Today we’d like to introduce you to Dustin Lantz.
Hi Dustin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My father took me to see Def Leppard at the ripe age of 8 years old. After being amazed by the performance and energy in the room, I knew music was my calling. I continued to practice my craft forming my first band in middle school which eventually led to us playing live shows most weekends in Michigan. Writing music has always been my main focus as I feel I can provoke thought and help others understand that they aren’t alone in their struggles.
I currently write for a handful of different artists and spend time managing merchandise for the rock/metalcore band, For The Fallen Dreams. Touring has been a way for me to spread my love of music and create an impact on people daily. I’ve currently taken a small hiatus from performing, but I’ve been hard at work in the studio. I’m looking forward to dropping a few songs and getting back on stage this fall!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The music industry is never a smooth road. You often get your hopes up just for things to never come to fruition. Some of the largest struggles I have faced were the loss of friendships and the monetary struggles of music.
There isn’t money in music at a smaller level and it can be hard to provide for yourself if you do not have supplementary income. I’ve lost a few very close friends throughout this process. Passion and emotion fuel music and relationships, but adding a layer of business to music can take its toll on the strongest of friendships. It is a fast-paced and unforgiving road.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My main focus is writing music for myself and others. I’m currently working on a solo project that I’m super excited to get to your ears later this year. I’ve also been writing a record with Noah Guerrero based out of Lansing. He’s a young cat but has lots of talent.
I feel like I am known for my creative vision and my flexibility. The music industry will throw you curve balls and it’s all about how you react and adapt to them. I am very proud of the relationships I’ve forged and the impact I have been able to make on people.
The thing I’m probably most proud of would have to be TIMELESS. We amassed millions of streams and have had our songs on playlists next to our idols. I also had the opportunity to sell merchandise for Metallica last year. It’s amazing to see what you can do when you put your mind to it.
I also feel that flexibility is one of my greatest strengths. I’m a multi-instrumentalist and I have worked many roles in the industry. My main work is merchandise, but I have run sound, and lighting, and booked countless shows over the last decade of 12 years. I’m a fast learner and love tackling any task that comes my way.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking is the largest factor in the music industry. You can have all of the talent in the world, but if no one is aware, it doesn’t do you much good. I think the most important thing you can do is find mentors in different avenues of your profession. I’ve learned how to record from annoying the hell out of my producer. I ask questions, take photos and even look at the recording session to see what effects have been added to take my sounds to the next level.
I’ve learned the ins and outs of merchandise from my two close friends and great mentors. The best thing you can do is surround yourself with people who are already successful in the avenues you are trying to grow in. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dm.lantz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dm.lantz/
Image Credits
Dalton Smith, Kevin Calderon, and CJ Gardineer
