Birthed in New Zealand and suckled on Cali pop, Maori folk, and assorted indie-rock eclectic undefinables, the Ruby Suns plucked the title for their new sophomore album, Sea Lion (Sub Pop), from our very shores: the critters basking off Highway 1. I exchanged e-mails with Ruby Suns’ king Ryan McPhun, who appears with his band tonight, April 4, at Bottom of the Hill.
SFBG: So why title your new album after the sea lions who live near San Francisco? What sort of experiences have you had with them?
Ryan McPhun: I guess my explanation is not too complicated. My girlfriend and i were driving down the coast on Highway 1 and came across this colony. We sat and watched these animals for about an hour. We were really close. They were making some amazing noises. It was a great time, so that’s why. It was an inspiring trip.