For 45 minutes on the evening of 23 May Rhythm cover star Ilan Rubin took part in a live Twitter Q&A session. Hundreds of question were put to the Paramore, Nine Inch Nails and The New Regime star, including a cheeky tweet from Paramore's Hayley Williams herself, resulting in plenty of quickfire drum-related tips, advice and opinion! If you missed it we've selected the best questions, and Ilan's answers below. Enjoy!
Don't forget you can hear loads more from Ilan in the latest issue of Rhythm. Find out where to buy it here.
Hey Ilan, any tips for improving double strokes and paradiddles? Need to work on my pace #askilan @rockitross
Make sure the strokes are coming from the wrist and not bounces off the head/pad.
What is your favourite fill to play right now? #askilan @Tim_Hib
I don't have one. Whatever fits the song.
Hit us with a chop builder! Please? #askilan @MorningView182
RLRRLL RLRRLL RLRRLL RLRRLL RLRLRLRR LRLLRR LRLLRR LRLLRR LRLLRR LRLRLRLL
So you're right handed, but you play open handed behind the kit, have you always played open, or pick it up over time? #askilan @DrummerAsh13
Always open handed but also always tried to do everything both ways.
Why is Paramore the best band you've ever played with? #askilan @yelyahwilliams
Hahaha, miss you.
Did you ever go to a school? Did you do the whole jazz thing? #askilan @antonistheway
Never went to a music school but the extent of my jazz was the Jim Chapin book and Dave Brubeck Quartet
I want to learn playing drums. Any tips for a beginner? #askilan @MindTheSP
Take it slow and really apply yourself. Don't try to learn too much too quickly.
When is the new Angels and Airwaves record coming out?? #askilan @Swish3Pointers
There's no precise release date in the crosshairs as of now.
What size of snare drums are your favorites? Do you prefer the lower or the higher? #askilan @rayssalopes
14x6.5 is perfect.
How are the rehearsals with Nine Inch Nails going? Are you just playing old songs or jamming? #askilan @kiwdziu
Going through quite a few songs!
Which songs do you play on Paramore's new album? Taylor plays on one or two right? Which songs do you sing on? #askilan @antonistheway
All of them. Taylor overdubbed some fun stuff on a song or two.
Is it hard to manage your time between two bands? #askilan @warnabhiru
Honestly no. I love working as much as possible.
How many years were you a DIY level touring drummer before you really broke through to landing bigger gigs? #askilan @devanbentley
4-5 years
The New Regime was a great discovery for me a few years ago. What's the meaning of Take Control for you? #askilan @pornosonico
If you don't want things to fall apart or crumble before your eyes, take control.
How long have you been an endorser of @QDrumCo ? Amazing sounds, great grooves. #askilan
@rayssalopes
I've been involved with Q Drum Co. for about 8 months now, maybe longer. The best.
What's the best thing about touring with Paramore? #askilan @ItsNatalie_W
They're great people.
What is your favorite song on @paramore's self-titled album? #askilan @nandoROCX
It might be Ain't It Fun!
Favorite zildjian cymbal? #askilan @gaahbueno_
K Lite ride. It's versatile and 24".
Do you have a favorite film score composer? #askilan @carbonmusic
John Williams. Melodies are too good.
When younger how did you practice? eg. exercises or mostly playing along? #askilan @rossb15
Bit of both! Aside from rudiments and playing along though it's important to just play and improvise using the things you've learned.
Hey Ilan, how do you go about tuning your 26" kick? I know Bonham used to tune it pretty high. Loving Exhibit A! #askilan @samsonite_evans
On the higher side but not tight enough to have a defined, sustained pitch.
What's the best and worst thing about being a musician? #askilan @stephenjevans
Best thing about being a musician is that I do what I love for a living. Worst thing is dealing with other musicians. Ha.
What was the first album you learned to play the drums to? #askilan @stephenjevans
Led Zeppelin I. Thanks dad.
What's the quickest and best way to warm up before playing? #askilan #ilanthedrumgod @ShoutTupper
I honestly place more importance on stretching over any kind of sticking warm ups.
What is your favourite NIN song to play? #askilan @ShoutLEsteve
Too many. Terrible Lie, The Becoming, Discipline, lots!
Is your drum kit very different in The New Regime-AVA-NIN-Paramore? #askilan @RaimondiSimone
I pretty much have the same basic setup of 14, 16, 18, 26. Sometimes it's a 13 tom depending on the band.
Are you planning a big tour (including South America) with The New Regime after NIN 2013-2014 tour? #askilan @porim
I'm trying to find the time to tour because I would absolutely love to. It will happen.
What was it like playing Woodstock '99 as an 11 year old? #askilan @iseeumonkey
It was fine. I hate to sound unappreciative but that experience isn't something I really cherish. So many better ones.
You don't use double pedals, do you? Heel, toe or slide? #askilan @rafdian
Only when the band calls for it. Heel up, slide, whole foot, whatever gets the job done!
You're a multi-instrumentalist. What other instrument would you like to learn? Is drums your 'first language'? #askilan @ClaireDavies_tw
I'd like to learn string instruments. Drums were my first instrument.
Do you do any cardio or weightlifting to stay in shape for live shows? #askilan @MorningView182
No, but thank god I play drums. No idea what shape I'd be in if I didn't!
Why do you use open handed technique? Are you left-handed? Btw you are very inspiring! The New Regime is awesome! #AskIlan @rafdian
When I started playing it made more sense to hit the hi-hat with my left hand since it was closer.
What's the best piece of advice you have for making a name for yourself? #askilan @drums_jack
The most important thing is to develop your skill and always give it your all when you're playing. Never know who's watching.
5 albums everyone should own (you can't say The New Regime!!) #AskIlan @PaulSaward
Led Zeppelin I, II, III, IV, Houses of The Holy.
Who, other than Mr. Bonham and Mr. Copeland, are your biggest inspirations/influences? #askilan
@samferguson42
Buddy Rich and Joe Morello are big influences when it comes to soloing type stuff. Love their style and skill.
Do you use a click a lot live? #askilan @chazmcleod
Always, but that's the band's call. It's pretty standard these days but I enjoy it.
“Seeking a well-mannered, affable individual. Flashy chops are wonderful, but groove and the ability to listen, react, and contribute to the musical conversation is a must”: Primus put the call out for potential new drummer
With up to 80% off, Sweetwater currently has the biggest Black Friday savings musicians will find online right now – and the deals are even better than last year!
“Seeking a well-mannered, affable individual. Flashy chops are wonderful, but groove and the ability to listen, react, and contribute to the musical conversation is a must”: Primus put the call out for potential new drummer
With up to 80% off, Sweetwater currently has the biggest Black Friday savings musicians will find online right now – and the deals are even better than last year!
