 Courtesy of the Artist
Growing up in the small river town of Holladay, TN Dustin Hensley never felt like he fit in. “I love where I’m from, but I always knew there was more. And I was determined to go there. Wherever there was.” After years of playing the likes of Pentecostal revivals, the occasional funeral service and every other place he could, Hensley journeyed to Nashville.
After years spent navigating the troubled waters of Music City, Hensley has a new excitement for his music and his future. Teaming up with artist/producer Tripp Weir. Hensley believes he’s finally found his sound, and his team. His current single, “If I’m Being Honest” is the perfect blend of pure country storytelling complete with 90’s era guitar riffs, arena-filling drum fills, infectious pop melodies and 808 drum beats. Here, Hensley answers his Essential 8 and talks songwriting, the road, his guilty pleasure artists, and much more. When/where do you do your best writing? The shower, mainly. At least that’s where I get a lot of my ideas to take in to a session. For me, it’s the one place in the world now that there are no distractions. No phones, no screens. Just me and my thoughts. Which can be a scary place at times haha. What do you love most about being on the road? Exactly that. Being on the road. I have a strong love for weird truck stops. They’re my favorite thing. Also, you get really close to the people you’re traveling with. Trauma bonding I suppose haha. You learn things about each other that normally you probably wouldn’t. SO many great inside jokes and stories come from being 8 deep in a van for hours on end. It’s the worst at times, but truly the best. What has been your biggest struggle so far? This business is tough, no matter what happens to you good or bad. I’ve had a lot of “almosts,” more than I can count. And I’m still not where I want to be. However, I feel that the artists who made the biggest impact had struggles along the way and things didn’t go smoothly for them. So in that theory, with all of the bad record deals and situations I’ve been in, I’m gonna be alright haha. Eventually. What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out? Get another job haha. Kidding. Sort of. I’d say just to believe in yourself. Without a shadow of a doubt, you have to believe that it’s going to work out. Almost to a fault. But also, and I can’t stress this enough - be good to people and appreciate wherever it is that you are. Now, that’s easier said than done, but I truly believe that there is beauty in heartache and struggle. Some of the best pieces of art have come from pain. So feel everything, be good to those around you/ respectful of their time, and trust that you deserve a place at the table.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Lee Ann Womack. Hands down. I could die happy haha. But also Ashley Monroe, Michael Buble, and the Avett Brothers. And of course, Usher. Duh. Which song of yours gets the best crowd response? Right now, my current single "If I’m Bein’ Honest" is so fun to play live, and the reaction has been amazing. It’s such a catchy melody and it’s a different take on a story that’s been told before. It’s been really cool to be a part of it. Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to? I’m still addicted to the latest Post Malone record. But the new Lennon Stella EP. REPEAT for days. Incredible. Still jamming the newest Kanye, and Pistol Annies' records. Do you have a guilty pleasure song/artist? Oh, man. I love Fifth Harmony haha. And any girly pop songs. Selena Gomez's record is fantastic. Halsey is the coolest thing to me. I love all of that stuff. Website/Facebook/Twitter/IG
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