ROUGH 20 MINUTE SESSION WITH SHORTYDUBS ABOUT NEW SINGLE ''LOVE MY LIFE''

Shortydubs is right up ROUGH ONLINE’s street, and after hearing his new single “Love My Life” which delivers an infectious reggae-style rhythm guitar, heavy Electro drums and synths that make you feel as though you’re at a Stanton Warriors or Knife Party concert, we had to have a little chat with Tennessee’s newest Hip-Hop legend, originally from New Zealand, to find out more about his musical background…

ROUGH ONLINE: Firstly, how did you come up with the name Shortydubs?

SHORTYDUBS: To me the name Shortydubs represents going back to your roots and getting a fresh start.

ROUGH ONLINE: We love your new track "Love My Life." Despite the obvious MC vibe, it also has a full-on Beastie Boys-esque feel to it as well as a slight Drumstep sound. Who are your musical inspirations or influences?

SHORTYDUBS: That's right, Beasties were definitely a big influence when I was a kid, also loved bands like Rage Against The Machine, Cypress Hill, Fugees, Sublime. I was also drawn to those super stadium acts like MJ, Springsteen, Queen, U2 and AC/DC. I have always had an obsession with the live performance side of music.

ROUGH ONLINE:  What age were you when you started rapping? Tell Rough about your first ever performance in front of a crowd...

SHORTYDUBS: I started writing music and rapping for real when I was 18 at a music school majoring in drumming.   I performed my first song at a school event to all the other students and teachers. It was pretty intimidating but was a dope buzz to hear the beat I'd made through a big PA. I was hooked after that.

ROUGH ONLINE:  Who are you currently listening to at the moment? Who are the names that stand out for you in the music scene right now?  

SHORTYDUBS: Damn, so many. Twenty One Pilots, A$AP Rocky, Chance The Rapper, Diplo, Kendrick, Run The Jewels to name a few.

ROUGH ONLINE: This is your second single release so far. Are we to expect an E.P or an L.P to come out soon?

SHORTYDUBS:  For the moment I'm just enjoying dropping singles and experimenting with different sounds and ideas.

ROUGH ONLIBE: Do you have any Tour dates coming up?

SHORTYDUBS:  I have a couple of local shows in Nashville coming up but not planning to hit the road til’ mid-2019.