After taking the underground hip-hop scene by storm with his platinum single, "When the Drugs Don't Work", independent rap artist Doobie recently released his first rock single. He has always had strong rock influences but is now taking that to the next level in his work. He's planning to release a full rock album and says this will be his best work he's created to date.
I had the pleasure of chatting with "hip-hop's Kurt Cobain" recently in an exclusive interview, so read on for more about your new favorite artist!
MSM: Tell me about your journey with creating music. How did you get started, and what first ignited your passion for music?
Doobie: I've wanted to be a rockstar since I could remember. It really started with a two-part KISS documentary on VHS tapes that I used to watch everyday and try to imitate them by playing air guitar, singing, and jumping off my toy box... but my mom said she put headphones on her stomach when she was pregnant with me and I used to kick when she'd play the music so maybe that could be where it started as well.
Your lyrics often touch on deeply personal experiences and emotions. How do you go about writing about such personal topics, and how do you balance being vulnerable with maintaining a sense of privacy?
I feel like music is therapy for both the listener and the creator. Talking about what I've gone through or what I'm going through only helps me get shit off my chest but at the same time it lets the listener know they can have something/someone to relate to without feeling judged or put down. I think vulnerability is one of the most important aspects to an artist because it bridges the gap between the audience and the musician... it gives the listener a sense of belonging.
Your songs are raw, honest, and real. Do you feel that maintaining this has helped you connect more with your fanbase? What has the reaction been like from fans?
Yes, I think honesty is the best policy for songwriting. I feel like fans always want to hear the real shit because it helps to give them something to believe in that they don't have to question... and I think that's why my fans will cry and sing every song at the shows... I've been told numerous times how my music has saved lives and I think it all goes back to the honesty in my lyrics.
How would you describe your latest single release, “Early Bird Gets the Whiskey”?
I would say it's about fucking up and owning it rather then lying to yourself. We all have made mistakes and we're never gonna learn from those mistakes until we hold ourselves accountable.
Your music defies easy categorization, blending elements of different genres and styles. How do you approach genre and style when writing and recording music?
I generally don't give a fuck about fitting in one box... I can rap and I can sing so why not mix it all together. The goal for me was to always be as authentic to myself as possible, what you see is what you get. There's not a specific genre that defines me, I create the style… I do not conform to it.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they helped to shape your sound?
I was always somewhere in the middle as a kid... I can go from Alice In Chains, Metallica, and KISS to Kevin Gates, Tech N9ne and Eminem to Johnny Cash... I like authentic, raw, and unfiltered artists that are true to themselves and don't care to fit in with the majority. That's what I've always aspired to be.
How do you keep your music fresh and relevant in an ever-changing industry?
Grow with the times but don't be a follower... know what's going on in the world but still don't necessarily do what everyone else is doing. It's cool to be different but still be knowledgeable.
What do you attribute most to your success?
Dedication and sacrifice. You have to eat, sleep, bleed and breathe this shit even when it's not working in order for it to work.
How do you stay inspired and creative, especially when facing writer's block?
Working with other producers and songwriters will help with this... This way you can kind of lean on each other rather than waiting for something to just magically appear. I used to only allow myself to produce or write all my own songs but when I started working with other creatives, it only enhanced my ability to do those things which helps to do away with the writer's block.
Are there any up-and-coming artists in the Ohio music scene that you’d like to give a shout-out to?
No... but there is this Doobie guy I've been hearing a lot about lol 😂🤔👀
Lastly, is there anything else that you’d like to share with your fans?
The album is dropping mid-2025!