with Australia's most creditable independent label Shock Records (Home to The White Stripes, The Datsuns, Dashboard Confessional etc) which will saw the much overlooked release of a new self titled EP which went on to sell just over 500 copies. In 2005 Ruteger were chosen to appear at Australian Music Week, have toured with The Fauves and played the Apollo Bay Music Festival.

Shortly after the festival the band were to start recording a new EP with UK producer Woody Annison which he and Shannon were to co-produce. The other Ruteger band members believed sole songwriter Shannon had led the band into a new musical direction, which they didn't want to partake in. After much talks it was decided that Ruteger would play one last hometown show before calling it a day. The gig was a sell out and the boys finally went out on a high note.

In 2006 Shannon is now a solo artist with a album in the can. Josh is studying classical music at Vic Collage Of The Arts, Gav is now playing drums in Shannon's backing band. Jamie is also playing Bass in Shannon's band.
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