Chris Webby admits he's wanted to visit Australia since he was a kid

Connecticut rapper Chris Webby is one of the most influential independent rap artists’ today. Continuing to invest in himself and his love of music, the rapper has been working hard honing in on his craft revealing that his new album will be the best he’s made to date. 

We sit down with Chris Webby as he talks about what we can expect from his Aussie shows, how he’s wanted to visit Australia since he was a kid and how grateful he is for the support of his fans. 

You're coming to Australia, what can fans expect from your show?

Performing is something I’ve been doing for a very long time now, and I give it my all every time I hit the stage. It’s an authentic hiphop show, but there’s definitely a rock and roll element to it. The chemistry I have with my DJ and drummer is insane after all the time we’ve spent on the road together. We all plan on going extra hard out there for our first adventure in Australia too. Whether you’re familiar with my music or not, I guarantee that you’ll have a good time.

What are you most looking forward to doing when you get here?

Initially, I imagine I’ll need to get my body clock somewhat oriented with the sudden time change. I’ve never been outside the US/Canada for shows before so I’m sure there will be a slight adjustment period needed. But I can’t wait to soak up the culture and sights, I’ve wanted to get to Australia since I was a little kid. I couldn’t be more excited.

You're gearing up to release your new album, could you tell us what will be different from this one in comparison to your other music?

I’ve matured a lot in the past couple years, and have really honed in on perfecting my craft. I think it shows through the music. I would confidently say this is my best body of work to date, and I think most people who have been following my music would agree.

Do you remember the first thing you purchased with rap money?

As an independent artist, I’ve spent my entire career reinvesting the majority of what I make back into everything I’m doing. It’s an expensive job, and I’ve never been signed to a major label or had outside financial backing. I’ve basically been betting on myself since the beginning. With that said, I did get a 2012 Camaro when it first came out and recently finished paying it off. Gotta treat yourself sometimes, right?

You are quite personal with your fans, is there one moment that took your breath away?

When I hear fans say that my music prevented them from taking their own life it always kind of stuns me. I make music as my own personal method of working things out in my head and venting. To see that it affects others so deeply is crazy, but I’m glad I’ve been able to help so many kids get back on the right path. It’s also wild seeing fans get tattoos of my lyrics and logos/album artwork on them. There’s a guy in the Midwest who’s been working on a whole Chris Webby themed sleeve. Trips me out to think about, but I appreciate the love. As much as I’m there for my fans, they don’t even realise how much their support means to me. They keep me going through the rough patches when I’ve felt like throwing in the towel out of frustration and depression. It’s a symbiotic relationship, and I do my best to hold them down and keep them happy.

You're an advocate for protecting nature, is there one landscape in Oz you can't wait to see?

I’ve wanted to explore the ecosystems of Australia since I was a kid watching nature documentary after nature documentary on tv. You guys have some of the coolest and most unique wildlife on the planet, and it’s my mission to see as much of it as I can while I’m out there. The outback has always fascinated me, but I’d also love to see the coastal areas as well. The news of the Great Barrier Reef’s declining health has depressed the hell out of me, and I’m hoping to get over there to scuba dive while there’s still time. The world needs to take notice of such a globally catastrophic trend and start working towards correcting our course. Nature is suffering greatly across the board, and many of our most majestic creatures and habitats are teetering on the brink of extinction and destruction. Beyond music, it’s always been my life goal to do something to help the environment in any way possible. 

Catch Chris at one of his national Australian tour here.