Doomed Confessionary: Dustin Howard (Groucho)
Photos by Evan Styles
Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Groucho formed to share their ideas, expressed through the medium of music. They hope to provoke thought in a boundless universe, to remind ourselves that we are all brothers and sisters, and to strive for the art of growth. The band has been featured on Mid-West and internet radio stations and is forming a fast-paced growing fan base.
With gripping live performances and versatile skill-sets, the three approach the possible limitations of working in a small ensemble as an opportunity to stretch 90s rock, stoner metal, and guitar-heavy music into psychedelic/prog and post-rock atmospheres.
Groucho are Dustin Howard (guitar, vocals), Layne Farmen (bass) and Royce Buckmaster (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Groucho is a diverse band with roots in stoner rock, alternative rock and indie rock. We have a wide range of influence and often incorporate other elements into our songs, to broaden the genre. We have songs that land on hard rock playlists, and songs that land on indie/softer stuff. We are all multi-instrumentalists and I think that really shows up at live shows.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
Our biggest challenge was traveling, and time. All of us either have kids, or small studio businesses and efforts elsewhere, so we book out in advance and getting to and from venues a few hundred miles away each mini tour take planning, and finances on the front end. Luckily we’ve had great bookings and have learned the ins and outs of not accidentally wasting our time in the “illusions” of progress (like booking a nationwide tour in cities where no one knows you’re coming and don’t have any kind of pay.)
What can you be most proud of so far?
Probably the growth we’ve had on stream services. Not these fake playlists but genuine listeners. Getting emails that say “your song has been shazamed 100 times this month” and etc.
What was your biggest regret?
Honestly, nothing comes to mind. Maybe a few shows I wish we could have jumped on that didn’t pan out.
What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
Last Spring, we did a run through 5 states that had a great impact on our listeners and growth. It was of course exhausting but worth it completely. We’ve also opened for some larger acts and appreciate each and every one of those gigs, Lots of merch sales on those shows.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Revisiting older albums: Tool – »10,000 Days«, Lamb Of God – »Wrath« kinda era.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
It is diverse. There is a lot of support, and often called “the next Austin.” We’ve had some trouble finding where we “fit” in the past but a lot of that is changing. There are a lot of groups that want to play 8 -12 times a month at the local watering holes, and we just aren’t that kind of band. I think at times in the past it has made me feel like maybe we need to do “more.” But as stated earlier, we aren’t really a pick and grin kinda group, and over the last half decade I think we have grown very confident in what we are trying to do. As much as I love Tulsa, I play here maybe once a month with Groucho, and we try to focus on road shows a lot, but it’s not for lack of love or support in our home town. Tulsa is a great place for creative folks these days.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Midwest America for short tours. TX, KS, MO, AR, and OK. Were also on a few festive shows in the Fall, the only one that has been announced so far is Rock the Equinox in Stigler OK. Late fall and beyond, are being booked out now.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
As much as I hate to say it, focusing on bullshit like social media has become something I am putting effort into. Ive met some really cool folks through random IG and TT videos who support our music. Im putting effort into that these days, it’s a bitter pill but to be honest its a tool to connect with folks. Beyond that, we are scooting towards new music ever so slowly. We’ve got two singles in April and one in early June. After that it’s time to write and record, so we will be doing that.
How can people best support your band?
Just subscribe to us on YT, IG, or stream our stuff. We have dope merch, but a shirt or poster and I’ll personally put in the mail!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for providing fuel in this creative endeavor. It means more than you could imagine and has helped give meaning to the entire process. Reach out and let’s talk shop.
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well