The Rubens: Australian Soul-Infused Rock
The Rubens are an Australian rock band known for their bluesy, soul-infused sound and chart-topping success. Hailing from the small town of Menangle, New South Wales, the band achieved a major milestone when their second album, 'Hoops', debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart in 2015.
Early career
The Rubens formed in 2011, consisting of the three Margin brothers—Sam, Elliott, and Zaac—along with childhood friend Scott Baldwin. Their raw, demo-style tracks recorded in a bedroom caught attention online, leading to their signing with independent label Ivy League Records that same year.
Breakthrough
The band's self-titled debut album, 'The Rubens', was released in 2012 and quickly gained traction. Its lead single, 'Lay It Down', became a triple j favorite and was certified platinum in Australia, propelling the album to a top ten chart position and establishing their national profile.
Key tracks
Lay It Down — This platinum-certified debut single introduced their signature blend of moody guitar riffs and soulful vocals, becoming an instant alternative radio hit.
Hoops — The title track from their number one album is a driving, anthemic rock song that defined the band's more polished, confident second album cycle.
Million Man — This 2018 single marked a shift towards a more electronic-influenced sound and earned the band their first top five placement on the ARIA Singles Chart.
Never Ever featuring Sarah — A collaboration with singer Sarah, this track showcased their soulful pop side and became one of their most streamed songs globally.
Following their breakthrough, The Rubens solidified their status with their chart-topping album 'Hoops' in 2015. They continued to evolve their sound, incorporating more pop and electronic elements on later albums like 2018's 'LO LA RU' and 2021's '0202', while maintaining consistent radio airplay and touring nationally.
Fans of The Rubens often appreciate the gritty, blues-rock style of Gang Of Youths, another Australian band known for their passionate, anthemic songwriting. The soulful vocal delivery and rock foundations also draw comparisons to Matt Corby, a fellow Australian artist celebrated for his powerful voice and bluesy influences. Listeners might also enjoy the melodic rock sensibilities of Ocean Alley, a band that similarly blends classic rock with modern Australian alternative sounds.
The music of The Rubens is a staple on Australian alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations featured on this website. Their catalog, from early blues-rock hits to later pop-infused tracks, receives regular rotation across various online rock radio streams that cater to fans of contemporary Australian music.
You can hear the distinct soul-infused rock of The Rubens on radio stations available right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their key tracks and latest releases through our curated selection of stations dedicated to showcasing top Australian talent.
