Interview with Dustybonez

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?    

  My dad taught my brothers how to play and they in turn taught me and I ended up being the songwriter of the group. Music pulled me through some tough times and some deep depression and helped me process my feelings, so I don't know where I would be without it.What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity? 

  I like to do a lot of hiking and enjoy nature... I love to travel and try to help and encourage people through the music.How long has your band been around? 

I had a band with my brothers, my cousins and a friend from school and we played out of high school.. then reformed later on and traveled every weekend for over a decade. The band dissolved and I have been on my own as dustybonez for the last 5 or so years.Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?  I am out of Bay City, MI. I grew up on welfare...single mother with 7 kids, so life was a struggle... so my passion is to bring people hope.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you? 

  dustybonez has been my nickname since I was young, so when I set out on my own, it seemed right.Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Wow... I've had so many. I got to play with Newworldson, which is a band I love and admire. The most memorable have to be the ones where people come up after and share their stories... share their heart and their struggles. That is very special to me.What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

  I love to play festivals. I love any venue where people are  there to really listen to the music and you have an intimate experience with them. My dream venues would have to be the Ryman or the red rocks!If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

  I would loved to have played with Tom Petty. I'd love to play with Zach Williams, Needtobreathe,  The great Willie Nelson, amongst others. I love to share the stage with Noah Ray Tatum...we have some great shows and adventures!What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Stay true to yourself and play what makes you happy all while taking it seriously and strive for greatness!If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be? 

  Quit fooling around and take it seriously!Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

  I have an upcoming single called "Olivia Smiles" about my daughter and her battles with depression and anxiety and her attempted suicides and as a dad just wanting her to be happy again. By the way, she is doing awesome and is striving and happy!Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most? My song "Breathe" always goes over well as well as my version of "John The Revelator"What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

   Inspiration comes from different things but always is soaked in my love for Jesus even though they may not be religious songs.What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

  I strive to bring a message of hope in this crazy world...to help people who struggle with depression, mental health, addiction etc.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

  It's just me but I argue with myself sometimes lolWhat are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is comingbup?

  My goal is to keep grinding...keep writing/recording/performing until the world hears my music. My new single "Back To Start" drops October 18th on all platforms.  It was recorded in Nashville at Castle Studio and produced by Dove Award winning producer, Kene "Ghost" Bell. I feel it's somebof my best stuff yet!