Band 'Return to Dust' discovers young guitar prodigy and breathes new life into '90s grunge music scene, with mother's introduction playing a pivotal role.
Return to Dust, a rising alt-grunge rock band from Los Angeles, has been making waves in the music industry, thanks in part to the addition of Sebastian Gonzalez on lead guitar. The band's journey began when Gonzalez, then just 15, was discovered by the band during a casual walk in his Inglewood neighborhood.
Initially, Gonzalez was hesitant to approach the band, as they seemed to be deeply engrossed in their practice. However, his mother's encouragement led him to introduce himself, eventually leading to an invitation to learn their songs. Gonzalez's guitar skills, honed over years of playing Metallica, seamlessly fit the band's dynamic, complementing Matthew Bielawski's riffs and harmonies.
The addition of Gonzalez transformed the band from a straightforward Alice In Chains-inspired group into one that blends homage with its own unique artistic style. The band members, Bielawski and Graham Stanush, moved to LA, took on jobs as grocery clerks, and dedicated their spare time to writing songs influenced by classic rock and grunge, carving a darker, more despairing sound.
Return to Dust self-released their first full-length album before signing with Lava Records and Republic Records. They recently released an EP titled Speak Like the Dead, which features six new songs including the single Shine and the track Bored. The songwriting process is mostly led by Stanush and Joseph, who develop ideas individually or collaboratively before refining them with the band in rehearsals and studio sessions.
Gonzalez's equipment includes a Dusty Warren PRS and Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown head, which he uses to create his distinctive "frosty tone". The band has already landed tours opening for Chevelle, Sevendust, Pop Evil, Dorothy, Billy Corgan and the Machines of God, and they continue to wow crowds with their live performances.
Return to Dust's lineup currently consists of Matty Joseph (guitar and vocals), Graham Stanush (bass and vocals), Sebastian Gonzalez (guitar), and London Hudson (drums). The band's sound is a blend of Alice In Chains, Jane's Addiction, Cage the Elephant, Oasis, and Soundgarden. Their live shows emphasize an authentic rock experience, extending elements like bridges and outros to engage fans beyond streaming.
In summary, Return to Dust has evolved from promising grunge-influenced musicians into a polished Los Angeles-based alt-grunge rock band with a growing record deal and a fresh EP release, driven by a lineup that blends youthful virtuosity and classic rock sensibilities. Their EP Speak Like the Dead is out now via Lava Records.
- Sebastian Gonzalez, the lead guitarist of Return to Dust, uses a Dusty Warren PRS and Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown head to create his signature "frosty tone".
- Gonzalez's guitar skills, honed over years of playing Metallica, fit perfectly with the band's dynamic, complementing Matthew Bielawski's riffs and harmonies.
- The band's sound is a blend of Alice In Chains, Jane's Addiction, Cage the Elephant, Oasis, and Soundgarden, with Return to Dust's lineup currently consisting of Matty Joseph (guitar and vocals), Graham Stanush (bass and vocals), Sebastian Gonzalez (guitar), and London Hudson (drums).
- Return to Dust's journey began when Gonzalez, then just 15, was discovered by the band during a casual walk in his Inglewood neighborhood.
- The band has already landed tours opening for Chevelle, Sevendust, Pop Evil, Dorothy, Billy Corgan and the Machines of God, and they continue to wow crowds with their live performances.
- The band's first full-length album was self-released before signing with Lava Records and Republic Records.
- Their EP Speak Like the Dead features six new songs including the single Shine and the track Bored, and is out now via Lava Records.
- In addition to guitars, Gonzalez's equipment includes a Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown head, demonstrating his versatility in the realm of music entertainment.
- The songwriting process is mostly led by Stanush and Joseph, who develop ideas individually or collaboratively before refining them with the band in rehearsals and studio sessions.
