So the last note of "Little Excuses" belted through the PA @ Bemo's, I stood up from my half ass one knee stance, thanked our wonderful people for their support over the last 6 years, and After the Dust was just that-DUST...... a distant memory that was once a brilliant, rocking group of young scholars ready to take on the world (ok- I'm being kind of sarcastic, but if you know me you probably already figured that out). I walked off stage, carried a few things to my vehicle, and officially began my "retirement." But Since that night, I've had a lot of friends, fans, and family asking me the same question that always puts a grin on my face- "What happens "After the Dust?" Well, to each of us in the band I think the answer has definitely varied. While Chad is banking on the "Where are they now?" reunion tour of 2026 (mainly because he wants to see me sporting a skullet- thanks, asshole!), Korey and Travis have wasted no time getting their new project "The Outlaws of Zen" underway--- They should be back out and on the circuit some time in the near future- I'm hoping maybe our paths will cross again and we can play some shows together when we all "get off the ground." Chris from what I understand is trying to get a little bit familiar with the recording aspect of music before returning to the actual scene itself. He's writing and singing more and I'm looking forward to seeing what direction he takes in his next project.
And then there's me....
As soon as the news was out about the demise of After the Dust, I had received several offers from various people/bands that we're interested in jamming or working with me.... it was really cool and all very flattering, but it forced me to really stop and think. I was offered the chance to join another original band and I could have picked up right where I left off writing my own music and playing. But the aspect of the "original scene" is just not where I want to be anymore. I also had the opportunity to walk back into the cover scene. It drew (no, pun intended) my interest, but then I remembered why I had walked away from that scene in the first place-
TOO MUCH TIME ABSORPTION! I just can't sacrifice the majority of the weekends to kill my voice for 4 hours each night playing "whore" to the audience. I needed to take some time off to figure out just who I am and where I want my place to be in music based off of where I've been, what I've learned, and what mistakes I want to avoid this time around. The truth is, I'm enjoying all of this right now. I don't need to step back into another situation that I'm unsure of just to say that I'm involved in music. I will say this though- I now have a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for as far as direction and yes-
I AM putting a new project together. At this time though I won't say who I'm working with or give any other details, except this--- I've been working with a few different people---- some things have worked and some things have not. I don't know who will be involved in it when all is said and done. All I can say is that I'm working with some good, experienced musicians right now. I will also say this- I have
NO timetable for getting this group out there (playing shows). One major thing that I learned from After the Dust is that it's better to take your time and make sure that things are right instead of throwing them out there unprepared. It's been a great month jamming with people and just having fun with not being committed to an idea, sound, or style. So my answer to all of you asking what happens "After the Dust" is this- I don't know and to be honest, I'm pretty damn satisfied with that. Korey and I have agreed to continue using this blog to update you and give you random stories about our new endeavors in music. I'll keep you posted on "the new project" as more information becomes available. Until then, have a great summer and thanks again for being a part of the ATD regime!
-DB-
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