Rubin Recommends

(Part of The Weekly Check In series)

I met Kurt senior year of highschool in Overland Park, Kansas. It was magic. We listened to straight edge hardcore, told stories, his step dad helped me tie my tie for a school dance, and was a groomsmen in his wedding. He’s an amazingly talented great friend.

I’m excited for him to leave Kansas and move to Brooklyn. I can’t wait to visit.

Kurt plays drums in a band from Lawrence, KS called Ad Astra Per Aspera. Check them out. (the name of the band comes from the Kansas state motto “to the stars through difficulties.)”

RR: What are you currently working on or just finished that you’re excited about?

Lane: Leaving for tour tomorrow with my band, Ad Astra Per Aspera, and excited to see many East Coast and Midwest friends. Ad Astra is just finishing up the second of 4 7″s that our favorite record store/label, Love Garden Sounds, is putting out this summer and fall. After that I’m home for a few weeks before going to the West Coast to play shows with The Ssion. I’m also excited about wrapping up my current job with the software development company I’ve worked at the past two years and moving to Brooklyn in October.

RR: Where have you traveled so far this month?

Lane: My lovely wife and I traveled to Germany, The Netherlands, Italy and Spain in May; then down to the beach of North Carolina for a little family va-ca; then up to New York and New Haven, Connecticut for a best buddies wedding a couple of weeks ago; and now getting ready to head east. If I had frequent flier miles I’d be racking them up.

RR: What’s your favorite music right now?

Lane: Mississippi Records comps
Steve Reid Ensemble - Daxaar
Ratatat - LP3
The Ssion - Clown 12″
The Eagles - Life in the Fast Lane single
Hercules and Love Affair (sounded even better after I replaced the 8-year-old needle on my turntable)

RR: Best food you’ve had in your neighborhood lately or while you were traveling?

Lane: I just moved in with my in-laws for a couple of months and I’ve very excited to be close to the ever-delicious Pumpernick’s in Kansas. I went last Sunday for the first time in a year and had eggs and matzo (matzo brye), hash browns, tomato slices and water bagel. Incredible! I’m sad cause they took the picture of Alan Rubin (Matt’s dad) down from the wall. Otherwise, it’s fantastic.

Also, Blue Koi always has great dumplings and tofu with awesome sauce (literally, not figuratively).

RR: Anything Else You Want To Mention?

Lane: The weekly check-in is my favorite part about Rubin Recommends and I became legitimately excited when I saw these questions in my inbox. Also, I went to a shooting range today and shot antique shotguns. I’m really going to miss Kansas.