This week's student musician is Rubin Patel, who performs with his backing band the Groovy Tuesdays. He is currently a first-year at UCL and studying Arts and Sciences (BASc).
How long have you been playing?
I've been playing and singing since I was around 8, but I only started picking up the guitar and writing songs when I was 16.
What genre of music do you play?
It varies. So much. I used to class it as alternative rock, but nowadays with my live band we have incorporated elements of folk, funk and jazz, and who knows what else might be added/subtracted to the sound in the future. If I wanted to be very pretentious, I would have to say that my music transcends genre. But since I'm so modest, I would obviously never dream of thinking that...
Why did you start playing?
I started learning music at school from a young age and realised I never wanted to stop. When I got older I used to love playing along to my favourite songs on the guitar in my free time, and eventually I started singing along too...it made me want to write something that attempted to be even half as good as the songs I already knew and loved.
What’s your most memorable musical moment?
That depends...For me the memorable part of music is listening to a track (or performing one) that you really enjoy and feeling like you're connected to it, really living and breathing the music. Going on that basis, there's too many memorable moments to list. But if you want a definitive event, I would say that the first ever gig I played was pretty memorable; I was 18 and it was at Nambucca in North London...performing my music live to my friends for the first time was really nerve-wracking but I loved it!
What’s your dream?
Don't tell anyone...but I would love to be a renowned record producer. I like the idea of shaping the sound (and hopefully success) of other artists rather than myself...definitely something I'd love to do. Apparently though there's already a pretty famous producer with 'Rubin' in his name...Damn you Rick!
Rubin (centre) with the members of his Groovy Tuesday band
Who’s your idol and who would you most compare yourself to? (Dead or alive...)
I'm a definitely a Belieber.
Only joking, my absolute musical idol without a doubt has to be John Frusciante. He inherently influences every single thing I do musically, if I got to meet the guy I'd probably scream like a girl. I don't think I could ever compare myself to him though (I wish I could, trust me).
If you could play with anyone, who would it be?
Again, it would have to be John Frusciante. I would do anything to be able to perform on stage with him...He doesn't really take to the stage these days though, which is a real shame.
If you could play at any festival, which would it be?
Hmmmmm, I don't really have a favourite festival. Obviously playing one of the big ones would be fantastic (Reading, Glasto, Latitude etc.) but I have to say playing one of the smaller ones that have that real cosy festival atmosphere, all about the music and nothing else, like say Wilderness festival or Hop Farm...That would be the best experience.
Who are your fans?
My fans are mainly in London, since I only gig in London at the moment. My fan base is mainly uni students, but I like to think I excite other age groups as well. I also have lots of friends from school and elsewhere that support me like no one else.
What’s your all time favourite song?
Sorry to crack out his name again, but favourite song is: 'Anne' - John Frusciante.
Rubin is taking part in the Uni Music League competition and has made it to the finals on 9th May at the O2 Academy in Islington.
Follow him on Twitter: @groovy_tuesday
Like him on Facebook: Rubin.Music