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Rebecca Robin AKA Ruby Kush has released a new video – Only You  – from her EP, Stardust.

The video features an iconic location in Christchurch – Bronski’s Dairy – and Rebecca felt compelled to honour the dairy, as it was a mainstay for the LGBTQI community for many years.

She spoke to us about the video and her music.

What was the process involved in the song and the accompanying video?

So, the creative process for the song was that I was working with another songwriter, and I came up with the lyrics to ‘Only You’ and I just ran with it. The video happened because I wanted to pay tribute to the Rainbow Community in which I was raised, and Bronski’s Dairy was a big part of the rainbow community back in the 90s and so it’s really a tribute to all the rainbow people I knew and those who have passed.

Was the Rainbow Community a big part of your upbringing?

My mum actually managed a lesbian band called ‘In Limbo’ and the LGBTQI community was really a big part of my life. In the 90s though, it was a difficult time for the community and so Bronski’s was really a safe haven.

When did you first discover music?

When I was about three – I wrote my first song with Jacky Sinclair-Phillips when I was about five years old. She was a massive part of the Pasifika and Māori performing arts community. I actually started rapping at that age.

And you continued on in music?

I actually ended up in classical music. I was in the Christchurch Girls Chamber Choir and went to the School of Music, so I went down a very traditional route. But I went through a depression when I was older, and I didn’t sing for quite a few years.

How did you come out of that?

It was a long journey – but when I lost my Whāngai sister, I realised – with her passing – that I needed to use my gifts and my talents. I realised that I couldn’t keep hiding away with anxiety, because I didn’t want to get to the end of my life and think’ I wish I had done what I loved’.  I’ve only really started singing publicly in the last few years.

What does singing do for you?

It definitely elevates chemicals in my brain! For me, it’s the purest form of expression.

How have you found the arts community here?

Initially I found certain scenes quite difficult, and I thought maybe a little snobbish, but on reflection I understand that that can stem from anxiety – a lot of artists do have anxiety. After Covid, I’ve found Christchurch to be a very supportive place, because there was more funding, but perhaps more importantly because I’ve reached out for opportunities as well. Everyone needs to look for those opportunities.

And you were part of the Toi Ōtautahi Incubator Programme?

Last year I was in the group mentor programme and it was incredible. I learnt a huge amount – we had producer Greg Haver as the mentor, and he was amazing. I think also having Toi Ōtautahi (the website) share my work led to opportunities as well. After I was featured in the newsletter, the NZ Music Commision noticed me, and I think that exposure just elevated my platform tenfold.

How has the reception to your music been?

It’s been incredible. I think I’ve had lots of work out of it, so that’s been amazing.

What’s your next project?

I’m wanting to do an eight-track album and I’m wanting to theme it around Christchurch pre and post-earthquake. The songs aren’t necessarily about the ground literally shaking, but they have a connection. I want to put a lot of te reo Māori into this project.

Has making music made the last few years better for you?

Yes, it has. The EP was about walking out of the darkness into the light and it’s a living piece and I am a lot happier than I was. I’m glad I’ve stuck with my art and really committed to it. I didn’t want to come to the end of my life and think I wish I tried. I still get nerves, but music makes me happy.

You can find Rebecca here at Ruby Kush Music NZ