Listen to Shelly's current favourites.

Shelly Hughes is an established solo performer and co-frontwoman for CBD Dub Project.

1. Which 5 tunes would you say are 'so hot right now' and why?
uno- 'Balance' Sara Tavares. She's a Portugese singer with a song that makes me happy every time.
dos- 'Jolene' Ray laMontagne. I get the feeling he doesnt like people. he does music for himself. And he's beautiful.
tres- 'Midnight Marauders' Fat Freddy's Drop. Sweet lord above I love this song.
quatro- Things from the Island Vibes festival---- like Mr Laneous singing 'Searing Life' or 'Good thing mummah'.I saw him support Saritah and I couldnt understand a word he sang, but he has my heart in a jar around his neck for more time to come yet.
cinco- 'Hate on Me' Jill Scott. Poets with balls.

2. Which music genre do you prefer to play?
I like to sing funk music. I like gettin loud and funkin it up. But when people are really listening- I love to sit in a corner and play my guitar and sing sweet little love songs. And when other people want to join in- thats where the reggae and the dub comes out. Sweet harmonies all night long.

3. Do you write and play your own music? 
Yes. I teach singing at Hothouse. I head there early and sit down at the piano and let stuff fall out of me. Sometimes it's good and I cant stop singing and sometimes its just falling. But I love it. There are no rules.
Then my songs translate to my guitar playing and then to band members, and evolution occurs.
I hope to record some of my favourites again soon.

4. What can I expect from a CBD Dub Project gig?
CBD is an organic, growing, changing landscape of musos and the songs are composed and arranged by Reuben (aka booby, Boobster, Boohooben). The band are beautiful, talented, fun lovin chicks and dudes. You can expect to see Sonia Leeson and I harmonizing and loving the joy of singing together.
Expect unique, original dub. Horns, rappin, fat bass lines and things that sound like aliens have landed.
You can expect to close your eyes and dance and have fun.

5. What is your favourite thing to do in Byron Bay?
Drink coffee at the Blues Fest. Latte with chocolate on top in one hand, a ... in the other and someone like Raul Midon in front of me. That's a picture of me happy.

Shelly's album Azucar is out now. Have a listen on her Myspace.