Full
Name
Dustin
Michael Hensley
Age
27
Hometown
|| Currently Live
Holladay,
TN // Nashville, TN
What
made you want to start singing/writing?
When I
was little, I was always telling these elaborate stories. Always making things
up- basically telling bold faced lies. So my folks quickly guided me to use my
powers for good instead of evil! And it just morphed into songwriting. I’m a
really happy go lucky type guy and nothing ever really bothers me. So to be
able to step outside of myself and create characters with all types of stories
and backlines is a really fun thing to do.
Do you
play any instruments? Did you teach yourself?
Piano!
Mainly because everyone else played guitar, and I wanted to be different. I
technically know how to play guitar-
but I hurt my hand pretty bad in high school and I can’t hold a fret right.
Who are
your biggest musical inspirations?
That’s
like asking who my favorite Judd is! This is almost impossible. There are so
many. I love all types of music and I’m inspired by it all. I guess for the
sake of this question I’m going to go with George Jones. I remember being 7
years old at a horse sale in Scotts Hill, TN, and we were waiting in line to
get a burger and “Bartenders Blues” came on the radio- it stopped me dead in my
tracks. I knew right then and there that this is what I was going to do.
Where do
you get inspiration to write?
Honestly-
I write most everything in the shower. I have a really hard time focusing on
anything, and I guess that’s the only place that I’m not distracted. Or driving- I’m real productive when I’m
driving.
Do you
have a favorite song that you’ve written or co-written?
This is
probably cliche to say, but my single “Don’t Call It A Night” is my baby right
now. You only get one chance at a first impression and this song is exactly
what I’ve always pictured my first single to sound like. I wrote it with a best
friend of mine, Scott Stevens, and it’s really awesome to be able to share all
this with him.
What
moment in your career is your favorite thus far?
Right
now! I’ve been fortunate enough to do some really cool things lately. We’ve
been doing a bunch of press, radio interviews, etc. I’v been preparing for this
my whole life and to see it finally coming to fruition is really exciting.
Finish
this sentence, If I could write a song for or with anyone I would choose….?
The
Avett Brothers. If you don’t know them, get to know their work and their music.
The most intricate and beautiful way of songwriting I’ve ever heard in my life.
They’re incredible.
If I
could sing a song with anyone I would choose….?
Lee Ann
Womack. She’s such a storyteller and the way she sings- good God. I have every
one of her records. She could sing me a Readers Digest and I’d think it was
brilliant.
Where do
you see yourself in a year?
Goodness,
I don’t even know what I’m doing this afternoon. The record should be done and
out by then, and we’ll be on the road continuing to tell our story. This is all
I’ve ever wanted to do and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m so excited
for the future and I’m going to do my best to take it all in and enjoy it.
5 years?
I have a
lot of friends who are artists, and we’re all either just coming out with
music, or currently on tour now. I hope that we’re all still doing it. This
business is so crazy and it can all get ripped away from you in an instant. I
hope that we’re still in it together and supporting each other. Without friends
and family, nothing else matters.
If I
wasn’t a singer/songwriter I would be…?
I used
to be obsessed with being a whale trainer after watching Free Willy everyday
for 2 years, so I’d like to think I’d be doing something cool like that. I’ve
also always thought I’d be really good at the CIA.
I’m
afraid of…?
I’m
going to give you one answer, but with two explanations.
I’m
terrified of sleeping naked. I don’t know how people do it.
1) What
if a tornado comes and your house gets blown away and there you are butt naked
in the yard when the news truck comes? Then what?
2) What
if someone breaks into your house at night? I just feel like fighting someone
while naked would be awkward.
I never
get tired of…?
My
friends. I really do have the greatest friends in the world. They’re terrible
and crude, and wild, and the most amazing folks in the world.
What is
one thing people may not know about you?
I’m
basically royalty. Every year there is a bluegrass festival in my hometown
called the “Old Time Bluegrass and Fiddlers Jamboree,” and I was the first
“Little Mr. Bluegrass.” Bow down.
What
does the rest of 2015 look like for you? More new music? Festivals? Etc.
So much
is happening. Radio station visits, a bunch of shows scheduled, continuing to
work on the record, etc. You can keep up with everything at
www.dustinhensleymusic.com. There are links to all my social accounts!
I N H A L E T H E M U S I C