Our interview series Icebreaker features artists talking about things—some strange, some amusing, some meaningful—that just might reveal their true selves. This edition features Victoria Ruiz, frontwoman for the fearlessly political punk band Downtown Boys.
How do you describe yourself as a dancer?
As a mix of Selena, Bruce Springsteen, and my 14-year old “discovering punk” dance self. I love dance so much. I spend a significant amount of the day watching Beyoncé Formation Tour videos.
If you could be in any band ever, which one would you choose?
Who is an artist you love that people might not suspect given the music you make?
Kendrick Lamar. To be honest, I would rather play with Kendrick Lamar than, like, Bikini Kill or Nirvana.
What’s a song you’ve heard recently that made you believe in the power of music?
“Young, Latin & Proud” by Helado Negro. I actually got to see him live last week, and seeing people’s reaction to the song and the lyrics—there was just this feeling of desperation. And those are such simple words. When that urgency gets felt in such a heavy way—when someone finally puts sound to that thing that you’ve felt forever—that’s when music gets really powerful.
Do you think your life would be better or worse without social media?
It would be worse because so many people of color, and punk people of color, rely on social media to find out about each other. I wouldn’t have as many friends in real life as I have now without it.
What is your life motto?
Power concedes nothing without demand, but power does not concede.
What would you want to have written on your epitaph?
“Lived and died angry and happy.”
What’s the last song that made you cry?
“So” by War. It was one of my godfather’s favorite songs. It was actually the last song he heard as he died. I really love the words to that song: “She went away, she broke my heart/Didn’t you know?/I love you so.”
What do you think is the worst aspect of modern music culture?
Just how there’s this idea that you should be producing something constantly—and if you’re not producing something, you should be in the media or playing a show with a band bigger than you. That if you’re not climbing that hierarchy, you’re not doing as much as you could. It’s really hard.
What’s the best advice anyone has given you?
My grandma told me: “Whatever you feel like you can do, that’s enough.” It’s about remembering you aren’t always starting from step zero, so just keep going at it.
What fictional character do you relate to the most?
Dora the Explorer
What YouTube video have you watched the most times?
There’s a really old “I’m on Fire” performance by Bruce Springsteen from the ’80s that I’ve watched hundreds of times.
Do you believe in ghosts?
For sure. I definitely have ghostly interactions from family members, and a lot of historical ghosts. We feel the ghosts of people who have struggled for freedom. Their ghosts are present around me.
