10 Questions with Rubi Du

Rubi Du will be performing at Rhythm & Alps. Photo / Supplied

A true highlight of the summer will be Rhythm & Alps, a three-day music festival at Cardrona Valley, this year marking its 10th anniversary. We catch up with Auckland reggae/hip-hop musician Rubi Du, who'll be taking the stage on day two.

1 Tell us who you are and where you're from.

Rubi Du from Auckland City.

2 Describe your sound in one sentence.

Hip-hop dancehall with a reggae backbone.

3 What have the events of 2020 taught you about life and music?

Reminded me how much I depend on my music, not just for income but also as an escape from daily pressures and as a medium for expression.

4 Which of your songs is your favourite to perform live and why?

Definitely Coming Right Thru from my first EP. Such a great hip-hop anthem that always brings the house down. I don't think I'll ever cut it from the set, lol, it never gets old.

5 What can the Rhythm & Alps audience expect from your performance at the festival?

High-energy great Kiwi music showcasing my musical heritage promoting good vibes!

6 Which other acts on the festival bill do you most want to see?

FAT FREDDY'S DROP! Greatest dub band in the country.

7 What does success as a musician mean to you?

When your music touches someone and helps them through hard times.

8 What would you tell a young person wanting to be a successful musician?

Trust yourself and perfect your sound. No one likes a copy-cat.

9 Who or what excites you most about music right now?

Punters are keen to listen and support new local artists. Great time to start your career or release that song you've been sitting on!

10 You can only fit one album by another artist on your device - what is it?

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - because the production is effortless yet hard-hitting, and her lyrics are timeless.

• Rhythm & Alps is on December 29-31. Artists include Benee, Six60, Shihad, Phoenix Foundation, and Reb Fountain.