Ilan Rubin has a résumé that almost any drummer would be envious of. He’s sat behind the kit for Nine Inch Nails and Angels & Airwaves over the past years. Beyond that, he played drums on Paramore‘s fourth album, spent a few years with Lostprophets, and also toured internationally with Denver Harbor. And none of that covers the professional career that Ilan had before becoming a teenager, nor the solo career he has forged under the moniker of The New Regime.
The New Regime – whose third album Exhibit B came out in March 2015 – has been around since 2007. Within The New Regime, Ilan plays all of the instruments and provides all of the vocals, but when the group performs live, a full band is on-stage. Ilan and crew’s next New York City performance will be on October 1st at Pianos alongside LANTERNS and Adam Robinson.
Ilan kindly took the time to speak with Downtown about the New Regime’s upcoming Manhattan performance, in addition to what else has been going on for him as of late.
Having played on a Woodstock stage when you were 11 years old, did you ever consider a career for yourself beyond being a professional musician?
Ilan Rubin: I always knew I wanted to be a musician. After getting into music at the age of seven or eight and looking up to musicians shortly thereafter, it’s as if the decision was already made.
At what age did you play your first New York City gig? What do you remember about it?
I: I played my first show in New York City at 15 years old, I believe. I really enjoyed it but don’t remember too much about it. It was a long time ago and I’ve been back many times since.
For someone who hasn’t yet heard The New Regime, how would you describe the sound of the project?
I: Alternative rock with electronics and occasional pianos. It’s a tough question to answer since I always try to vary the music as much as possible.
Do you see The New Regime as a band, or is it truly a solo project?
I: I’d call The New Regime a solo endeavor in the truest and most literal sense. On album, every note you hear is me, but obviously I assemble a band to play live and they do a great job. I don’t like calling it a project because that implies a secondary importance in my opinion. I pursue this at 100 percent and want to take it as far as it can possibly go.
What led you to calling it The New Regime as opposed to Ilan Rubin?
I: I’ve liked the presentation of a band more than that of a solo artist. Going by my own name is something I never even considered!
I believe you started The New Regime while still playing with Lostprophets. What inspired you to pursue a career beyond just drumming?
I: I started taking other instruments seriously at a young age as well, so the older I got the more I felt like more than just a drummer. I started The New Regime when I was tired of waiting around on other people in the studio. I figured I could do it all myself.
A lot of Nine Inch Nails members, past and present, have been noted multi-instrumentalists. Was that a prerequisite of joining the band?
I: No. But to be honest, I don’t think others had taken it as far as I was able to on the last tour. Being a four-piece, we had a lot of part distributing to do, so it was great to get out and play bass, guitar, and piano.
Is there any further activity planned for you in Angels & Airwaves or Nine Inch Nails? Or at least, anything you can mention at this time?
I: Nothing that I know of, to be honest!
When you’re not busy with touring or recording, what do you like to do for fun?
I: I like to write music. My entire life generally revolves around music. Aside from that, reading and spending time with the family, dogs, and lady is all I really do.
Finally, Ilan, any last words for the kids?
I: Kids, come out to the shows and listen to the music! It’s good for you.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
