Well, he’s made his decision and he isn’t turning back.
Dusty Gray, the 29-year-old long time lead singer of the hugely popular Dusty Gray Band has flipped the switch and is heading to Nashville to chase the dream.
And why not? He’s a rock star after all. Has been for nearly a decade in these parts. Watch him play and you see what a full on star looks like on stage. How he plays to the crowd, how he curls his countrified accent, how he leads his band and delivers his songs about blue moons, rivers and barroom beauty queens.
But Dusty was at a crossroad, a place in time when everything pointed south. He could stick around these parts, sure. But then again, he really can’t. It’s his time to travel to a place far from anything familair and test his lumber, to stand against other titans from other country music worlds and let them see what a man from the “603” can do with a pen and a guitar.
Sound Check wanted to say thanks to Dusty and find out some of the reasons behind his big decision.
So how long had you been mulling the move to Nashville? Is it all just part of the game plan or is there a natural need for you to test yourself off your home field?
I would say a few years now. I’ve been writing down there for three years and every time I’m there I don’t want to come home. I also think there is a natural need to test yourself, as you said.
Does that test come in the form of creativity only? Does Nashville bring out a different side of Dusty Gray?
Every time I’m in Nashville it does bring out a different side. I try to push myself to be in the same league as some of the players in town. It’s like L.A. and actors, everyone plays music in Nashville. You just have to try and stand out.
How did the band members take your decison to leave town, virtually ending the Dusty Gray Band? At least for the time being.
The boys have been together in the Jordan Terrell-Wysocki trio playing. Going to Nashville is an experience that is not meant for everyone. They’re my brothers in battle and wish them the best.
The loss of the Dusty Gray Band will leave a significant hole in the Concord music community. What bands do you hear that could help fill that void?
There are a lot of great musicians in town, too many that I’m gonna forget. Pat & the Hats, Delanie Pickering, Ron Noyes, Matt Poirier, Rippin E Brakes . . . the list goes on and on. Again, way to many for me to name.
Lets get back to Tennessee. Are you hoping to get more involved with writing songs for others or reinventing Dusty Gray as a live solo performer?
I hope to be able to do both. Writing songs is something I love doing but getting on that stage is an equal thrill. I will be focusing on writing and putting together a group and start to get my name out there again.
What are some of your fondest memories as a N.H. musician through the years?
From starting out at the Green Street Community Center to Market Days and opening for Willie Nelson at the Capital Center to the Green Martini. We have been very lucky throughout the years opening for major acts, and some of them have been in our home state; there’s no better feeling.
Anything you would like to say to all your fans from New Hampshire that has been supporting you and the band for so many years?
You know, I always said, we can’t do what we do unless they do what they do. We have such a loyal fan base and we are so lucky to have them. I also like to thank our families and significant others, without them we also wouldn’t be able to do what we do. I’d like to thanks Rich and Toni Morenan, who helped the band get its start. Rich got this country bumpkin in the door and I’ll never forget that. I’d like to add that the 603 is my home and will always be home. “Live Free or Die.”
