We were lucky to catch up with Dustin Garrett recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dustin , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.
I was lucky enough to always have a “boss” that trusted me and backed me up. I would say out of all the bosses I worked with daily, I will put Don Caldwell at the top of that list. Known as the “Godfather of Lubbock Music” he defined the “Lubbock” sound in the 1970’s and 1980’s by recording some of the most well known Texas Country records of the time. He always inspired young artists by mentoring them until they branched out onto broader horizons, but he always made sure that he stayed in touch with all artists he had worked with over the years. He’s one of the best men I’ve ever known, and I call him 2nd Dad.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I got into the music business at a very young age of 2. My family was traveling the country circuit and I was there to soak it all in. I picked up the guitar at 7 and never looked back. There’s something to be said about practicing and being dedicated…those moments spent in my music room instead of in a summer pool or playing contact sports played out well in my favor. I was professionally singing and performing by age 5 and continued to perform in many large format plays and productions around the Texas region. I was asked to be a guest artist on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville when I was 10, and also released my first full length album at 13. It has led me through a maze of different facets that the music biz entails. I was sculpted to the knowledge of live sound production and lighting design in my teens, and learned how to lead a band/travel on tour right out of high school. Tour managing came next, and I finally settled down from 2011-2016 in Lubbock as the Music Director and Manager of the Cactus Theater in Lubbock. I have traveled with various groups, but currently on the road as lead guitarist for Grammy Award Winning Country Artist Rick Trevino. For a day job, I am the Director of Entertainment & Music Technology at New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, NM.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being an artist gives way to a couple different paths….you either find yourself doing what is best for the “business” and what’s best for “the artistry”. You find certain forks in the road with any artistic approach. It could simply be how long the song is. Or, it could be a 15 minute concerto that tells a beautiful story. There is an audience for BOTH roads, but you have to connect and find them. Most artists will choose the more relatable approach, and then ease into the creative a little more after success has came their way. It keeps you sane, and keeps your heart in the right place.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I remember having to make a decision when leaving an artist’s band, that was actually a very good friend. When I joined that group, I had put everything else on hold to give them my full focus and attention. That artist knew my value and worth to his organization, but unfortunately that started to cease as time went by. Even though I made a commitment to this artist in helping their “brand” take off and give them a true loyalty of time away from my family, I was presented with a great opportunity that took the stress and burden away instantly. Sometimes, God has other plans. I’ve learned to listen in the quiet moments, and shake the voices in my head and heart a little.
Contact Info:
- Website: dustingarrettmusic.com
- Instagram: @dustingarrettmusic
- Facebook: Facebook.com/dustingarrettmusic
Image Credits
First two shots are Bailey Lamar Photo, 3rd shot is Eric Nelson, and 4th shot is New Mexico Junior College.