Hey Dustin! So excited to be chatting with you! You just released your new single “If I’m Bein’ Honest” & it’s awesome! It’s so catchy & relatable!! I love it!! What do you hope your supporters will think of the new song?
Thank you so much. We had a lot of fun recording it, and I think (and hope) others will hear that. The melody is super catchy and I think it’s a cool twist on a story that’s been told before. We’ve gotten great reaction from it every time we play it live, so I hope that’s some good indication.
Can you tell us the backstory of this song? Is it from a real experience?
I was pitched this song about a year ago, and I related to it from the very first line haha. I was going through a similar situation at that time and I think everyone has at some point or another. It’s a tale as old as time haha.
You also have more music coming out in 2019!! Can you spill any details on what your supporters can look forward to next year?!?
It’s such a cool time in music right now. There are no rules. All that to say, I’ve been writing and recording for a little over a year now and instead of going through the motions of a “proper” record or EP format, we’re going to release new music when we feel like it. Probably a new song a month, or maybe 2 a month. Regardless, lots of new music next year.
Do you have a creative say in your music? Did you help write all your new songs?
Totally. Probably too much haha. I’ve had more fun in the last year than I have had the entire time I’ve been doing music. One of my best friends, Tripp Weir, produced “If I’m Bein’ Honest” and all of the upcoming music. We would lock ourselves in his studio around 10am every day (quickly moving from Starbucks to whiskey) and throw things at the wall until something stuck. We threw all the rules that “the music business” tells you to follow out the door and we just had fun. I always say this phrase “if it feels good, do it,” and that’s exactly what we did. We wrote so many of the things we’ve always wanted to write, and put all of our influences into the songs. I’m really excited for folks to hear it.
Where did your love of music come from?
Growing up there was always music being played. My parents are fantastic singers, and it was always a constant. I truly learned how to sing harmony in the backseat listening to Blackhawk and Little Texas and Alabama. Then growing up singing in the church of course, it was even more present. But I remember hearing George Jones’ version of Bartender’s Blueswhen I was around 11 or so, and I knew then that this is what I was going to do.
What’s it feel like to be releasing your own original music?
Scary haha. But really exciting. To have something so tangible but so intricate come out and be created that was originally a small thought in your head – it’s really crazy when you think about it. But we’ve worked really hard on this and I’m pumped to put it out into the world.
Will there be a music video for your new single? If so, can you tell us about the concept of the video 🙂
It’ll be out November 16th! The day the single comes out. It’s really cheesy and I love it haha. That’s all I can say.
Is there anyone you want to thank that’s helped you get to where you are today?
Gosh, so many people. This reminds me of something that happened the other day. I was doing another interview and they were asking if it was hard at the beginning to pursue music since sometimes folks may not believe in you, or say that you should do something easier. And that’s been the total opposite for me. My family is so supportive, my friends gas me up all the time, and I have just been so lucky to have the best people around me to work with. I mean yeah, I’ve had some tough breaks and I’ve lost more deals than most people get. But I feel like I’ve finally found “my people” and getting another shot. I’ve never been more excited about the future.
What do you think makes your fan community/fandom different from others?
Wait. I HAVE FANS?! Haha. I’ll put it this way, of the 12 people who may know who I am, I think (or I hope, rather) that they know I’m just like them and they feel like we’re cousins or something. I’m just a dude from a really small town in West Tennessee that got an idea in his head to go and try to make the impossible happen. I’ve gotten to do some really cool things and I don’t take it for granted. So if anything and I’m determined for this to always be a thing, that my people know they’re my people and we’re in this together.
How would you describe your fans? – what’s three words you would use to describe your fans?
My favorite quality in a person is loyalty, and they’ve definitely been that. That’s all I can ask for.
Do you have any preshow rituals that help you get pumped up to meet your supporters?
Uh, nothing too crazy. As far as getting ready for a show, I try to keep talking as much to a minimum as I can, and keep a lot of water / hot tea around. And ALWAYS have to have Dentyne Fire gum. I swear by it for interviews and singing. It makes you slobber a lot and keeps your vocal chords good and ready haha. But talking to folks, I don’t need anything to pump me up. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Are you planning any shows to promote your new music?
We have some things planned starting next year and will hopefully be announcing those dates soon!
What is it like performing in front of your fans?
It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do, so anytime I get the chance I treat it like it’s my last. There’s no better feeling than being on stage.
What’s something your fans don’t know about you?
I like to think I’m a pretty open book, so I don’t know that I have any secrets. My first thought is that I love cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, but if you follow my Insta around Christmas time, you already know that haha.
What do you want your fans to know if they ever see you in public?
To come say hey!
Why do you think social media is so important for artists like yourself?
I think it’s blessing and a curse if I’m being honest. HA. See what I did there? I love how it’s able to connect us to people all around the world, but I also think it’s easy to let it effect you negatively. That’s not what you asked I know, but I don’t think it’s as important as some may think it is. It definitely can help though, and people have made huge careers from it.
Any last things you want to tell your supporters?
Oh, man. Just that I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to care. Every stream, share, buy – it all helps and makes the world of difference. I couldn’t ask for a nicer life.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview!
Thank you!! This was great.
