Dusty Saxton
PERFORMS WITH: Brandon Rhyder
About the Artist
Dusty is currently on the road with Brandon Rhyder.Dusty began playing drums at the age of 2; so early that he doesn't remember ever not playing. He played constantly throughout his childhood in Lorena, Texas and started getting into bands like Nirvana, Weezer, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, and Green Day in 5th grade. Dusty played drums to all these bands in headphones and began playing along with the radio to learn new styles and beats. In high school he began playing in bands and doubled as a bassist and guitarist in his teenage years. Learning drums early on helped Dusty quickly move to other instruments. After graduating high school, Dusty played jazz drums and upright bass in college and taught many central Texas high school drumlines as a freelance instructor. With over 20 years of percussion experience, he has become a solid and driving rhythmic force within Ember. Performing on the group's full length live session album, "From the Floor", Dusty showcases his ability shaped by his live touring experience.
"Recording a live album, you don't have the advantages of time correcting yourself the way you do on a heavily produced studio project. You have to rely on your inner sense of spontaneity and learn to fly off the cuff in some instances. Just let go and play drums and not think about it so much. My time with WGI and marching band really helped me prepare for playing in front of large crowds and performing under pressure on stage and in the studio."
At the young age of 23, Dusty has toured the US and Europe and has instructed WGI and PASIC indoor percussion ensembles since 2004. He is also a huge fan and follower of Drum Corps International. He enjoys listening to an abundance of music on his ipod which never leaves his side.
Ember has another Europe tour scheduled for September 2009 along with with constant US touring. Ember will be releasing their "From the Floor" live session album in October 2009.
Dusty currently plays a Renown Maple Mod kit with a 12" Rack Tom, 16" Floor Tom, 14"x6.5" Snare, and 22"x20" Kick.
Dusty also uses Sabian Cymbals and Gibraltar Hardware
