Tebi Rex - 10 Questions + Oh It Hurts (Single)

Fresh from their virtual performance for ESNS 2021, Irish alternative hip-hop duo Tebi Rex reveal their new track ‘Oh It Hurts’ out now on all streaming platforms.

The first single from their upcoming second record, 'Oh It Hurts' finds the pair taking yet another musical left turn. Aided by long term collaborator Local Boy and Word Up producer Silent Ghost the single introduces new elements to their already eclectic sound, as well as live instrumentation for the first time. The track is just one chapter from an album that will once more follow a distinct narrative arc, again marking them out as true musical innovators.

Tebi Rex sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I saw the music video for ‘Just a Little Bit’ when I was a kid. You know that old 50 Cent song. And I thought to myself damn the girls in this are fire. I pretty much started rapping after that.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I mean I’m a kid from that Odd Future generation so the likes Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler the creator are major inspirations for me. That being said imma get that Kate Nash feature sooner or later. Would also love to work with Little Simz.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

Hmmm listening habits have changed. I think people are less interested in discovering new artists and are more preoccupied with revisiting the stuff they know. Which is fair. The world’s kinda on fire. I understand wanting to listen to music with positive pre-Pannini memories attached to it. It’s tough tryna break through all the noise.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Hmmm it’s all over the place really. We kinda play with a lot of different stuff. I would say it’s kinda rooted in rap/hip hop but with a twist. It’s a twist of rock/hyper pop this time around. What’s next, dunno whatever we’re in the mood for I suppose.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

We played a packed tent at Electric Picnic (the biggest festival in Ireland). Got picked for SxSW and Eurosonic. But most importantly one of my bandmates washed Post Malone in Connect 4 backstage at Longitude 2018.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

With the internet and streaming services, it means there’ll be less superstars in the future. The pool is so wide now, everyone has access. There’ll be fewer Kendrick Lamars that’s for sure. That being said it means music is way more accessible. You really don’t have to please everyone or follow an outlined path. You can carve out some tiny corner of the marketplace just for yourself making whatever you want. So just do whatever you want and pray it works out.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Definitely pay attention to the Irish ‘urban’(hate that word) scene right now. You got Daire Patel, Txmmy Rose, Jafaris, Awkward Z. There’s a lot of talented heads over here, give them a look. You also got Ruby Duff who’s from the UK and a proper gem.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Been listening to a lot of Grandson, his new album Death of an Optimist is dope. Also, Slowthai’s TYRON is HEAT.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I’m working on this screenplay for a short film I’m making. It’s funny because making music often feels so personal while Screenplays are the exact opposite. You have to give voice to these characters and it can’t be yours, otherwise, they’re not ‘real’ in the way they’re supposed to be.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

My phone, specifically twitter, Coffee and a comfy couch for napping.