Dustin Kensrue (of Thrice & Solo Artist)

Some records entertain us. Others find us at exactly the right moment and become part of our story. My conversation with Dustin Kensrue, frontman and songwriter of Thrice, was one of those full-circle moments. Dustin’s 2007 solo album Please Come Home became the soundtrack to a pivotal chapter of my life, and his song “Pistol” holds a special place in my personal history as the song one my best friend's (Corey) chose for his first dance with his wife at their wedding. Getting to sit down with Dustin and talk about the music, the memories, and the stories behind the songs made this conversation particularly meaningful to me. At the center of our conversation is Dustin’s brand-new solo album, That Spirit of Christmas , released October 23 via BMG. We explore the inspiration behind the record, his soulful approach to holiday classics, the balance between honoring familiar traditions and making them his own, and the creative process behind original songs like “Joy Lives Here.” We also dive into the story behind “This Good Night Is Still Everywhere,” revisiting a song first released nearly two decades ago and reimagining it with the emotional depth Dustin always envisioned. Along the way, we discuss his evolution as a solo artist, the creative journey of Thrice, the challenge of continuing to grow after decades of making music, and the lasting connection between artists and the people who find pieces of their own lives in their work. For me, this conversation is ultimately about the power of music to connect us across different seasons of life. The songs we return to become tied to people, places, memories, and moments that never really leave us. That is part of what makes Dustin’s music so enduring, and why this conversation meant so much to me. www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com