A Dirty Dozen with ROB SHINER – February 2026

We get Rob Shiner to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

This latest batch is a blend of fresh tracks and some older ideas I finally got around to finishing. A few of them have been around in the vault for a minute, so I’m really hoping people will dig into some of my newer ideas like “Riot” is one I’m especially excited for people to hear because it’s one I had fun stepping out of my comfort zone for.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Music is just part of life for pretty much everybody, it’s hard not for it to be into our life on some level. For me, it really clicked when I was about 14. I got my hands on Fruity Loops and started messing around with my brother’s turntables. That was the moment I went from just listening to actually wanting to create my own stuff.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

There wasn’t one specific song, album, or artist that shaped my taste, it was more of a mix. I’ve always been drawn to hip-hop and rap, but rock was in there too. I just love a solid jam, whatever the style. Listening to a wide range of music growing up let me experiment and pull from different vibes, which is why my stuff today blends those influences.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

If I could really call in anyone else besides my AK-19 fam it would probably be Post. Really, he just seems like a genuinely fun, chill guy to hang with, his ability to blend genres is really inspiring, which I think would be perfect for what I’m doing. Of course, I’d love to have a song with the Prince of Darkness himself but also even Halsey herself because she’s got an in-depth strong style. In reality I’m really open to making songs with anyone.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

Well in all honesty, I really just love being outdoors. Hiking is a big one for me, I love getting up in the hills I was born in, I like breathing the fresh air. I’m such a lucky guy for being born in the beautiful Black Hills. So, four-wheeling is a great part of my life, I am lucky to have things that keep me grounded.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

If someone has never heard of me before, I’d say it’s a hybrid of rap / hip-hop infused with rock. I really can’t say I’m locked into just one lane. Don’t get me wrong, there really are times where I’m locked into a feeling. I really just try and do things I am happy about and will help me with what I’m going through.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Since it’s just me flying solo, I wear all the hats pre say. But when I’m out with AK19 crew I’m the cook, grilling is my thing. There’s something about firing up the grill, throwing on some meat, and just letting it go. Drinks? Definitely was me, I used to love me some shine and whiskey. 

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Meeting Ozzy Osbourne in California and getting his autograph. I was straight-up starstruck. Huge fan. Still one of my favorite moments.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

For me, the best part is knowing someone out there is listening to a song I wrote and it’s actually meaning something to them. Hearing that track got me through a rough time or seeing people sing along that’s the payoff. And yeah, it’s basically free therapy. Pouring everything into lyrics and beats helps me process life way better than anything else. If music weren’t an option anymore, I’d want to be a software engineer. I like figuring out how things work, building stuff from scratch, and making it run smoothly. It’s a different kind of flow state, but I think I’d enjoy it.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

That’s a hard one for me to answer because I’m still fresh and haven’t done many interviews yet. I’ll get back to you on that question.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

If I could go back and change one thing, it’d be to never let the gaps happen between releases. I wish I’d kept the music coming out steadily, like I’m doing these days. There were periods where I’d finish something, put it out, then kind of disappear for a bit. Looking back, I see how keeping that consistent flow would’ve been huge. But honestly, it’s the only thing I’d redo, everything else I’m good with.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

If I could teleport back to any recording session, it’d be Ozzy Osbourne’s No More Tears. That album is massive to me huge riffs, killer songs like “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and the title track, and just that perfect mix of heavy and melodic. I’d love to be a fly on the wall, watching how they actually put it together, seeing Zakk Wylde’s insane guitar work up close, and just soaking in all the craziness that was around Ozzy at that time. It’d be wild to observe how something that iconic came to life.

ROB SHINER LINKS:

FACEBOOK

X – TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews