We recently connected with Dustin McKamie and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dustin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I started writing songs after an injury to my knee in high school. If it wasn’t for that, I’m not sure I would have ever picked up a guitar. I played piano classically for 7 years and was in the drumline in school so music was already there just not in this form or fashion. Knowing what I know now, I could’ve sped the process of songwriting and performing by just believing in myself from the beginning. I think any artist stepping out to show something they created is terrifying at first. It’s like am I really supposed to be doing this?? It takes time to build that confidence. Admiittedly, when I was younger (and the not too recent past) I would shy away from art/music based on the response or lack of response I was receiving at the time. That’s pretty lame in my opinion. I wish I would have been able to leave all the judgements aside, but it can be difficult and humiliating at times in the learning process.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an indie rock musician. I sing and write music in the genres ranging anywhere from Indie folk, indie pop, indie, americana, etc. Honestly, it’s kind of hard to put a label on something that changes all the time and that people have different opinions about. In my mind … I play “indie” music. Meaning independent or the style that comes from being independent. I like to think of it in the same vein as bands like The Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie, Neutral Milk Hotel (to name a few). Mostly influenced by the early 2000 indie music scene. Wow, that was 20 years ago?? I guess I’m getting old. Anyways, the music I write is very personal and I feel like we don’t get that as much these days. It feels like we live in a world that rewards more generic pop sounds and phrases. I’m not dogging on that either. Honestly, I don’t mind it now and again and it works great for TV and film. But I do miss leaving shows where I felt like I had this very unique and personal experience. I have an album that may be released by the time this article is printed but it comes out Sept. 15th entitled A Good Man Down. I’m hoping this is the first of many but I’m pretty excited about it. There’s a mix done on there by Yuuki Matthews of The Shins and another done by a producer for The Lumineers. You can find it anywhere there is streaming music but I saved a track just for the vinyl. It’s a special track too because my girlfriend, Katie Gillespie, sings on it with me. She has a beautiful voice and I hope to explore that more in the future. This music may not be for everyone but I think that the people that “get it” will REALLY get it.

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

For sure. At one point in my life I decided to pursue nothing but “the arts.” I moved to Los Angeles and dove into acting and music and even though I had some mild success (very mild), it ultimately led to me being completely broke! I had to regroup. After scheming several ideas I eventually landed into visual effects for film and TV. I wanted to mention this because I feel like a lot of artist set a time frame on when they can “make it” and if they don’t make it within that time they have to quit there dreams forever. I quit for awhile and it was the best thing for me. It’s smart to take care of yourself and your overhead. It’s not easy but once you find something you can do to pay bills, and still pursue your main passion on the side, it frees you up a bit. It takes the pressure off and allows you to create in a more peaceful and present state of mind.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is connecting with people. Hands down. Or up … at a show. See what I did there? Anyways, nothing is quite like someone getting into a song you wrote or singing the lyrics back. Songs have magical powers. It can help people escape from their day/week/life for just a moment. It can bring out tribal-like behavior. It’s universal. People can feel seen and heard by a song written by a complete stranger. As if it was written just for them. Also, I love meeting people and talking about music. I love the comments online whenever someone chimes in about something I posted. I don’t use that stuff for validation but it is nice to hear every once in a a while.

Contact Info:

• Website: dustinmckamie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustin_plays_indie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dustinplaysindie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinmckamie/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DustinMckamie