Big hair, big smiles, and a whole lot of love: International globe-trotter Dustin Thomas is making waves from Australia to Moscow with his infectious blend of beat-box/soul folk. Armed with a voice, a guitar and universal anthems of faith, love, and war; this young artist continues to inspire hearts around the world on his mission of music, joy, and peace.
Dustin is currently touring both as a solo-artist and in collaboration with Nahko and Medicine For The People.
Dustin chatted with Echonetdaily about his upcoming show in Mullumbimby
What are the issues that you are most passionate about?
Wars and rumors of war. Mankind’s search for meaning. The destruction of the great barrier reef. The decimation of sovereign nations. The deforestation of the rain forests. Carcinogenic mining practices. The global water crisis. The global awakening.
Love. Family. Nature.
How do you approach songwriting?
I usually have a story I want to tell or a conversation I want to inspire and I just sit down with my guitar and start singing a melody and let the song come to me.
How important is your connection with the audience when you are performing – does it change from show to show?
Connection is everything. The vibe of the crowd makes the whole show. The energy is different every night with people from all different walks of life getting together to share in a common energy and that culmination changes every time.
Any time you have music and community you have something unique and special happening.
Do you think music has the power to change the way we think?
Absolutely.
Why did you choose to record your latest album in Australia?
I resonate deeply with the land, the waters, and the people of this powerful country. I recored during the time of the Bentley Blockade and was deeply inspired by the movement of the communities of the Northern Rivers to protect their waters.
The album is called The Watcher at the Well and it was recorded live on a sunny afternoon in the shire.
What should we expect for your show at Spirit Festival?
An all inclusive invitation to sing and dance, an ecstatic gathering in celebration of our planet and all of life’s beautiful gifts.
A call to deepen our relationships with our communities and to return to the ways of grace in our dealings with family and planet.
A big ole sing-a-long.
Psalms and praises.