Return to Dust Release Heartfelt New Single & Video for "When You Look At Me"
Friday, November 10, 2023 - The acclaimed grunge trio, Return to Dust, have today released their latest single, "When You Look At Me" via Jim Kaufman Productions. Fans can listen to the track HERE, and watch the brand new video directed by Matt Akana HERE or at the link below.
Delving into the haunting depths of growing up in an abusive household, "When You Look At Me" marks a bold new chapter of unfiltered authenticity for the band. Confronting difficult themes with unflinching honesty, all while carrying a message of resilience and healing, this latest single captures Return to Dust's dedication to their craft and their willingness to tackle profound issues.
Earning a phenomenal 2 million TikTok views over the course of a weekend, see HERE, Return to Dust have soared to new heights. The TIkTok featuring the band's single, "Belly Up" swiftly impacted the band's trajectory - leading to a spot on Welcome To Rockville 2024, over 1.6 million total streams, 65K Spotify Monthly Listeners, and 4 million total TikTok views. As the year comes to an end, Return to Dust have truly cemented their position as a rising force in the industry.
Speaking on today's release, co-vocalist and bassist Graham Stanush shares:
""When You Look at Me" is a time-piece that unfortunately captures a very specific scene in homes across the globe. Its sludgy nature and story-like lyricism highlights what it feels like to be the child in an abusive household. It was a chance for me to shed light on something I’ve kept close to my chest for a long time, and wasn’t until both my parents’ passing, and years after, that I felt comfortable sharing.The song and New Music Video speaks for itself in that regard."
Sharing insight as the director of the video, Matt Akana continues:
"When You Look At Me is an incredibly personal song to Graham and the band, so we really wanted to capture the depth of that emotion in this video. We tried to convey the feelings of neglect and the destruction of innocence that come with being trapped in an unloving and abusive home, but also wanted to show that the pain and frustration of being in that situation can be used to push you towards something positive."
Following their triumphant sold-out EP release show, Return to Dust's momentum remains unwavering. Recognized and celebrated by rock impresario, Allison Hagendorf, their single "Losing Faith" took the spotlight on an episode of "The Allison Hagendorf Show's" Sound Advice. The band's remarkable journey continues to gain traction and acclaim, solidifying themselves as mavericks in the current rock resurgence.
Further adding to their accolades, Matt Pinfield featured the band on KLOS' "New And Approved", and continues to share his support of the band. In the eyes of the Power Hour host, Return to Dust are held to a high regard:
"Return to Dust are one of the most exciting bands I’ve heard and seen live in a long time. The spirit of 90’s Seattle with the urgency of that city’s youth today, makes them a welcome and much needed addition to the current rock landscape."
Return to Dust, who are heavily inspired by the legendary Alice In Chains, have already cultivated a reputation in the local Los Angeles music scene before the release of their debut EP, "The Black Road" produced by none other than Jim Kaufman (Everclear, Danny Worsnop, Night Riots, Helmet). With their dynamic presence on TikTok, a rapidly growing streaming audience, and a loyal fan base, the band is gearing up for an exciting and promising future. Stay tuned for what Return to Dust has in store, as they continue to make waves in the music scene and connect with their ever-expanding audience.
WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING:
"Return To Dust veer into entirely distinct sonic territories... one likely pivotal for long-term success.
Overall: 90/100”
Unsung Melody
"The band throws a new twist on 90s-sounding riffs bringing the listener back in time. The groovy guitar with dark themes in the lyrics holds over every song on the EP."
Keynote Music Collective
""“Black Road” is the perfect vehicle for Return to Dust to showcase their remarkable cinematic approach. This is a band with a stupendous future."
My Amp Music
""Combined with formidable talent and unmatched dedication, Return to Dust are ready to truly hit the ground running with their debut EP, “The Black Road,""
Interview Under Fire
Return to Dust have taken over listeners' Spotify Release Radar's and Discover Weekly's, all prior to the release of their debut EP. The band have also been featured on Loudwire's Weekly Wire and Spotify's All New Rock, and independent playlists such as Prelude Press' "Music That Doesn't Suck", CHARM Music Magazine's "New Music Friday", NAS 101's "New Artist Spotlight", Get Rocked's "Best New Music", and more.
Southern California fans will also have the chance to see Return to Dust at The Haven in Pomona on Friday, November 17th, where they will be appearing with fellow Los Angeles natives Sad Super Giant, Spunk, and The Berdellas for an epic night of live music. Fans can purchase tickets in advance HERE.
Return to Dust will also be sharing the stage with other rock and metal heavyweights in May of 2024 for Danny Wimmer's legendary Welcome To Rockville. Fans can purchased single day tickets and weekend passes HERE.
Don't miss your chance to see the band live!
ABOUT RETURN TO DUST
Los Angeles based alternative/grunge rock trio Return to Dust (Matty Joseph, Graham Stanush, Sebastian Gonzalez) has already scripted a karmic saga that traverses decades, pays homage to the past, and plants its roots firmly in the future. Listening within their sonic universe is like time-traveling to the halcyon days of the '90s grunge era. Their sound, influenced by heavyweights of the time, reverberates with the echoes of Deftones, Alice In Chains, and the soul of Nirvana — but, their brilliance doesn't stop there. The band draws inspiration from a diverse palette, blending in bits from bands like The Cure, Metallica, and Cage The Elephant, molding them into their own unique musical tapestry.
Return to Dust breathes life into a sound that feels both genuine and tailor-made to encapsulate the essence of a bygone era, leaving fans awash in nostalgia. Yet, it's not merely a mimicry of the past; instead, it's a fusion of the old and the new — an alchemy that conjures a sound distinctly their own. At the core are alluring bass lines (Stanush), gritty guitar riffs (Gonzalez, Joseph) and dual lead vocals (Joseph, Stanush) that harmonize and intertwine, weaving an ethereal soundscape that resonates with raw emotion and unyielding energy. It's a moody concoction that pays homage to an iconic era while fearlessly exploring uncharted territories. Return to Dust beckons audiences into their world, where the past and present converge, igniting a fervor that keeps the flames of grunge alive.
Return to Dust found its meteoric rise propelled by a chance encounter with none other than the illustrious producer Jim Kaufman (Helmet, Everclear, Night Riots). Under Kaufman's mentorship, the band's raw talent began to soar. During the darkest days of the pandemic, when the world stood still, Return to Dust seized the opportunity to channel their collective energy into crafting something profound. The result was their debut EP, a mesmerizing creation titled ‘The Black Road.’ It was a labor of love and dedication that not only transcended the barriers of personal growth, but also etched the band's name into the future of rock.
Return to Dust
Matty Joseph - Vocals & Guitar
Graham Stanush - Vocals & Bass
Sebastian Gonzalez - Guitar
