“Here at Generation Clash, we love finding what’s different. Specifically, the people who do things in a unique way. These are the people who stand out from the crowd instead of instead of blending into it.

We are proud to present our latest showcase series, dedicated to young creators, “Generation Clash Presents:”

Our first installment showcases a fantastic young artist from California named Seven Ruck who we had the pleasure of interviewing, and he even curated an exclusive playlist for us!

Read along to find out more about Seven and hear his exclusive playlist.

Tell us who you are and a little about yourself.

“Ahh yes, the impossible question: Who am I? I am nothing more than the perception of others. Infinite possibilities of who I am, therefore no definite answer is possible.

My name is Seven Anakin Ruck, I am a visual artist. I was born in Los Angeles, I have lived here all my life. I started art very young, as we all did, although through the years I was cultivated by classes, self teaching, and my arts high school (LACHSA). Among other things I enjoy music, cooking, gardening, and practicing aerial silks…beyond that, it’s up to you.”

How did you decide on the name, “Seven”?

“I didn’t decide on the name, it was gifted to me by my heavenly mother. It was her lucky number and she wanted to name me Seven.”

Who are your artistic influences?

“I have varieties of conscious and unconscious influences. I greatly enjoy the surrealist movement by far, and the great teaching of Mark E. Smith’s “The Fall”. There are a great number of artists I enjoy, but I wouldn’t say they influence me. Parts of them may pop out in my art at times but that is mere coincidence.“

What inspires you to create?

“Ideas, ideas inspire me to create. Through the canal of living, I happen upon ideas that I must create. From there I go into a state of fury, purely focusing on the transition from idea to reality. Either that or through the (cause-effect) route where I begin at random and progress the piece further until it satisfies me.”

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in a creative profession?

“You must master the basics of realism.Try new things, different mediums, different techniques. Never get stuck into one form or type of art. It gets derivative and boring.” 

Who is the first band/artist that became your favorite band/artist?

“Bad Religion. I have been into so many different artists, starting at a young age.“

What is your favorite format to listen to music on? (CD, Vinyl, Cassette, etc.)

“Vinyl by far. Nothing beats the sexiness of wax. It’s the beauty of the music being physically there, nothing but the music. It’s real! and I love that crackle and pop.“

Do you feel open-minded when it comes to what you listen to? Do you like going out of your comfort zone?

“To an extent. I will never listen to country, EDM, rap, and so on. I have been getting more into Jazz and some different rock. It’s simple though, If I like it I like it.“

What outlets do you find out about music from? (Record stores, magazines, samplers, etc.)

“Real people. My family and my friends. Every now and then I get a letter from an anonymous source. In the letter it gives my inner artist a new artist to listen to. The most recent was: The Cardiacs.”

Name a band/artist that you think everyone should listen to?

“The Fall” and “Toy Love”.

Follow Seven on Instagram: seven_ruck_art
See more of Seven’s Art: Not Dead Company
Hear Seven’s exclusive playlist: Generation Clash Presents: Seven Ruck