We recently connected with Dusty Roadz and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dusty, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Thinking back I would probably say when people started actually requesting me to send them my songs. I would go to these artist showcase events and get off stage to people wanting to know where they could get my music. I knew then if it was in demand I could possibly make a few dollars in the process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Mason Jar Muzik started with an idea by founding members TDubb (Producer/DJ) and Recording Artist Big City. The idea was all the best things in the South come in a Mason Jar…..why not music? Gaining a following performing at local venues around Charleston, SC eventually Big City would cross paths with fellow solo artist Dusty Roadz. Being fans of each other’s craft Dusty would soon join Big City and TDubb in “MJM”. Dusty would end up introducing a fellow he rapped with in the past, Waterboy, to the crew and the bond just grew stronger and bigger. Combining fan bases to become one super group turned out to be the best thing to happen to these guys. Waterboy, who works with and knew a few guys who played in a band, came up with the idea to have live instruments playing the music rather than a flash drive at events. Now a 7 piece band, “MJM” would go on to create a new sound and genre combining hip hop lyricism and beats with Metal influence via guitar, bass and drums. I’m essence, a more lyrical less radical Limp Bizkit. Mason Jar Muzik not only provides music, but they also run a full line of clothing and accessories. From shirts and hats to lighters, actual custom mason jars, and rolling trays….”MJM” is becoming a logo and trademark you could find in any household.
Mason Jar Muzik liked to pride themselves on being humble individuals. Unless you knew they were local superstars you would think they are just your average joe in a coffee shop. Each having families of their own they keep their values strong and never get to carries away no matter the hype level. I believe that’s what sets them apart….the ability to connect with the listeners on a even level while providing the entertainment factor. Also there just isn’t any sound like the one they bring. Often asked what genre they consider themselves as….the only logical answer is this…..”we aren’t rappers, and we aren’t rockers……we are Mason Jar Muzik”.
From 2018 to 2021, there were no limits for these guys. Some of the most memorable moments….beating 40+ other bands from all down the east coast to win 98Rocks “Battle of the Bands” and going on to open up the biggest rock festival in the Southeast Rockfest.
Opening for National Recording artist such as Jelly Roll, Nappy Roots, Colt Ford, POD, Halestorm, and Upchurch just to name a few.
The biggest thing we want the listeners and those who never heard of us to know is NEVER take no for an answer. NEVER give up on something you believe in. And ALWAYS bet on yourself. The resources and help you need are out there. Put in the work and time to achieve anything you are passionate about.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Oh boy….. definitely when COVID hit. We were on a high coming off some of the biggest shows of our career. Selling out venues and crushing competition when it just…..stopped. Literally venues and clubs stopped booking live acts. We were stifled and I’m sure depressed at the time when we got the call. Our local Performing Arts Center, who’s stage has been graced by some of the biggest artists of our lifetime such as Journey, Chicago, Hootie and the Blowfish, Styx, Taylor Swift etc….offered us to play a full set in a empty auditorium and it would be Live streamed via YouTube across the world. Definitely one of the most humbling yet exciting turn of events in our career.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Alot of people think support comes only in monetary value. That’s simply not true. Something as simple as a share or pressing a button to subscribe on an app like Youtube does wonders for starving artists. Think of it as a tree. Musicians being the base of the tree with supporters being the branches. Every time one branch grows and reaches out it will sprout more branches and limbs making it a full tree. The more an average person likes or shares a video/song etc the more that audience grows and falls upon the ears of new follower or listener. I urge everyone who reads this to find something they are into and just share it with your friends or family. That’s the biggest form of support and it comes at no cost.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.facebook.com/masonjarmuzik
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonjarmuzik
• Linkedin: @masonjarmuzik
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@masonjarmuzik2917

Image Credits
Zeppelin Studios 40oz Productions Drop Point Productions