A Gold Coast-based singer-songwriter, Kent Dustin has been grinding away at his career the past seven years since he finished his music degree. You know, doing everything from "playing bars, weddings, functions and everything in between".
Way back in 2014, he released an EP under his full name (Kent Tonscheck) and was the global runner-up in The Applause Rising Talent Showcase in Florida; this led to a number of callbacks and interactions with US agents who shared career and personal advice."Then I came home and had to get to work," Kent says. "There's been crazy highs and lows; life throws a lot at you, which has made me grow a lot.
"But if you're not growing, you're dying. At least that's what Pat Pattison (John Mayer's and my songwriting teacher) told me."
While he's been dormant for most of the past seven years with regards to his own originals, last month Kent returned with the rock-pop, feel-good anthem 'Nothing's Gonna Get Me Down', which was produced by Robby De Sa (5SOS, The Veronicas).
"For nearly seven years I've been out playing gigs after I finished my music degree. It's been nearly as long since I released my own music too," he says.
"As a musician, this doesn't bother me. I've been working my butt off playing bars, weddings, functions and everything in between.
"The late nights/ early mornings in bed to get up and gym in the mornings to keep myself in the best form I can come easy-ish because I grew up a farm kid and that work ethic was engrained in me."
Who is Kent Dustin... I'm a Gold Coast-based singer-songwriter who grew up a farm kid about three and a half hours drive inland. I fell in love with performing near the end of high school and since then have been working towards making that my life.
I sound like... I've been compared to so many other artists, but I think the most common one I hear is Ed Sheeran. I don't think I sound like him, but it's not a bad thing if other people think I do. I have a lot of respect for that guy.
My first gig... Would have been a high school music class concert. But the first serious gig I did was when I was selected as a feature vocalist for Creative Generation 2011 that aired on Channel 10.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... My last name is Tonscheck. It's said 'Ton - check' with a mix between 'shh' and 'ch' in the middle. Simple right? It's not easy as a stage name, so I use my first and middle name. It just seemed to make it easier for everyone.
In the studio I usually... Throw random ideas around and wait to see what my producer's reaction will be. I think all good ideas grow from something small, so just throwing the ideas in like seeds and seeing which one grows strongest is smart.
If I could tour with anyone... It would be someone like Ed Sheeran, Ryan Tedder, Charlie Puth or John Mayer. Between work ethic, personality and genius, I'd love to be around people like those. Also people that are fans of their style would probably most appreciate mine.
Social media is... Toxic but like a wild beast, can be tamed and become useful if kept in check. I thoroughly believe in being authentic. I'll post my honest opinions and random funny things I think of in the off chance it makes someone else's day, but honestly couldn't do the 'let's make my life look nothing but perfect' thing.
My favourite app at the moment is... Probably Raiz and Swyftx. As a musician, people expect you to live pay to pay, but I like to think I can be a little financially savvy.
I'm far from rich (please buy my merch at www.kentdustin.com/merch lol) but the few dollars I can put into those little investing apps can add up over time. Maybe one day I'll afford to get an album out.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I was playing a gig and a pretty girl came up to me and asked if she could have my number. I said "well I do have a girlfriend" and she replied "I don't care, it's to enquire about you playing at my mum's venue. She owns a pub." I felt like I put the 'ass' in 'assume'.
Life on the road can be... Exhilarating! So far I have only been to Singapore, Philippines, USA for one week and across a bunch of Queensland and NSW, but wherever I go, I always try to be introduced to locals that can show me their way of doing things so I can learn the different ways of life. Food, culture, art; it all fascinates me. And I don't want Google to tell me what the 'must sees' are.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that our rider contains... Barista-made coffee. I'm a huge fan! And maybe a masseuse. Am I asking too much? Sorry.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... I would say I was extremely lucky but when I toured the Philippines, I left on a plane in the morning of a gorgeous January 2020 day, and that afternoon a massive volcano erupted nearby and had closed the airport down. By the time that was all cleared up, COVID struck.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Either Kevin Hart or Andy Samberg. Both incredibly funny, charismatic and bring a lot of joy to you. I love that.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Maybe somewhere in Switzerland or Norway. I have never been to either, but Instagram really sells it to me. I'm a real sucker for picturesque landscapes.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Justin Beiber, Ed Sheeran and Elon Musk. I've obviously never met any of them, but I'd love to challenge Justin in a game of table tennis, (I've seen videos, he's good), have a pint with Ed and chat about music business, and talk with Elon about the future of humanity and where it's going.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Probably a nice honey soy chicken stir-fry with steamed greens and coconut rice.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love them. I would feel bad going out on the road and not being there to give them lots of my time, but one day when I can afford a small farm and have the time to be home, I'll get some.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... 1800 Coconut Tequila. That stuff is unreal.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Three weeks ago. To be honest, I love health and fitness but have recently moved house and between gigs, unpacking, releasing my single and trying to find a little time to sleep, I haven't signed up for a new one yet but I will. I promise! I'm putting away my ice-cream tub now.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? I love fashion but hate washing, ironing, hanging it out to dry, folding etc. Dislike immensely. I don't know why.
Do you have any phobias... I'm not full-on phobic, but if you stick me in a new place with a room full of strangers and none of them are nice or even interesting to talk to I'll gravitate towards the door without even realising. That's overwhelming.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Short story, no. They are fake and scripted. Long story, how good is 'Love Island'!? Oh man! Such a laugh.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I'm not that big on pranking people, but if I had to, I'd probably hire someone to act like a debt collector and prank my old housemate who's always, in my opinion, overusing Afterpay.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? I just want to state that eating healthy is good for your body and mind, but I don't mind the odd Maccas where, if it's midnight, I would get a medium Big Mac meal with a chai latte as the drink.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Well this one was hard, so I went to Buzzfeed and did a quiz and it said The Fresh Prince. Apparently I'm funny and charismatic and hijinks seem to follow me.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Drugs, Inc.' on Disney Plus. I'm a sucker for a doco and those crime ones are crazy.
