With the ‘groove rock’ music style of The Rubics soon hitting North Island hot spots for their summer tour, it is a better time than ever to talk to Shore frontman Rob Jatulan about the band's success and plans for the year ahead...
The Rubics possess a unique sound. Their music consists of many different genres; rock, soul, and easy-to-dance-to characteristics of funk. They tend to build a vivacious energy when they perform, and watching them live is an absolute must – they can truly get anyone up off their seats and moving along to the beat. There is such a strong stage presence which makes them not only captivating musically, but also exciting to watch as they groove around the stage and build up the audience’s passion.
Winning the Battle of The Bands in 2016 launched The Rubics beyond the Shore. The prize for winning was a tour through Europe to play gigs in front of bigger crowds and on bigger stages, which was a highlight in the beginning of their career. Since then, the band has managed to perform in a range of different locations here in New Zealand, allowing them to get comfortable in different scenarios and on different stages and gain more live performance experience. Rob says that although the band was never scared to play, there is definitely a bit of anxiety that comes before each show but that quickly goes away when they start playing. The energy from the audience usually rids them of any pre-show worries. He says: “There has always been that strong sense of excitement to play live. Once you’ve entered the stage, it’s game on! And before you know it, you’re just out there having fun with the audience.”
The boys have been through a few challenges to get them to where they are today. With the line-up of members changing and new musicians coming in, there has been a lot to learn from each other and the latest members adapting to the bands music. The Rubics currently consists of members Rob Jatulan – frontman, Zel Kust – drummer/vocals, Brendon Thomas – guitar/vocals, Leo Nemkin – guitar, Nic Montgomery – bassist, and Ben Jones on the keyboard. The boys can find that their schedules sometimes clash, but they always make the time to get together and practice on the Shore most weeks, especially when there are new sounds to create.
The lyrics of The Rubics' songs are not only easy to relate to, but could be classed as true ballads, with words that can pluck at the heartstring at times. There is so much feeling in the words, and this, coupled with the infectious enthusiasm and sound from the band, means that live performances instantly turn any boring room into a flare of good vibes and high energy.
Usually, their new music is created by bringing an idea into practice, whether it be a section of lyrics, a hook, or a rhythm, which eventually ends 'with in everyone jamming and building to it until they come up with something that fits their style and sound. The soon-to-be-released single ‘Kiss Me When You’re Sober’ is a perfect example of how the boys can quickly add bits and pieces to something small to create a sound that is brand new and fresh. When there is enough material, they head into the studio and record. The band is currently recording their upcoming album at The Depot in Devonport with producer Dave Rhodes. Bassist Nic Montgomery says: "Dave is a bit of a wizard and we’ve worked with him pretty extensively over the last five years. He knows the sound we’re going for so is able to offer a constructive input and a fresh perspective on the songs we’re bringing in.”
The Rubics can be seen regularly playing shows at the Good Home in Birkenhead, where listeners can get intimate with the small stage and close dancefloor, and fully absorb in the intoxicating atmosphere the band never fails to create. Besides playing at the Birkenhead bar, the boys have played gigs at various locations around Auckland and the North Island such as Cassette Nine, Grand Central, Portland Public, and the iconic Kings Arms Tavern when it was still up and running.
The goal for The Rubics in the coming years is to make themselves known internationally and become a band that New Zealand can be proud to call their own. Rob says that the boys aim to be as inspirational and influential as some of the other bands they have looked up to and have seen go far in their musical calling. They would also love to be able to live off of their music and turn their diehard passion for into a career and lifestyle.
The Motherfunky Summer Tour takes place from January 25th to March 2nd and will see the band touring from Wellington to Whangarei, playing in five locations across the North Island.
To check out tour dates and gig spots, head over to The Rubic’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/therubics/
