Today we’d like to introduce you to Dustin Williams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was growing up, my family had a piano in the house that I would tinker on, often trying to plunk out theme songs from movies or TV shows. I never took any formal lessons on piano but I did try my hand at the clarinet in the 4th grade. I quickly decided it wasn’t for me and promptly quit playing music for the next three or so years. However, when I hit 13 I started listening to more music in a new way and got really into Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Sly Stone, and The Beatles. Pretty much everything I listened to was considered old-school at that point but I realized that all the bands I listened to had one thing in common that stood out to me: great bass players! In addition, many of my friends at the time were starting to pick up guitar or drums but few of them chose the bass, so I knew I would have an easier time getting into a band.
Come high-school age, I got involved with as many bands, jams, and music-related activities as I could. I got to play real shows at real venues, play in the jazz band, take guitar and theory classes, and be in the men’s chorus and numerous school productions. I was, and still am, privileged and supported immensely; there’s no doubt about that. Eventually, I started having interest in things like session work and song-writing and by the time I graduated, I had gained a little experience in the professional realm of music in the studios and venues of Atlanta and Nashville.
In 2011, I met and befriended Parry Kitt (still one of the greatest singers and humans I have ever known) at KSU and joined his band. Over the next ten years, I had the opportunity to record albums, tour the US (Warped Tour 2012), tour the UK, meet some of the greats, form a label, and so much more. The band went through line-up changes, a name/brand change, and overcame many obstacles. I learned a lot about life and music over that time. I also made many friends and professional connections with whom I still work now. Since 2017, I’ve been teaching bass and guitar both privately and at School of Rock, as well as working as a freelance bass/guitar player with various artists in and around Atlanta. I am also a member of several original bands in the Atlanta area (Casual Cadenza, HeyDreamer, Truett Lollis, Phodago, Shishito, Clockwork Pioneer) and most recently, I started playing live with The Future Babes and The Pussywillows.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ha! There have been many…sleepless nights in sketchy hotels or the backseats of tour vans, inconsistent hours, breakdowns of the mental, emotional, and automobile type, to name a few. I’ve lost money, equipment, and relationships all in the pursuit of this ridiculous venture. Bands have fallen apart, tour has literally almost killed me multiple times, and a pandemic turned this industry upside down. But…
I. JUST. CAN’T. STOP.
It’s an impulse. A NEED. It helps me make sense of existence and find purpose. We get maybe 80 years if we’re lucky? I wanna spend that time doing the things I love. And sometimes that means doing things I hate. So bet it.
But don’t get me wrong. I have been exceedingly fortunate to be able to even have the opportunity to do this at any level. There are many struggles I have not had to face that many of my peers did and still do. I am ultimately only here because of the love, support, and kindness I have received from my many friends and my family. I feel that I owe them all my best and if that means a little struggle is the price, I will gladly pay it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
These days my primary work is a mix of teaching, gigging, and studio sessions. Though I play both bass and guitar, the former is my main love and what I play most. I’d say if I’m known for anything, it’s being in a fuck-ton of bands, haha. I love playing live! The connection to people on and off the stage, the risk of messing up, my Aguilar rig moving some serious air, I love it all! It’s such a thrill to share that with other people. Music is a wonderful language and I feel like I can say so much more with it than I can ever say with words.
I’m proud of a lot of the things I’ve been able to do but the two main ones that mean most to me are the records I’ve been able to play on and the students I’ve been privileged to teach. As for the records, whether they were my originals or material written by or with my peers, every single one I’ve played on means the world to me. Maybe because it’s something tangible that I can listen to and say “I helped make that. Maybe I do exist.” I don’t know, kinda sounds selfish when I write it out. But I don’t do it because I want to just hear myself. If that was the case, bass would be a poor choice of instrument, eh? It’s a “social instrument.” Its roots are in support and teamwork. I try to write and play lines with the intent of making the group stronger as a whole. Sometimes it means throwing in a cheeky fill. Other times it means not playing anything. And I love that. As for the students, my priority is and will always be helping them find the joy in music. Do I want them to practice and have good technique and understand the logical aspects of playing? Absolutely! But I also want them to have fun and appreciate it. To express themselves and find comfort. I started playing because it brought me happiness and gave me purpose. Knowing that I can give someone else that same chance is an honor and a responsibility that must be respected.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Yes! Two records recently dropped that I would recommend all the readers to check out:
Cosmic Trash by Gamma Star, and Dances In Wonderland by HeyDreamer. I’ll be upfront in saying that I played bass on a few of the tracks from each record so of course I’m personally invested. But more importantly, the people behind them are some of the most talented, hard-working, intelligent, honest, and down-right incredible humans I have ever known. Dylan Hansen (Gamma Star) and Melody Kiser (HeyDreamer) put everything they had into those records and you can be sure that every song has something meaningful to offer. Please, PEASE, give them a full listen.
I’m also really excited about a new record coming from The Future Babes that I got to play bass on and for the album that my jam-band Casual Cadenza is currently working on in the studio, so keep an eye on those two bands.
Shameless plug: If you need bass/guitar on a record or for a gig, or if you are interested in lessons, give me a shout!
Pricing:
- Lessons: $60/hr (Zoom, $50/hr)
- Remote session: $125/track (includes two full passes)
- In-studio session: $100/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: dustintsc@gmail.com
- Website: jammcard.com/dwillibassman
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwillibassman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwillibassman
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiWVKBZ578MORMLuj99l_Zg
Image Credits:
Nichols Jude McElroy, Jen Klask, Meg Hamm
