Vital Stats
Age: 24.
Instruments: Lead vocals, guitar, mandolin.
Band: Whiskey Basin.
Day job: I also work for bowlingball.com.
Hometown: Orange City.
Current residence: Orange City.
Type of music you perform: Country, Southern rock, bluegrass.
Repertoire sampler: Originals -- "Blame It on Boston," "Wasting My Breath," "Plans We Made," "Invisible to You," "Scarlet Sunrise." Covers -- "Devil Went Down to Georgia," "Folsom Prison Blues," "In Color."
Upcoming area gigs: "Athens Rocks Woodstock" with Whiskey Basin, Dish and other bands and artists, 1-11 p.m. Aug. 15, Athens Theatre, 124. N. Florida Ave., DeLand. $20 advance, $25 day of show. 386-736-7456. 9 p.m. Aug. 28-29, Rockin' Ranch, 801 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach. 386-673-0904.
CDs: "Seven Sundays." $10. You can purchase them at whiskeybasin.com and also at shows.
Web sites: whiskeybasin.com, facebook.com/whiskeybasin, myspace.com/whiskeybasin.
Taking Notes
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
My dad was my biggest inspiration. He was a gospel singer when I was younger. Also, Randy Travis is the one who really made me want to be a singer.
You studied commercial music at Belmont University in Nashville. While in Music City, did you learn more in the classroom or in the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway?
I would say it is equal. I learned a lot, theory-wise, in school. But at times it seemed to be a fairytale, where people thought the music industry was some magical thing that can't hurt you. Well, the honky-tonks bring you back to reality. You've got to get in the trenches and really work for it. The music industry can be very mean, but if you fight back, I think you can get the upper hand.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
We had one weekend (Bike Week, maybe?) where we played Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we got home at about 4 a.m. and had a show for a bike rally that started at 8 a.m. on Sunday. It was hard, but it ended up being one of the most enjoyable gigs we've ever done.
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
This is a tough choice between Morgan Freeman and Bono. But I'll go with Bono. It'd be cool to hang out with the leader of the biggest band in the world (and my favorite)!
What was the last book you read?
"Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain (for about the 20th time!).
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
Either Brad Paisley's "American Saturday Night," U2's "No Line on the Horizon" or Blue Highway's "Through the Window of a Train." I keep those in constant rotation.
What is your favorite movie?
"The Shawshank Redemption." "Lost in Translation" is a close second.
What was the best concert you ever attended?
Palatka Bluegrass Festival a while back. All of my favorite bluegrass artists were there. It really brought me back to my roots. Bluegrass is the world's greatest music.
"If I didn't play music, I would .. ":
Be a music historian. Ha! Or a chef.
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
The ability to play guitar like Monte Montgomery or Brad Paisley!
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
My dad was my biggest inspiration. He was a gospel singer when I was younger. Also, Randy Travis is the one who really made me want to be a singer.
You studied commercial music at Belmont University in Nashville. While in Music City, did you learn more in the classroom or in the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway?
I would say it is equal. I learned a lot, theory-wise, in school. But at times it seemed to be a fairytale, where people thought the music industry was some magical thing that can't hurt you. Well, the honky-tonks bring you back to reality. You've got to get in the trenches and really work for it. The music industry can be very mean, but if you fight back, I think you can get the upper hand.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
We had one weekend (Bike Week, maybe?) where we played Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we got home at about 4 a.m. and had a show for a bike rally that started at 8 a.m. on Sunday. It was hard, but it ended up being one of the most enjoyable gigs we've ever done.
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
This is a tough choice between Morgan Freeman and Bono. But I'll go with Bono. It'd be cool to hang out with the leader of the biggest band in the world (and my favorite)!
What was the last book you read?
"Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain (for about the 20th time!).
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
Either Brad Paisley's "American Saturday Night," U2's "No Line on the Horizon" or Blue Highway's "Through the Window of a Train." I keep those in constant rotation.
What is your favorite movie?
"The Shawshank Redemption." "Lost in Translation" is a close second.
What was the best concert you ever attended?
Palatka Bluegrass Festival a while back. All of my favorite bluegrass artists were there. It really brought me back to my roots. Bluegrass is the world's greatest music.
"If I didn't play music, I would .. ":
Be a music historian. Ha! Or a chef.
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
The ability to play guitar like Monte Montgomery or Brad Paisley!


This young man is amazing. If you ever get the chance to hear his band, most definitely go. He writes fabulous songs and covers songs better than the originals. Very versatile singer with a tight band to back him up. Seriously you won't be disappointed. I heard them at the Coke 400 and fast became a fan!!
This young man is amazing. If you ever get the chance to hear his band, most definitely go. He writes fabulous songs and covers songs better than the originals. Very versatile singer with a tight band to back him up. Seriously you won't be disappointed. I heard them at the Coke 400 and fast became a fan!!
I agree with you! This band does some great covers. Anything from country to southern rock to Ted Nugent. Lead singer has a great range.
It was a pleasant surprise to hear such an excellent band when we stopped in for bike week. We really enjoyed their country music. They play a great verity of music and have a unique style. Hope to see them again soon. If you have a chance go see for yourself you’ll have a good time!
i'm the drummer for whiskey basin...the old man in the group.i've been playing for 35 years and this is the most amazing thing i have ever been involved in...you really need to come out and see it if you get a chance
Great band! Saw them at the race and at Boot Hill. They really know how to throw down!!!
You've got that right!! They are good! Their original 'Blame It On Boston' is a hit!!
I have had the privlidge of meeting and hanging out with Dustin and I must say he is very talented as an artist and a human being. If you ever get the chance to shake his hand, do it. Very humble.