Rubix Wheel
Ten seconds into the chorus of their single ‘Feels’ and you'll be nodding your head. With a charismatic lyrical style and infectious hook, the rock group known as Rubix Wheel seems poised to vault straight up the charts.
BLAKE: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
RUBIX WHEEL: We were playing the Mad Frog in Cincinnati in the Fall on 2014. We finished our first set, and there were only a few people there watching. As we began our second set, a flood of fans came in and started dancing, hula-hooping, and cheering us on. The feeling was indescribable as we hadn't anticipated having a crowd that night.
BLAKE: Your song is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio? ’Feels’
RUBIX WHEEL: We felt like we had really achieved something great. We had accomplished that goal that a lot of bands strive for, and some never get. We were honored to be chosen for the Akademia song of the Month, and the Radio campaign is something that is making us eager to tour the world in the next few years.
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
RUBIX WHEEL: Well, I came home from work one night and was feeling pretty good. I started strumming on the acoustic and thinking of a girl I had a crush on. I had just started a new job at GetGo, a gas station that I have been working at for 11 months, and I felt like she was guiding me along. I see her every now and then, and we get to talk a little bit, but we're just friends and she doesn't know I wrote the song about her.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
RUBIX WHEEL: I've been through some tough times in life. When I was younger I had a lot of anxiety, and my outlet was always music. When I got to play live shows, or just play my guitar at home, my anxiety went away. So my mood has always helped me to create the highs and lows of the Rubix Wheel repertoire.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
RUBIX WHEEL: I practice the guitar and singing daily. As a musician, I'm keen on details, especially at shows. I create guitar solos on the spot, improvising in whatever key(s) it is in. I craft my songs in a special room in my house, and I write stories based on life experiences, often times connecting other peoples' lives into the lyrics. I feel like I have written a good amount of songs so far(Six Albums) but I want to keep creating better content with each new month the band is alive.
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BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
RUBIX WHEEL: I have a deep love for the guys in my band. We try to make sure everyone gets a say in how a song is put together. We joke around and goof off at practice, and we keep things fun. Having a sense of humor with your band mates is critical to bonding and creating great music. When it's business, we talk serious, when it's time to cut loose, we enjoy each other's company and laugh a lot.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
RUBIX WHEEL: My Dad was a great pianist, and a decent guitarist. He and my Mom are good singers, so it was in the genes. My brother and sisters took music, but they never made a living of it like I did. Once I was in a great band with my brother on drums, and many good things happened to us. I took piano lessons as a young child and excelled at it. When I was 12 my Mom decided I should play guitar, so I began those lessons and put in a lot of hard work to get to where I am now. My parents were always very supportive of my music, and they love to hear completed albums or live videos.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
RUBIX WHEEL: The most rewarding thing is playing to an appreciative audience, especially when you are playing your own songs. It's an authentic experience and the feeling is quite magical. I've been blessed to perform to many a large crowd, and enjoyed it each time. The most challenging thing is being the manager, the booking agent, the creator, the funding source, etc. I wish we had a manager and a booking agent so we could focus solely on the music.
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
RUBIX WHEEL: Led Zeppelin, Trey from Phish, the Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic, etc. Most of these bands started Touring to make a following way back in the day, and that following stayed and grew with each year they set out on tour.
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
RUBIX WHEEL: In 2017 we played a Festival in West Virginia called Super Sessions. We were the headline act. I got there the night before and said a prayer in my tent, that it would go well the next day. The next day cars kept pulling in from all over and by the time we got onstage, there were possibly 120 people at the grounds. The crowd loved us, and it was an amazing show. The two hour set we played was simply a wonderful experience.
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
RUBIX WHEEL: Learn your instrument as well as you can. And keep writing songs. Keep trying new ideas and never give up. If you write your own songs and write long enough, you will create great songs. And you'll always have those songs, especially if you copyright them and get them recorded in a nice studio.
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
RUBIX WHEEL: We are gearing up as a band to record a few singles in the studio. We have been practicing the songs at the drummer's place, and they sound better each time we get together. After that, more music videos and more high quality content. The album should be out Winter 2018/2019.
BLAKE: I look forward to hearing your new work! Thank you for letting us get to know you better as a musician and I wish you the best of luck and continued success.
https://www.theakademia.com/artistkit/RubixWheel-Feels.html