-
10 Questions with ... Dustin Bates
November 15, 2016
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
1) Where does this interview find you today? What's on the agenda today besides this interview?
I am currently waiting in line to vote in my hometown. I plan to smoke a Cuban later and watch the results, but at this point I'm not sure I'll ever get out of this line.
2) When did you start putting the Starset band and concept together?
I started working on STARSET in 2013. Many of the themes already existed via The Starset Society, but I took those themes and expanded upon them -- creating a cinematic sound and immersive live show to match the large themes of space and modern futurism that TSS was already promoting.
3) Your first release, "Transmissions," came out in 2014 and was met with great success at Rock radio particularly with the single "My Demons." How gratifying was the acceptance of your first album to you?
It was awesome. We went into it independently, with the confidence that the music could react with people. It took quite a long time and a record deal before most others in the industry would be convinced, but yeah, it was absolutely a great feeling when it all started to come together.
4) What was the inspiration for the single "My Demons?"
Just like the songs from our forthcoming record, VESSELS, "My Demons" was inspired by a larger narrative -- one of scientific focus. This narrative is detailed in the first novel of The Starset Society, called The PROX Transmissions. Nm is a look at technology and how it will affect our future in political, economic, and social ways. In addition to this, I always draw from my own experiences. Nevertheless, I expect people to be able to find their own meanings.
5) I understand you have a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Ohio University. How much does this background and interest in Astronomy influence your music?
It is a common misconception that I have a PhD. I actually only have a master's degree. I had to quit the PhD program half way through after getting a record deal. But my work absolutely influenced my involvement in the project -- especially the research I did for the Air Force and my experiences with the International Space University, where I both attended and taught.
6) Now let's talk about the new single, "Monster." What can you tell us about it?
Conceptually, Monster plays directly into the new themes of VESSELS and my own experience as well. We've all been turned into a monster at some point or another. For instance, I have personally been bastardized into someone else's monster a few times while working in the music industry -- doing their bidding instead of my own. As far as the sonic approach, we blended some of the structural elements and textures of EDM into the hard rock and cinematic elements of the last record. The result is, in my biased opinion, a unique sound that is heavy, catchy, and has a fresh form and build.
7) What can you tell us about the new album coming in 2017?
The album is called VESSELS, and is out Jan 20th. Whereas TRANSMISSIONS focused on one main narrative, this record deals with four concepts, each with its own look at the present and future. Among other things, the project will eventually culminate in a collection of novellas which further encapsulate the educational goals of The Starset Society.
8) I understand you also have a partnership with Marvel comics and are working on a graphic novel coming later in 2017. Can you tell us about this project?
Reaching various swaths of people via complimentary media campaigns has been the goal of The Starset Society from the onset, and the collaboration with Marvel will serve continue and expand this trend. We are excited with the possibilities it affords and with the content being created.
9) You also have a headline tour coming in 2017. How much do you like performing your material live?
It is our goal to provide an immersive experience that allows the audience to join our world for the show. Improving and expanding that is a personal passion of mine. Musically, the band and I strive to make every show as good or better than the last.
10) Finally, what music artists inspire you? Who is in your current playlist? Any "guilty pleasure" songs or songs we might be surprised to find on your playlist?
The music is inspired by an eclectic range of artists from Sigur Ros to NIN to Deftones to Hans Zimmer to various EDM artists. Currently, I've been listening to a lot of chillstep and heavy djent based stuff. People might be surprised that my current favorite band is The 1975 and I listen to a lot of music in that vein.
-
-