True F’kn Status: A Tell-All

Abby McCabe  

Local Music Journalist  

Ripping through the San Marcos scene with electrifying riffs and a sound that commands your attention; they’re here, they’re riled up, and their message to the world: F**k your status.  

A band that can’t be boxed in with the rest, True Status delivers raw passion and technicality with their own take on a mix of classic rock and punk. Consisting of lead vocalist Gabe Adigun, lead guitarist Aydin Syed, rhythm guitarist Deeg, bassist Ben Sternberg, and drummer Ruth Oviedo, they prove themselves a force to be reckoned with.  

I had the pleasure of being in a True Status crowd about a month ago, and there’s nothing like the unity and the energy I experienced standing amid that set — watching them put their everything and more, the bond was prevalent, and the music flowed without hesitation. They played harmoniously, as if they were all tuned into each other, riding the same wave. The crowd was alive, and the excitement only grew as their set continued. 

They were the last band to perform, yet they were the band that stuck with me the most. A lot of other people, including myself, went home that night a True Status fan.  

 Their Story 

For young, hungry musicians looking to start something, what better place to search for opportunities than Reddit… Right?  

Aydin: I had done some research to figure out the hotspots in Austin and San Mo, and that’s when I met this dude on Reddit. He was pretty sketchy. This dude did NOT seem like he was all there.  

Ben: I was at guitar center with my brother, in the bass section, then over walks this guy wearing a leather jacket and crazy boots with spurs on them, so it clinked every time he took a step. He looked at me, then at the basses, then back at me, and walked over and asked me what I did. Eventually, he invited me back to his place to play. 

 Aydin and Ben describe their first encounter with former member and drummer who brought them both together in the early days.  

At first, everything was great. After getting to know one another, a trio had formed, with Aydin on lead guitar, Ben on bass, and the guy from Reddit on drums. Things seemed to be falling into place. Now, all they were missing was a rhythm guitarist, and of course, a vocalist. 

That’s when Gabe and Deeg entered the picture.  

Aydin: We jammed for a while- things were sounding pretty decent. I was just trying to get this band going, you know? I’m doing vocals, just trying to get us a show. A couple of months go by, and that’s when I found Deeg and Gabe- they both came and tried out on the same day. It was perfect. 

Deeg had contacted Aydin via flyer, and Gabe had just so happened to be in Aydin’s calculus class.  

Gabe: Shout out Calculus. 

It seemed as though the stars aligned, bringing these guys together. 

Gabe: I mean, it was my first band, so I’m like yeah, everyone here right now, we’re gonna be here forever you know? I was just like yeah, we’re gonna be a f*****g boy band. 

But shortly after, they would come to find, that this was not the case. About a week away from their first gig, resident drummer, and mysterious, leatherette-wearing guy from Reddit would overstep a boundary, forever altering the band.  

Aydin: He had asked me to leave the band that I put together 

Deeg: I’m not even sure, but he wanted Aydin out of the band, and if that would’ve gone through, I just couldn’t see that making sense at all. 

It was clear where the members stood, recognizing Aydin’s hard work and dedication he put into building True Status. They were out a drummer, and reasonably so.  

Deeg: We were out a drummer, the week before a show, we didn’t have a PA system, no place to practice.

 Ben: I didn’t even have a bass amp. 

Hopes were low, and patience was wearing thin as the date for their first gig inched closer and closer. Aydin had frantically started making calls to anyone who would pick up. Asking around, talking to anyone who would listen, and luckily, he stumbled upon the Artists and Musicians organization at Texas State. (@musiciansartists_txst on Instagram) 

Aydin: There was this guy, his name was Jack. I had jammed with him around the square a couple of times. I knew he knew musicians, so I asked him, dude, if you know a drummer, I need a drummer for a gig in less than a week. 

Luckily, Jack was able to help. He introduced Ruth to the band — a seasoned drummer and co-founder of the organization. She was more than qualified to take on the position.  

Ruth: At first, I was a little skeptical because I didn’t really know these guys. But I was in another band at the time, it wasn’t going very well, I didn’t feel very appreciated, so I was like, why not? Yeah I’ll play with you guys. 

After a few successful shows together, things just felt right. The mood was positive, and the talent and synergy was undeniable.  

Ruth: After a while, I was like, why don’t I just be in this band forever? Why would you want to have another drummer? 

And just like that, True Status gained a drummer, a place to rehearse, and most importantly, a good friend.  

Throughout my time chatting with the members of True Status, it wasn’t just me talking to a band, it was me talking to a group of friends who care for each other, who love what they do, and who love doing it together.  

And that’s the most powerful thing anyone can ever hope to achieve.  

 Playing Together  

 It’s a miracle they found each other as they did, but it’s even more impressive that the members, despite honing different skills and having different preferences can come together to create one sound. A collaborative process that comes easy when your bandmates are coincidentally your closest friends.  

Aydin: As a guitarist, I look up to Jimi Hendrix. Stevie Ray Vaughn. Those are the greats. I personally like Slash and Joe Perry from Aerosmith a lot. And Keith Richards is always up there. I try to go for more melodic riffs. 

Deeg: I love John Frusciante from Chilli Peppers. I take a lot of my influences from interesting ‘90s playing styles. John Frusciante is not a texture guitarist, by the way, he’s just my favorite. When I think of Jamie Rhoden from Title Fight or J. Mascis from Dinosaur Jr., those are more along the lines of texture style playing I look up to. 

Ben: First, Cliff Burton. Any metal bassist would find inspiration in him. Paul McCartney, this dude has great rhythm, it wouldn’t be the same without his support in each song. I get a lot of inspiration from Tom Hamilton, mainly his bass tones. I think they’re really cool. 

Ruth: I take a lot of influence from emo music. Bands like The Used, Chiodos, and obviously My Chemical Romance. I just think their fills are pretty unique. I don’t even play like that, but I listen and I get inspiration. I’ve never been someone to say oh I wanna sound like these guys, you know? 

Gabe: Love Morrissey, and also a lot of Thom Yorke. I think they’re both great lyricists. I feel like I really follow the music, and depending on how it sounds I try to string the words together so they fit nicely with what we’re creating.  

With all of these things accounted for, each member brings something vastly important to the band. Each influence works alongside the other, creating a powerful, distinctive sound that carries across the greater San Marcos area and beyond.  

True Status’ single, ‘Run If You Can’, available on all platforms 

 What The Future Holds 

 With no plans of stopping or slowing down, True Status presses forward, and here’s everything you need to know.   

Aydin: We would really like to release more music. We want people to hear us and have access to that online at their fingertips. 

Deeg: Playing more shows and breaking into the Austin scene. We’re like right there you know. First, we wanna do San Marcos shows, then I mean, we wanna be all over. Maybe play Rio Mart again. 

2025 will be a big year for True Status, with a show on February 28th at Amsterdam Smoke Shop, and March 21st at Tantra, a music video, new singles, merch, and much, much more. 

Keep your eyes peeled, these guys are just getting started.  

If you’re not already following, check out their Instagram (@truefknstatus) to stay up-to-date. 

Burning Questions 

What’s your message to the youth? 

Gabe: Don’t do drugs. Don’t watch TV. If you do, then you might end up like us. 

Deeg: Wear a condom always. Even to the grocery store. 

Who is who in the My Little Pony universe? 

Ruth: Gabe would be Fluttershy, Aydin would be Rainbow Dash, I would be Twilight Sparkle, Deeg would be Pinkie Pie, and Ben would be Applejack. 

If True Status was an animal, what would it be? 

Gabe: If we’re gonna be an animal, I think we’re a deer caught in headlights. We either have the option to stay in front of the car or get out of the way. 

Do you guys have any nicknames for each other? 

Ruth: Starting today we’re calling Deeg, Squirt. 

What would you like to express to people? 

Aydin: We want to convey a lot of emotion with our music, and if we can create something that makes someone else feel a certain way, then we succeeded in what we do. 

A band with so much talent and tenacity, they’re bound for nothing but greatness. I can’t wait to see what they do next. Special thanks to True Status for allowing me to cover their story, and to Victoria Stevens for providing all the amazing photos.