SHORTSTRAW. RETURNS WITH FIERY NEW SINGLE ‘MOTOROLA’
Coventry-based songwriter, rapper and artist shortstraw. launches into 2026 with her new single ‘motorola’, released today.
Fronted by Erin West, the project blends punk urgency with grime influences, pairing sharp wit with a streak of hometown frustration. Known for her visceral live performances, shortstraw. delivers high-impact energy laced with tongue-in-cheek lyricism and nods to 90s and 00s pop culture.
‘motorola’ captures that spirit in full. Written, recorded and performed in a single night at a Premier Inn in Exeter while on tour with Sleaford Mods, the track was created alongside bandmate and producer Leo White.
“The instrumental Leo made is a mix of loud donks and distorted guitars. The old school 2000s classic ‘hello moto’ ringtone from the infamous Motorola flip phone is sampled heavily throughout the song, and referenced in the temperamental hook ‘i think i might flip like a motorola’.”
At its core, the track channels irritation and defiance. “This is purely just a song about getting annoyed by people around you who are doing way too much, and having no problem displaying how you feel — even if that goes against what everyone else is on: ‘flip you off and stand alone’,” she adds, noting its explosive impact in a live setting.
