Whether you are unfamiliar with him or a longtime fan, nobody can deny that the musician Dustin Tebbutt has a tremendous amount of talent when it comes to writing music that touches the listener’s soul. Heralding from Australia the singer draws much of his inspiration for songs from personal experiences with his first EP The Breach being about a breakup and his debut album First Light being about the dawn of romance. Dustin Tebbutt is unusual in that all ten songs of his debut album are written, produced and recorded by the artist himself with only occasional help from a few friends. His EP The Breach was created during the midst of the Scandinavian winter and was so popular upon release that In total over 8.1 million listeners streamed 270 years’ worth of Dustin Tebbutt songs during 2016. Recently I had the privilege of interviewing Dustin Tebbutt about his life and music, so sit back, grab a hot cup of coffee and enjoy as you listen in to our conversation.
Do you come from a musical background?
I do. My parents had heaps of instruments around the house, and they never really pushed it on us, but after a stint on the piano and the drums briefly, I kind of landed on the guitar, and it kind of just felt right. My dad always played a bit and he got me started.
How old were you when you started playing music?
I’d say about 16 was when I really started trying to learn to play.. before then it was just mucking around.
Your music according to fans has the ability to “stir the soul” why do you think that is?
When I’m writing, I really try to find a lyric, or melody that captures a powerful moment or feeling.. If I’m not feeling something when I’m playing or writing the music, then I don’t usually keep the idea. Maybe that ends up translating into sounds and songs that can move people?
Are you planning a full tour in the future?
We’re looking at some stuff this year, and I’d love to do a full tour with the band, but we will just have to see how the writing goes first.
Where do you get the inspiration for your songs?
Movies, books, other artists, or digging up memories mostly. I’m just looking for that one ‘Kapow moment’ really.. and it can come from anywhere.. then from that you can build a story and song around it.
Who are some of the musicians who have inspired you?
Ah, so many! Laura Veirs is a big one, Sigur Rós, Bon Iver.. then also composers like John Williams, Max Richter. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to them.
Are you working on a new project at this time?
I’m kind of constantly writing, and then the ‘projects’ come out of that.. there’s a few new songs starting to come together, and I’m just looking at some co-writing stuff back in Sweden for a bit, it will be nice to get back to a proper winter!
What is your favourite instrument to use and how many do you play?
I really love the piano now, it’s just such an incredible sounding instrument. I’m not a great player by any means, but I love writing on that thing. I really only play guitar and sing, but I fiddle around on basically anything that makes a sound. I got a banjo recently, and I’m on the lookout for a drum kit for the studio.. just to get ideas and stuff down.
What is your favourite holiday and why?
I’m not that good at holidays, but I really love a nature adventure.. hiking, maybe some camping, with simple food and good people. I’d love to get to Yosemite NP or Alaska, just to see that kind of wilderness.
If you had to choose Star Trek or Star Wars?
Ooooh.. I’d have to say Star Wars!
For more information on Dustin Tebbutt including merch, music and tour dates check out http://www.dustintebbutt.com/
Check out the music video for Dustin Tebbutt’s hit song The Breach
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCQV7FYlwlE
