Going solo after years as frontman of successful Adelaide outfit Wanderers, Dusty Lee Stephensen becomes Dustyn, and takes a deeper, more introspective turn in his musical journey. Renowned as a blues/rock guitarist and energetic frontman, he now crafts a sound that bridges eras and genres, using his dynamic vocal range to add intimacy and depth to his evocative songwriting. Alongside his band, Dustyn will be joined by a string quartet, performing arrangements by Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire, The Bamboos), adding depth to his vision. Dustyn’s debut 2024 single, Right Where You Are has drawn critical praise for its heartfelt and soulful execution. His first solo performance —a sold-out, five-star-reviewed show at the Adelaide Guitar Festival —offered audiences an intimate glimpse into this exciting new chapter of his career, and now he’s following up with Womadelaide.
We sat down with DUSTYN to talk about the spark behind his solo project, the Adelaide music scene that shaped him, and why stepping away from the spotlight of Wanderers felt both exciting and necessary.
When did you decide to launch this new solo project? What kicked it all off?
DUSTYN: It really started during the COVID years. I was writing a new record for Wanderers, but certain songs felt different—more personal. It wasn’t that they meant more than Wanderers tracks, but they had a unique, intimate energy. I found myself thinking, “I want to keep these for myself.” I kept writing and shelving music, and eventually realized I had four or five songs that all belonged to this new sound. It would be 1:00 a.m. in my house in Richmond, softly playing the piano with the mute pedal on so I wouldn’t wake my daughter. The melodies and grooves that emerged in that hush were something else—something new.
So it was an organic shift—just writing and storing ideas until it formed its own body of work?
Exactly. As I produced them, I imagined adding strings and cinematic elements. Fast forward a couple of years, and I started recording those arrangements with Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire, The Bamboos). He totally nailed the vision—this sort of Buckley-esque, whimsical, orchestral MGM-era soundtrack vibe, combined with soulful grooves. It’s like a stew I’d never cooked up before. That’s the essence of Dustyn.
The name Dustyn is actually yours by birth—why bring it out now?
Yes, Dustyn is what’s on my birth certificate, but nobody used it after the day I was born. My parents had it in case I ever wanted a more professional name—funny how that turned out! I didn’t want to be Dusty or Dusty Lee, which people associate with me running around on stage, guitar behind my head. I wanted a fresh start, but also a sense of arrival. Dustyn carries this innocent energy—like seeing the world for the first time—and it also feels defiant, like I’m stepping into something I was always meant to be.
Adelaide’s music scene seems to have played a big role in your evolution. What’s special about it?
The growth I’ve had here is incredible. I’ve been in jam-night house bands for years, cutting my teeth alongside amazing musicians—blues players, jazz players, rockers, you name it. Adelaide’s scene is super interconnected. I’ve been in grunge bands, alt-country projects, and of course, Wanderers. Now with Dustyn, I know exactly who to call on for strings, horns, or anything else. It’s a creative melting pot here, and that cross-pollination shaped who I am as a musician.
You’ve also been part of projects like 27 Club with other Adelaide talents. How does that camaraderie factor in?27 Club is a prime example—it’s a show that probably wouldn’t exist in the same form if it started in Sydney or Melbourne. There’s something about Adelaide: we’ve all played a million gigs together, sometimes jumping off cliffs musically, learning songs on the fly. That sort of tight-knit, all-in vibe runs through everything I do. Whether it’s 27 Club or my new solo project, it’s about trust, collaboration, and taking risks.
Now you’re heading to WOMADelaide. How excited are you to debut Dustyn on that stage?
I’m thrilled! It’s only the second time I’ll perform as Dustyn—the first was at the Adelaide Guitar Festival, which sold out and got amazing reviews. I wanted this project to be special, not something I take on a bar circuit for endless gigs. I’m finishing up the music, releasing it, and waiting for the right moments—like WOMAD. It’s going to be a full band with a string quartet, so I can’t wait to bring that cinematic sound to a festival crowd.
Anyone in particular you’re looking forward to catching at WOMADelaide?
I’m definitely excited for KARANGAN and a bunch of others. I haven’t done a deep dive into the lineup just yet because I’ve been pretty focused on my own set, but WOMAD always brings such a diverse roster.
Dustyn’s new direction is a step into the unknown and the utterly authentic. Intimate late-night songwriting sessions, sweeping string arrangements, and a desire to bring a touch of cinematic magic to soul music define this fresh era. From jamming in Adelaide’s close-knit clubs to reintroducing himself under the name on his birth certificate, Dustyn is poised to captivate audiences with a sound that’s both nostalgic and undeniably forward-thinking.
Catch him at WOMADelaide—and prepare to be swept up in his stirring melodies, 1:00 a.m. piano reveries, and a glimpse of the next big evolution in Adelaide’s ever-thriving music scene. This is Dustyn—and you won’t want to miss what comes next.
WOMADELAIDE
7-10 March 2025
Botanic Park/ Tainmuntilla
