Doomed Confessionary: Spike Whirley (Dust Lord)
Photos by Maddie Walters
Dust Lord is a stoner/doom/sludge trio hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Formed by Spike Whirley (a founding member of grindcore legends Catheter), the band currently consists of Spike (guitar, vocals), Brad Hallacy (bass, backing vocals) and Connor Bradley (drums).
Dust Lord are back with a face ripping, precision assault, utilizing a full palate of sounds for a perfect blend of aural destruction. The band’s sophomore full-length album »Teethcutter«, out on September 20th, 2024 via Horton Records, is a nasty fusion of sludge, crust, stoner, and doom, laden with harmonies.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are Dust Lord from Tulsa, Oklahoma. My name is Spike and I founded the band in Colorado Springs, Colorado about seven years ago, and relocated to Tulsa about three years ago.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge for the band I would say has been getting seen by our target audience in a world that’s so saturated with bands considered “doom” or “stoner rock”
What can you be most proud of so far?
We’re most proud of our new record »Teethcutter«! Out now!!
What was your biggest regret?
Honestly my biggest regret was not having my shit together sooner so I could have been doing this all along.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
I don’t have a “best” tour they’re all a blast. I love going with friends though, so our recent run with Temptress is a highlight…
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I’ve done this so long nothing surprises me anymore lol
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
My rotation rn: Telekinetic Yeti, Eagle Claw, Bison BC, Slabdragger, Bongzilla, and so on.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
My friend Bryan Ostrow once told me, “being loud is awesome, but also if you suck you’re gonna suck really loud.”
What are your guilty pleasures?
I wouldn’t say guilty but I also love 90s lyrical hip hop, and anything Tom Waits has ever done musically or otherwise.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Tulsa / Oklahoma?
Tulsa music kicks ass!!! Our town is experiencing a definite boom in the music scene!! So many kick ass bands and venues happening! Come play Tulsa!!
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Stay tuned!! Currently booking into 2025!!!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
The three of us get along famously, and we fully intend to keep doing rad shit with rad people!!!
How can people best support your band?
Buy stuff!!! Come to shows!!! Dustlordpartydoom.bandcamp.com!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Everyone, don’t forget they mostly come out at night. Mostly.
Links:
Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube1 | YouTube2
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well