IRONTOM
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Miranda
The guys from IRONTOM bring back Rock & Roll in it’s best and purest form: pleasantly psychedelic, part-punk, ripe with rock, and flourished with funk. Featuring lead singer Harry Hayes, guitarist Zach Irons (son of the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons), keyboardist Dan Saslow, and drummer Dylan Williams, the four continue to cement themselves as the band to keep an eye out for. Since their 2012 debut, “The Loose EP,” IRONTOM has consistently released infectious hits such as “Nitro” and “Be Bold Like Elijah.” With the group far from slowing down, we’re eagerly awaiting the upcoming release of another album this year. We recently spoke with Harry and Zach, childhood friends and the band’s founding members, about how they started making music, the perfect occasion to bump some IRONTOM, and more!
How did you start making music?
Harry: The Beatles were my gateway to music. Growing up, my dad would play the Beatles constantly. He also played a lot of doo whop and Motown but it was the Beatles that pulled me in. In my teens, I never believed I could play an instrument, but by 17, I had such a love for their songs that I had pick up the guitar and teach myself how to play them.
What’s the best part about being in a band?
H: For me, it’s playing music with the people I love. I’m so close to the boys (Zach, Dyl, and Dan) and we have been through so much together. But through it all I never forget what an honor and a privilege it is to be able to rock with them. Also, it’s such a gift to play for an audience. We love our fans so much. Connection is a blessing, and we are so blessed to connect with every one of them. the fire and positive energy they bring to us, especially at shows, is beautiful.
How has Jack Irons’ legacy impacted your music style and career?
Zach: Jack Irons' legacy has impacted our music as much as Willy Wonka impacted Charlie’s love for chocolate.
How do you guys unwind?
H: When we’re on the road, we rent some pretty cool houses on Airbnb to stay in. If we have a day off we sit deep and one of the guys normally cooks a big meal. Most of the time it’s a big Italian meal. We chow and probably get into watching some action movies. Anything with N Cage or The Rock.
Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?
H: There’s a very long list but to name a few, Bob Dylan, Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, Billie Holiday, Queens of the Stone Age, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ray Charles, Oasis.. my love for all of these artists directly fueled my desire and drive to become a musician. The Arctic Monkeys were very big for me. The moment I knew I had to be in a rock band came when I was watching them play live at the Hollywood Palladium when I was 18. That’s when it clicked for me.
What’s the perfect occasion to listen to IRONTOM?
Z: Out in the woods off the grid near big cliffs.
Who are you working with in a dream collab?
H: I would love to have Josh Homme produce our band one day. Also, Dan Auerbach. I was obsessed with the Ultraviolence album he did with Lana Del Rey a few years back. And the album he did with Doctor John. I’m a big fan of Grimes too. I don’t know if she’s ever produced a band. She’s amazing it would be wild to work with her. I know the boys have some artist they’d love to work with too. There are too many to mention!
Do you have any future projects coming up?
H: Our new album is just about done. We’re so excited to share it with everyone. More news on that coming soon.
