On his first solo outing, Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue drops the hardcore scowl and picks up an acoustic guitar. The former World of Warcraft addict eases right into his folky alter-ego, channeling everyone from Ryan Adams to Johnny Cash on his debut album, Please Come Home. And the best part of it is that, once we sweet-talked this natural born folker into the Hot Seat, we couldn’t get him to leave. Did you hear about that time he chased a pack of gypsies with a brick and a bottle? Yeah… we didn’t think so. Better read on. Enjoy.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: I was on tour with Thrice in Italy a couple of years ago. After the show in Bologna we were were at an after party with the Bouncing Souls and some other bands. At the time our tour manager was an intense Australian named Nick who, like a lot of us that night, had had a fair amount to drink. Anyway, the way back to the busses from the party was through a closed carnival run by gypsies. Nick walked back by himself and was attacked by six of the gypsies as they seemed to think he meant their trailers harm. Being a former rugby player, he tackled the nearest gypsy, and threatened to kill him if they didn’t back off. He somehow escaped but went missing later, after which I went looking for him with a brick in one hand and a bottle in the other. By the time he came back I was gone, so Riley and him went looking for me. We ended up circling the dead carnival looking for each other until the sun came up. Quite a night, but thankfully the only injuries were Nick scraping his knee from the gypsy attack and Riley cutting his face on the ground playing soccer with the local Italian kids.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: Before I dropped out to tour, I was taking philosophy classes and graphic design. I definitely would like to continue my education when I have the time, and would probably continue down the philosophy path, maybe delving into literature and theology as well. I love to learn, and I love to ask the bigger questions about life, existence, good and evil and the meaning of things. I also love reading and writing and would love to have the time to get better at writing and get schooled in the classics.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: I guess I would have to say New York, just because you can’t even begin to exhaust the possibilities of things to do and see there. I think even most people who live there haven’t seen a tenth of it. There is so much history all around you, tons of museums, and millions of amazing restaraunts and bars. My favorite bar I think is the Collins Bar, which is just a little hole in the wall with good beer, better whiskey, and Tom Waits on the jukebox. I also love the subway system, which is the best way to get around, since it makes you walk a decent amount too, which is the best way to see a city.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: There’s a quote by G.K. Chesterton that I am fond of. “Don’t ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up.” It sounds simple and it is, but it’s also a piece of advice that we constantly ignore. We are so into finding new ways to do things, obsessed with change, that we forget our past, and forget that people dealt with the things we deal with long before, and have found their own answers. And it’s not saying that you can’t take the fence down, it’s saying make sure you understand the consequences, and have a plan to deal with them, hopefully in a better way than they were before. A good things to remember in an impatient, instant gratification society.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: The last good book i read was “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess. I am (still!) addicted to The Office, the original U.K. version.
Cold War Kids - Robbers and Cowards: This is an amazing band full of awesome people. They all haved been tied in different ways to the school I was going to, Biola. I had art classes with Matt the bassist, and he actually did the art for two of the Thrice records. This record is amazing though and everyone needs to hear it.
Talk Talk - Laughing Stock: This is one of my very favorite records. It is haunting and gorgeous in its restraint. If you think you know Talk Talk from “It’s My Life” you are missing out. The band was well known for their 80’s pop perfection, but with their last two records “Spirit of Eden” and “Laughing Stock,” they stepped out a limb and made two beautiful 6 song masterpieces.
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to?
A: In the middle of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series which is very original and engrossing once you get into it. In certain ways, it’s a nod to Tolkien’s classics, but in other ways it is completely and categorically King. One of the most ambitious efforts I’ve read in a while. Also, I love 24 and Lost, though both of them are boring me just a little bit right now. Lost, give me some more answers, NOW!
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw and how was it?
A: I was going to a lot of small shows in junior high but the first one that really had an impact on me was Snapcase at the Showcase Theatre. They had just put out their first EP, “lookinglasself”, and they were amazing. So much energy. I definitely think that seeing that shaped the way that I wanted to make music for a long time, and the way that I wanted to put on a live performance.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: 1. Computer - because it keeps me connected to the world, gives me directions to good sushi and movie theatres.
2. Phone - so I can find and be found, and so I can talk to my sweet wife.
3. Good Book - I bring both good books for the mind, and the Good Book for the heart.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: For my solo stuff I would say that some of my major influences are Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, The Beatles, The Band, Iron and Wine, Ryan Adams, etc.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Check out David Ray Griffin’s book “The 9/11 Commission Report: Omissions and Distortions.” It deals with some pretty heavy stuff, but stuff that is important and should not be ignored just because it’s uncomfortable to grapple with.
