Today we’d like to introduce you to Dusty Saxton.
Hi Dusty, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a small town in Texas and became a musician at a young age. After graduating high school, life events and the people around me value happiness in life. I knew I wouldn’t be happy unless I was at least pursuing being a professional musician. My senior year in high school I opened a record store with my friends and operated a small record label out of it for a year. I knew making a living in the music business was a possibility and the thought of abandoning the pursuit just because I lived in a small town in Texas was a very depressing thought. I couldn’t live that way. I would rather fail than never try. So, I dropped out of music college and joined my first rock band for 4 years. Struggled after that learning how to become an “independent drummer.” I learned how to make a freelance career out of your talent. I built a website, made videos, marketed myself to Artists and bands instead of fans. I grew my network until I knew everything happening in town and could pick and choose my gigs or recommend a friend. That led to me eventually getting my current gig of the last 10 years with Granger Smith.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being in a rock band in your early 20s. Being intentionally Homeless/couch surfing/sleeping in cars to save money. Staying passionate and focused on the dream.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known primarily today as the touring drummer for Granger Smith. I have toured with Granger for 10 years across the entire US visiting every state and southern Canada at least twice a year.
Some people (especially in Ohio) might know me as the drummer for Evans Blue circa 2012.
Prior to that, there were too many bands to list that you’ve definitely never heard of. I also have produced a handful of Texas bands and artists. Some of these projects are some of what I’m most proud of. My 2-year goal is to build my own studio to continue producing music.
What sets me apart from other Drummers is that I was hired for my originality. I wasn’t hired to simply be a drum machine. I also pursued my drummer career basically out of desperation as a 20-year-old kid suffering from his own undiagnosed ADD in a dead-end job life. Drums was my most natural first talent I knew I would have the best chance at success with. So, I went out and pursued it and turned my talent and hobby into a career. And since surviving the pandemic music biz shutdown, hopefully, a lifelong career.
I don’t really like doing drum interviews with drum companies. I’d rather inspire people to pursue what they love and encourage freelancers in all fields to not give up. I like to encourage musicians and drummers to support their local music stores and drum shops instead of pursuing endorsement deals that cut out those local shops.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Find your absolute ultimate passion. The thing you want to do forever. Then don’t stop pursuing it. Don’t even allow yourself to think about giving up. Turn 1 year into 4. Turn 4 into 8. 8 into 12. This week actually is 15 years since the week I moved away to pursue my dream and I’ve achieved every dream I ever had in high school. (Even the unrealistic ones like playing drums on TV). My fear of giving up was always stronger than any hardship I faced.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/dustysaxton
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dustyfsaxton
- Youtube: youtube.com/dustysaxton
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRdAfLxw/
Image Credits
Paul De La Cerda
