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Ian Abel Band is a rock outfit made up of accomplished young musicians in Los Angeles, California. Lead singer, guitar player, and primary song-writer, Ian Abel, formed the band to produce new music for rock fans everywhere. Their track ‘Not Afraid To Die’ was the theme to the Cody Rhodes vs Darby Allin match on AEW’s Full Gear. Ian joins us to offer a brief insight into the Ian Abel Band, and don’t forget to check them out and give them a follow on social media.
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
I moved to California in 2014. Linked up with K-Swizzo (Kenny Schwartz) in mid to late 2016 and began to collaborate immediately. A lot of the songs we were working on came from early projects I had been a part of but never saw their way to glory. After a rough romantic break-up in January 2017, I started pumping out idea after idea, and over the now three year period, we have amassed something like 50 songs. Karthik was added to the band in early 2019 and he rules.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
This group we have assembled right now played our first show to a sold-out audience at the Troubadour. Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust” was shouted down by the fully lit audience and we played an encore. I’d say it went well.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourself?
Big guitars, big drums, and big hooks. We write anthems and try to tell stories that are authentic.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
We don’t try to sound like anybody else. And I don’t mean that in a cheesy, unoriginal way; I mean that exactly how it is. You will never find another band that sounds like us. That being said, if you do, please tell me so I can go kick their ass haha.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
Trying to survive really. Being an independent artist in 2020 is insane! All of my friends are out of work, there’s no shows and limited recording. We’re fortunate enough to have recorded a full-length record’s worth of material right before the shutdown and we’re slowly releasing those as we speak. We just did another licensing deal with the AEW and have dropped two other songs alongside it. Once things get back to somewhat normal, we will be recording A LOT of new music.
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
Everyone keeps saying Zach Brown Band, but I think anything Jack White is apart of.
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
God, I hope it’s us haha.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I swear to God it was the movie School of Rock.
We have recently had the tragic passing of Eddie Van Halen, do you have a particular favorite Van Halen track?
I’m so damn corny… ERUPTION by a country mile. Then “Ain’t Talkin Bout Love” and pretty much all of Van Halen 1. Losing Eddie this young is a real tragedy.
AC/DC – Brian or Bon? Or both?!
I prefer Bon, but Brian is a legend. The anthems he wrote equal the ones he inherited and we are so damn lucky to have him.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
I took the beautiful and talented, Diana Salvatore, to see Yola at the Troubadour. It was an awesome night.
What current issue are you particularly passionate about?
Child Sex trafficking. Not to be conspiratorial, but is Ghislaine Maxwell still alive?
There is great debate at the minute about whether or not musicians should use their platform to talk about political issues, some for and some against. Music has always been a form of protest, surely an artist has just as much right as the next person to offer an opinion? Or should they “just stick to the music”?
I think musicians who “talk about political issues” are morons. If you’re that passionate, put it into the work, the art. Hendrix iconically played the Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock to protest the Vietnam War. If you’re a musician, don’t talk about, be about it. Talk is cheap.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
I can’t help it, but I love Arian Grande. I’m sorry to anyone who ever believed in me haha.
Who would you class as an underrated songwriter?
Myself, Ellie Turner, Jess Jocoy, Jet Jurgensmeyer, Jon Graber to name a few unknowns.
What are your plans for what’s left of 2020?
I’ve spent the majority of the year getting back to my blue-collar roots and building out Navy ships in Virginia. I got word that I’m headed there right before Christmas and at the start of the new year. I’m writing and waiting to be able to play again.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
We’re active! Instagram/Facebook & Twitter @ianabelband. Also on Tik Tok, but we don’t memorize dance routines stolen from other artists.
Dear Devil’s Gate Music,
Thank you so much for giving us your time and a platform to discuss what we love the most, music. I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday season and everyone around you is safe from any harm.
-Ian
Cheers Ian! Happy Holidays!
