Not only is Ian Erskine a hardworking Electrical Engineering Technologies student, he’s also a kick-ass drummer. If you’re into hardcore music, you will surely be interested in the band he plays for, Cortisol. They’ve been playing live in and around Portland. Ian has a blast when drumming, and he’s experimenting with production and songwriting, as he plays some guitar and sings. 

Growing up in Midcoast Maine, he is eager to make a name for himself in Portland and beyond. We sat down with Ian Erskine to discuss how he’s become the artist he is and where he wants to take his music career. 

Where are you from? 

Well, I grew up in Waldoboro, Maine, and then I started living in Thompson and Waldoboro. That’s pretty much where I’ve been my whole life.  

Tell me about your journey with music. 

I’d say it started officially in fifth grade when we had a school band. I was learning the snare drum, and I sucked. You know, I kept going at it and learning. Then, I didn’t start getting serious about it until sixth or seventh grade when I started taking lessons. I tried to be in a few bands and they didn’t work out, but now I’m in a band called Cortisol. We’ve been playing a few live shows and having a good time. 

What genre of music do you play with that band?

I’d say it’s hardcore. Hardcore metal.  

What do you love about music? 

It’s kind of like a de-stressor and it brings my creativity up. 

Do you write your own songs?

Yes, I have tried. All of them have failed. Well, not all of them have failed. I’ve been working on this one, but it’s actually a hip hop song that I’m producing. It’s been working out. I hope to write lyrics. 

You’re primarily a drummer, do you play any other instruments? 

Yeah, I dabble in guitar and a little bit of singing. 

Do you have any musical inspirations? 

One of my big ones is Neil Peart, the drummer of Rush. He was a phenomenal drummer. 

Do you like playing with a band or solo? Why? 

Definitely with a band, live. I like writing solo. I definitely like playing in front of an audience, because people are moving around in the pit if we’re doing good. 

Is that why you love playing metal?

Yeah, you get a lot of energy from the audience. 

What are you doing at SMCC?

My major is electrical engineering technologies. So that’s basically a little bit of residential electrician and engineering kind of stuff mashed in one. 

What do you see yourself doing as a career?

I see both that and music being a career. I’ll use my degree as a way to support my musical career. 

What do you see yourself doing with music in the future?

Well, I hope to write music for my kids to hear. I’d say my biggest goal is to join a band that’s already been around for awhile and play live with them. 

Why do you do music? 

Because of my dad. He’s a drummer and the whole reason I started drumming in the first place.