1.Growing Up
I spent a lot of time on the farm as a kid, hearing lots of hymns and Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. I think where I grew up is a huge part of who I am as a musician. Everyone was so supportive of me learning and growing, and when you really care about the people around you, you find yourself inspired to sing about everything.
2.Inspirations
Nahko Bear, Xavier Rudd. They’re the brothers who inspire me to be a better musician. My favourite sounds are those of nature. My favourite songs are those of the heart. There’s a lot of that power and passion and meditative energy in their music. It’s nice to be surrounded by passionate songwriters. It keeps the pen sharp and the heart strong.
3.Your Band
I always just show up with a guitar and if the right players are around we can make a band on the spot. I love spontaneity and keeping it fresh.
4.The Music You Make
I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by lots of amazing artists. I’ve been hanging out with Byron’s rising star Ziggy Alberts heaps and last year I played Spirit Fest out in Bali with Xavier Rudd – we were able to raise over $20,000 for Project Clean Uluwatu. Other than that, I’ve been touring with Nahko Bear for the last couple of years and that’s been such an inspiring adventure. This year is all about recording. I recorded a record with some great Australian musicians, Bobby Alu and Shannon Green (Kingfisha) at the beginning of the year, and eventually will come through Oz with a band and rock some roots-reggae action to get the people moving. This tour is all about the sing-along. Just my voice, a guitar and beat-box. It’s gonna be a party.
5.Music, Right Here, Right Now
The music scene is golden from where I see it. There are a lot of progressive and conscious roots musicians out there right now. Lots of amazing collaborations and bands all over are raising the bar to make more honest and genuine music. I love it. Byron has an amazing music scene right now with some of the best singer-songwriters out there. I saw Ziggy Alberts and Kyle Lionheart the other weekend and I cried it was so beautiful. There’s a folk revival happening and the best place to see it is out there in the shire.
Hear Dustin Thomas atOne Spirit Tribe along with Markandeya, Chad Wilkins, Rob Weber, Vaani and more atPaddington Uniting Church onSaturday March 14.
