Q&A with Australian Superstars: THE RUBENS!

Australian superstars THE RUBENS announce that their new single, “Hoops” (from the album of the same name) , has come in at #1 in this year’s “Hottest 100” on the Triple J chart! This is monumental news as Triple J is Australia’s biggest and most influential national radio outlet. This marks the third time the band has placed in the iconic yearly countdown, with previous singles from their self-titled debut album, “Lay It Down,” “Don’t Ever Wanna Be Found,” and “My Gun”  all finding a spot on the shortlist in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The band said of the latest result:

“Forever grateful to everyone who voted for us in the Hottest 100! We love you all. And a huge thank you to Triple J for devoting themselves to Australian music and making all of this possible.”

THE RUBENS are comprised of brothers, Sam Margin (guitar / lead vocals), Elliott Margin (keys / vocals), Zaac Margin (lead guitar) Will Zeglis (bass) and Scott Baldwin on drums.

HOOPS, the band’s second album, has already been certified Platinum in Australia through Ivy League Records. HOOPS was released in the U.S. on March 4th through Warner Bros. Records.

Already released in Australia, HOOPS topped the iTunes Alternative Songs chart and entered the national ARIA Album chart at #2, just behind Dre’s surprise release. “Hoops,” the second single from the album, is now certified GOLD in Australia. The next single and video from the album down-under is entitled “Hold Me Back,” which is already a Triple J Most Played track.

It’s no surprise that HOOPS continues to dominate media headlines. Rolling Stone Australia praised it saying: “Australia’s go-to for outstanding indie-soul” (3 ½ stars out of 4). Now The Rubens have their sights set on America. The 11 tracks that make HOOPS brim with giant rock hooks, growling guitars, driving rhythms, and Sam Margin’s unmistakable, soul-drenched voice. The Rubens will tour the USA this spring.

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa had a chance to catch up with lead vocalist and guitarist, Sam Margin while he jet sets around the world (and waiting for his flight) at the airport in Adelaide, Australia. Enjoy their chat below as they talk new album, new single, and why Sam’s mom broke his Eminem cd when he was a kid! 😉

Hey there Sam! Where does our interview find you and what’s on the agenda today besides our interview?

G’day Nicole! I’m actually in the airport lounge in Adelaide, Australia. We played a show yesterday. I’m heading home to Melbourne to start designing the lighting show for a tour later in the year.

For those that are not familiar with THE RUBENS and your music, how did you guys get your start? Who or what was the catalyst for you to want to live the life of a musical gypsy?

So, The Rubens are 3 brothers, and 2 good mates. Elliott, Zaac and myself are bros so obviously we met when we were born. We’d never played music together until we started the band though. We wrote a few demos on a laptop in my bedroom and decided we wanted to play live so I called my friend from high school, Scotty, and he jumped on the drums. Will (bass) joined the band when we were in NYC recording our first album.

You guys are already Australian “superstars” with your new single, “Hoops” (from the album of the same name) which has come in at #1 in this year’s “Hottest 100” on the Triple J chart! Congratulations! This actually marks the 3rd time THE RUBENS have been placed on the iconic countdown with previous singles from your self titled debut album, “Lay It Down,” “The Best We Got,” and “My Gun” all finding a spot on the chart. What have you learned from your previous releases and playing live that you feel you wanted to infuse into the new album?

We definitely wanted to create and album that would be fun to play live. After touring our first record for 2 years we realized that its important to give yourself ‘moments’ that are going to be fun to play live. And hopefully fun for the audience!

I guess the goal for any artist is to produce something that they actually really like, and would listen to and enjoy. That’s how we feel about Hoops. Thank god!

Speaking of, what was the inspiration for “Hoops”? How did the song come about….did the lyrics or music come first?

The record was actually being mixed when we wrote it. It was totally an 11th hour addition to the album.

Elliott sent me the demo and I was super excited about it. We tweaked it and played with sections and arrangements, but basically by the time we went into the studio to record it, it was all but done.

Who have been your inspirations growing up that also inspire you today?

Growing up: Bill Withers, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison. etc. 

Now: The Black Keys, OutKast, Tame Impala, Pond, D’Angelo and Anderson Paak is my current favourite!

I understand you guys just filmed the video for your next single, “Hold Me Back”. How was that experience filming the video?

We had our cousin follow us for the duration of making the album. The video is a compilation of all that footage. Starting with the writing process (we rented a beach house and wrote for 4 months), the recording in NYC, and finally playing it live. I think the video turned out great! its just fun for us to watch and reminisce.

Nowadays, everything is so instant…you press a button and it’s yours ala Spotify, Soundcloud, iTunes etc. What was the first album you saved up your hard earned money as a kid and bought for yourself?

I think it was Eminem. Mum found it and broke it. She read the lyric book and was not having it! 😉

What was the first song you fell in love with (or made a lasting impact) on you and why?

Bill Withers’ “Hope She’ll Be Happier”.  It is the most haunting love song that I’ve ever heard. Amazing.

Who is in your current playlist? What artists or bands are in current rotation for you?

Anderson Paak

Kendrick Lamar

Pond

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

What’s on tap next for THE RUBENS? What are you most excited about for this year?

We are so pumped to be heading over to the US to start touring this album! 2016 is going to be a year where we mainly focus on the US and UK/EURO markets and its really exciting to be playing these songs to new people.

To stay connected to THE RUBENS , visit their socials below!

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