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Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Ilan Rubin started his career in the early 2000s with Denver Harbor. Since then, Ilan has landed himself as the drummer for big bands such as Angels & Airwaves, Nine Inch Nails, Paramore, Lostprophets, and of course his solo work.
His talent and dedication to music have also gotten him to be the youngest person inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 for his work in Nine Inch Nails.
If you would like to learn more about Ilan Rubin, head over to his webpage, and dig in. Enjoy this interview with Ilan.
Anthony:
Ilan, thank you so much for taking the time to do this with us today, it’s great to have you here! How’ve you been holding up these past couple of years?
Ilan:
I’m pretty well suited to quarantine life!
Anthony:
So, let’s start this off easy, you’re more famously known for being in Angels & Airwaves but you’ve also been with Nine Inch Nails, The New Regime, Lostprophets, and even Paramore! What got you started? What were your musical beginnings that led you to these gigs, and ultimately to Angels & Airwaves?
Ilan:
Music was what I always wanted to do, and in hindsight, my trajectory was fairly linear. One thing leads to another. I started at 7-8 years old and was taught very early to treat everything as an opportunity so I always played my best.
Anthony:
And of course, speaking of Angels & Airwaves, you guys just released Lifeforms. What does the album mean to you? How do you translate the album? Each song seems to be different from the other but still, very well put together. I’m getting slight Rush vibes from “Euphoria.” Lifeforms just seemed like a fun album to record and shoot the videos for.
Ilan:
I hate shooting videos but the rest was fun! The album is most likely the most diverse yet, and I think people are able to detect how natural it was to make when listening to it.
Anthony:
Atom Willard’s departure from Angels was amicable, so I’m sure that was an easy transition for you to get into the band. I’m sure it was exciting to know you were getting to work with Tom DeLonge.
Ilan:
I don’t know much about Atom’s departure, but what helped make the transition as easy as it was was the excitement and enthusiasm from the band in no longer having to be limited in what was possible musically.
Anthony:
You not only drum but you play guitar, keyboard, sing, write songs. Where does all this creativity and talent come from?
Ilan:
Music has been my main passion since I was a kid. It occupies my mind at almost all times, and I’m always trying to learn more, and improve.
Anthony:
So, as cheesy as it sounds, you know I have to ask, who were your influences growing up as a musician, and some of your influences today?
Ilan:
Led Zeppelin, The Police, The Beatles, Queen, Cream, plenty more. I have the same influences now but with additions of course. Depeche Mode, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Michael Jackson. I’m all over the place.
Anthony:
What was your time like with all those other bands? You still play for Nine Inch Nails and your solo stuff, correct? Is it easy to handle being in the two bands while working your solo stuff at the same time?
Ilan:
I’ve had pleasant experiences with almost everybody I’ve played with. Fortunately, when it comes to juggling schedules, I’ve been able to make it work pretty unscathed. Although it always makes me nervous.
Anthony:
If I remember correctly, you’re also the youngest Rock & Roll of Fame inductee from your work with Nine Inch Nails. That’s obviously no small achievement. How does it feel to have that title?
Ilan:
It feels nice and like a real achievement, although, I owe it all to Trent, of course.
Anthony:
So, I’m watching your 2011 Guitar Center Drum-Off performance as I write this question, what kind of headspace do you get into for this? I can’t imagine the amount of coordination, and concentration that goes into something like this.
Ilan:
People play their best when they zone out and be in the moment. That’s the headspace I try to get into.
Anthony:
Alright, one of my favorite questions to ask here is — Since you play just about everything, what equipment do you use?
Ilan:
As far as drums I co-own the company Q Drum Co. On the last tour, I used a kit made out of copper. I use a variety of Zildjian cymbals, Remo heads, DW hardware, and Vater sticks.
Anthony:
What are some of your favorite memories of touring or recording during your career? Any favorite locations that you got to see, and go to?
Ilan:
They really become a blur after a while, but I remember most of the first shows I’ve played with bands. Big headline moments and festival slots seem to stick out more in my memory.
Anthony:
As a drummer, if you could have a drum battle with anyone of your choosing, who would it be?
Ilan:
I wouldn’t want to “battle” anyone but trading bars with my favorites would be nice. I’d love to see if I could even mildly impress Buddy Rich as a match gripped “Rock drummer.”
Anthony:
Do you have any passions outside of music? If so, do they influence your music at all? Or do you try to keep those things separate from your music?
Ilan:
Reading, history mainly, and tennis are my two big interests outside of music.
Anthony:
Another one we ask everyone here — Do you collect music at all? Vinyl, cassettes, CDs? What are your top-5 artists and albums?
Ilan:
I have vinyl from all my favorites since that was the medium that was around when they released music.
Led Zeppelin — Houses Of The Holy
The Beatles — Revolver
Queen — A Night At The Opera
The Police — Zenyatta Mondatta
Not sure. Lots fighting for number five.
Anthony:
Playing on the previous question, who are your top-5 favorite drummers?
Anthony:
John Bonham, Stewart Copeland, Buddy Rich, Joe Morello. Not sure who five would be.
Anthony:
Is there anything else you’d like to say or add that we didn’t get to go over or mention?
Ilan:
No, but thank you!
Interested in learning more about the music of Ilan Rubin? Check out the link below:
Dig this? Check out the full archives of A.M. Radio, by Anthony Montalbano, here: https://vwmusicrocks.com/a-m-radio-archives/
