With two decades of low-end mastery under his belt, Ruben stands as a seasoned bass player whose grooves have anchored countless nights of reggae, ska, and punk rock energy. Emerging during the golden era of Sublime’s influence, he cut his teeth in the raw, sun-soaked sound of Southern California’s third-wave ska and punk scenes before carving out his own path across diverse bands and stages.

A true student of the bass, Ruben has immersed himself in reggae and ska while continuously drawing from blues, jazz, and whatever sonic mood strikes. His playing has always favored feel over formula—an intuitive approach that prizes soul and swing above rigid theory. Over the past ten years, this philosophy has deepened into a deliberate craft: bending the rules of music theory, blending unexpected textures, and prioritizing what feels right over what looks correct on paper. The result is music that moves bodies and lifts spirits, created with the intention of leaving audiences elevated and connected.

A defining moment in his journey came when his band opened for the Long Beach Dub All-Stars at Miner Binder’s in Tempe. Meeting his hero Eric Wilson that night—Sublime’s legendary bassist and a foundational influence—ignited a renewed sense of purpose. What began as admiration evolved into a drive to innovate: to honor the roots while pushing the music forward with fresh ideas and a new sonic signature.

Whether locking in tight ska upstrokes, laying down deep reggae roots, or exploring expansive, genre-blurring territory, Ruben brings a cool, effortless presence to every stage. He remains committed to the power of music as a force for good—creating sounds that resonate, unite, and uplift. With an open mind and an ever-evolving groove, he continues to evolve the bass player’s role from supporter to roots innovator.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​