Today we’d like to introduce you to Dustin Garrett.
Hi Dustin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a musician through and through. Every aspect of the word! I’ve been professionally performing since I was 6 years old, and been a producer for the past 15 years. I am currently the Director of Entertainment and Music Technology at New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, NM. I’ve worked with multiple artists over the past couple decades and most recently was on tour with Grammy Award Winning Country Music artist Rick Trevino. I was discovered by “The Godfather Of Lubbock Music”, the legendary record producer/engineer Don Caldwell. The rest is history!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have always faced challenges, but we all have our paths that we take. From failed friendships and relationships (business and personal), struggling with the rigors of the road, and being bullied through my younger years…..it’s been a battle of perseverance and determination that the GOAL was always going to be met. When that goal was reached, I made the next one. I recall one particular struggle where I was pouring my heart and soul into an artist’s career and helped to build their brand while they made the national climb. When you give of yourself, the sacrifice is sometimes great. It takes years for careers to blossom, but I have always had the innate power to notice when something is going awry. I was presented with an offer with another artist that completely would take the stress load off, and would give me the emotional love for music again. Even though I had spent so much time working for the previous artist, there was a certain point that I had to let go. We take journeys, and sometimes they end soon. The good thing about the journey is that it’s pre-determined to take you somewhere you have never put in your thought process. Through all of this, I landed in a place I feel like I can call “home”, and that is New Mexico Junior College!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been immensely blessed with accolades and experiences, and do not take them for granted! Some achievements to note would be performing on The Grand Ole Opry in 1998 at the age of 10 years old. That is a high honor to perform on the coveted circle where so many greats have stood. In 2010, I was selected by Guitar Center’s King Of The Blues as one of the National Top 5 competitors. I performed for judges such as Joe Bonomassa, Pete Anderson, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Hubert Sumlin, and so many more legends of the blues industry. In 2011, I became the music producer and band director of the Historic Cactus Theater in Lubbock, TX and directed over 400 productions in my time there. I’ve worked with many Texas Country Artists, and toured with Will Banister and Rick Trevino. I also serve as a house guitarist for Rt. 1 Acuff Studios in Acuff, TX where so many great records are produced for Lubbock artists.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I feel that a superior quality is patience. Patience can be tested (and ultimately will be). Take a breath! Whatever situation is troublesome, remember to BREATH. It has taken me a while to understand the importance, but it’s what I live by now. A deep breath of release is the pinnacle point in a bad situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nmjc.edu/program/entertainment/index.aspx
- Instagram: @dustingarrettmusic
- Facebook: Facebook.com/dustingarrettmusic
Image Credits
Eric Nelson Craig Kelly Bailey Lamar Photography
