Rubin Recommends

(Part of The Weekly Check In series)

Michael Ardelean and I met in Los Angeles when I showed up at his house because I was shooting portraits of him for an interview in Dig BMX magazine. Michael is an amazing BMX rider, runs a clothing company, manages BMX teams, works at Quicksilver, now turned wedding officiator, amongst other things he’ll tell you about below.

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

Ardelean: Dreams are coming true. I just assembled a BMX team for IPath shoes… IPath is one of those skate brands that a lot of people have been wishing would get into BMX, so now that they have, I’m happy to be involved and manage the team. With Quiksilver, I get to work on the Limited line which is really fun because we get to create things for ourselves with no restrictions. That’s been the best part of my job lately. With Lavar we’re getting a Winter delivery together, with Quintin we’re working on the BMX section of the website, and with riding I’m supposed to be shooting a full section for Stuart Munro’s upcoming video. I also officiated Jim Bauer’s wedding a couple of weekends ago, which was an honor and an opportunity to face my fears of being in front of people.

Rubin: Where have you traveled so far this month?

Ardelean: I just got back from Cologne where I was visiting family. My 2.5 year old niece is a remarkable person that I can never get bored of.

Rubin: What’s your favorite music right now?

Ardelean: The other night I was at El Prado in Echo Park for the first time after hearing a lot of good things about their beer selections and the fact that they only play vinyl. I said out loud to my friend “the music is the only thing I don’t love right now. Some M83 would really complete the package.” Two minutes later “Don’t Save Us From the Flames” came blaring on and the album cover was on display on the bar across from me. It was a moment.

At work I listen to beats and chilled out background stuff. For driving, it’s The Raveonettes or just straight up rap; usually Clipse.

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

Ardelean: For the last few months we’ve been frequenting the taco truck at Lincoln and Rose. It’s so LA to get gourmet tacos out of a truck. But I cook at home most of the time.

Rubin: Anything else you want to mention?

Ardelean: I just spent three days trying to think of something witty, but failed. No more overthinking.