The Legend of National Dust
National Dust began as Eric "Evil E" Dust (vocals/guitar), Rob Farr (bassist), and Peter Dallas (drums). Newly relocated Texan gunslinger John Eric (lead guitar) completed the lineup as lead guitarist for National Dust in the summer of 2004.
Evil E began bringing in songs weekly and collaborating with the band, and the undeniable chemistry rapidly evolved their heavy southern rock style. Quickly hitting the studio that fall, their debut CD was released by Rock Royalty Records in January of 2005.
Shortly thereafter, world-renowned Dave DuCey (drums) came in to replace Dallas, only to further strengthen the hard-kickin' style and sound of National Dust. Worldwide success of their debut CD and constant touring in the spring and summer of 2005 quickly put National Dust on the global map, so they returned to the studio in the winter of 2005 to start pre-production of their second CD.
All Hell is Breakin’ Loose for the Dust
“The Road is My Home” is the perfect title for National Dust’s second album released by Rock Royalty Records. The band has been making quite an impact performing all over Southern CA since their new release, and it’s paid off. Soon the road will be their home as they make their way to perform at one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world, Sturgis-South Dakota! All Access caught up with the band for an interview.
AAM: Rock Royalty Records recording artist National Dust originated in 2000. How did the name National Dust come about? Is there any special meaning to it?
National Dust: We found the name in an old book: It was a term used when coal miners had "black lung" from the national dust. It's what's left behind after one of our shows...
AAM: National Dust is unquestionably hard-kickin’ southern rock. Since Los Angeles/Hollywood is not really known for southern rock bands, has it been hard for you to find gigs?
AAM: How do you think the music scene in general has changed over the years?
ND: It hasn't, but the major labels have fallen to the corporate wayside. The Internet has made it easier for bands to promote, distribute and market their products on a global level. We sell our records worldwide thanks to online distribution.
AAM: You’ve made these changes work in your favor.
ND: We just did our research, made our deals and hit the road. Don't ever forget about the live factor and your fans!
AAM: "The Road is My Home" is your 2nd CD. How is it different from your debut album?
ND: It's not changed at all. The vibe is still solid. But with Dave, our band and sound as a whole are more definitive.
AAM: Who wrote the lyrics? And what inspires you?
ND: Eric is the storyteller of everyday life and hard work.
AAM: How do you plan to promote your new CD?
ND: First and foremost our live show dominates all angles and gives the people the real deal—no gimmicks needed. We’ll promote it with our online distributors, our websites and good ol' fashioned word of mouth.
AAM: What can you tell us about your tour to Sturgis, the largest bike rally in the world?
ND: We are going to pummel five shows in four days alongside heavyweights like Ted Nugent, Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd, to name a few.
AAM: What kind of radio play/interest have you gotten for your new CD?
ND: College and independent format radio are playing it. But most of our airplay is from many Internet radio stations. And you can find our songs on Apple Tunes and iTunes.
AAM: What bands would you like to open for?
ND: ZZ Top, Motorhead, AC/DC…we will stop there for now.
AAM: What is the best way your fans can keep in touch with you?
ND: Live, and at nationaldust.com and myspace.com/nationaldust.
AAM: What does the future hold for National Dust?
ND: To continue recording/releasing records, and touring and kicking ass live! Keep your eyes and ears open for National Dust live at Sturgis!
AAM thanks NATIONAL DUST for hanging out with us. Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview?
ND: Keep Truckin' and rock-n-roll forever!
Check out National Dust locally on Sun"DAY" July 23rd at “Ride Hard – Rock Hard,” featuring a BBQ, bike/car run, chili cookoff, and live music, at Paladino's on Reseda Blvd. in Tarzana. Doors open at noon.
Interview by Debra Stocker
