Interview: Dustin Starks
Solo artist Dustin Starks has released his new single 'Can't Ignore It', and Louder Than The Music caught up with this singer/songwriter to find out more about that song, what inspires his music and his plans to record more songs next year.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Yes, I am married with two kids. I live in a small town called Snowflake, Arizona. I know kind of funny but believe it or not we do get some snow here! I started writing music about 10 or more years ago, it wasn't until about 3 years ago I started pursueing it more on a professional level. I am excited to see my music impact peoples lives and help them through difficult times. My goal is to be real and honest with my lyrics about life while always pointing back to Jesus.
Tell us about your single 'Can't Ignore It' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Honestly, I was going through a season of struggles and doubts and questioning the goodness of God. The first lines of the song was where it all began. I remember they just popped in my head one day and it hit me hard "if I tried walking away, would I forget all of your grace, would all of your love be replaced, or would I be empty?". The idea "Can't Ignore it" had begun and I remembered all the grace and mercy of God, the times he was there for me when I didn't deserve it. If you're really honest with youself in those hard times you can't ignore the faithfulness of God!
Do you have any plans to release more music in the near future?
Yes! I am actually working on some new releases for next year right now. Plan to release at least 3-4 new songs next year and the collective album of all the songs I've released the past couple years.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I want people to be encouraged through my music. To hear the vulnerability and realize it's okay to be have struggles and questions. That it's those moments that will actually draw us closer to Jesus and strengthen our faith.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I would say it's definitely has an acoustic pop edge to it. At times can be super pop but at other times have some real and raw moments. At least that's my goal through my music. Some of my main influencers over the years are artists like Switchfoot, For King and Country & I love the sound of Sleeping at Last.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Well I have worked with a lot of incredible writers such as Tony Woods, Michael Farren & Benji Cowart. But if there was an artist I would love to write with it would be For King and Country definitely.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Just starting! I have had some awesome opportunities and God has opened some incredible doors, but I have just began and don't plan on giving up just because things might get tough at times. Music ministry is where God has called me.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Oh wow, that's a really hard one. I don't know if I can pin down one album but it would probably be something like Switchfoot's Beautiful Letdown album or a guilty pleasure of mine is the Pirates of the Carribean Soundtracks. I find myself listening to those a lot. Orchestrations from movie soundtracks in general always intrigue me!
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Hmmm another tough one as that would totally depend upon my mood lol. But probably something inspirational either a symphony without lyrics or a worship song by Shane & Shane.
What does the next year hold for you?
A lot! Working on booking shows and releasing lots of music all while being a father, husband, and working a full time job.
