Finding her voice: Local musician releases new songs

Seventeen-year-old Dusty Rule has added her powerful, heartfelt voice to the global music scene, releasing two self-written songs across 120 streaming platforms.

The Busselton-born singer-songwriter celebrated the launch of “Better Off” and “Let Go” at Caves House on March 22, surrounded by friends, family, and a growing tribe of fans.

Music has been integral to Dusty’s life since she was four, when “singing and creating spontaneous songs” became her daily norm. While her natural talent suggests music flows through her DNA, it wasn’t until Year 4 at Cornerstone Christian College that she publicly shared her gift.

“I was around 10 years old, singing a gospel song at school,” Dusty recalled.

“It felt so strange since it was my first time performing in front of an audience.

“At home, I would dance around, creating songs and singing Katy Perry on the trampoline all the time, but I had never properly sung in front of others.”

“When I got up on stage, I felt a little shy at first, but that quickly disappeared, and I felt at home. I get very anxious speaking in front of people, but with singing, I can stand and sing on stage forever. ”

That first performance revealed her hidden talent to an unsuspecting audience.

“Everyone in the room went silent because no one had heard me perform before,” she shared.

“By the end, everyone was like ‘Oh wow, Dusty can actually sing!'”

“I felt scared, but it was really fulfilling to express myself and sing in front of people for the first time. It was a cool experience, even though a bit overwhelming!”

Her musical journey gained momentum when her mother suggested piano lessons, following the extended family’s musical tradition. Initially too self-conscious to sing during lessons, Dusty gradually found her voice.

“I started singing a little with my teacher, and she also realised that maybe I could do this…”.

A parent at school, who also recognised her talent, recommended vocal training. After some searching, Dusty began lessons, but COVID-19 brought this to an abrupt halt.

Undeterred, she taught herself piano, guitar, and ukulele. “I remember watching Olivia Rodrigo play this song on the ukulele before she became famous. I was so determined to learn that song. I sat there every single day for months until I succeeded!”

While singing helps the strongminded yet unassuming and often shy 17-year-old Dusty find her voice, songwriting is her passion, offering a way to process life’s experiences.

“When things happen, especially with friends, it’s my way of sharing my side of the story or expressing how I feel without anyone else having a say,” Dusty explained.

Named after Slim Dusty by parents who loved country music, she grew up surrounded by the genre’s storytelling tradition. “My parents adore Dolly Parton,” she shared.

“I’ve always loved how country music tells stories. Even though I don’t specifically write country music, it has shaped my songwriting.

Her own story took an unexpected turn when she met singing teacher Sussane Siegrist and award-winning Sydney producer Audius Mtawarira at Jack-in-the-Box studio in Busselton. “I went in for my first recording with two songs – one about my nan who had passed away, and another about following my dreams despite doubts from others.”

Those doubts sometimes weighed heavily. “I’ve had a lot of family members and friends who lifted me, but some weren’t so supportive,” Dusty reflected. “Being 14 years old, those little negative comments would stick in my head, which was hard to overcome. But I knew in my heart that music was what I wanted.”

Her talent impressed both mentors immediately. After recording her first song, “Be Herself,” Dusty returned to the studio with “Better Off,” which she wrote after a difficult friendship ended.

“I knew that after everything I’d been through, I was better off in the end. It was time to move on, and I was going to be okay,” she shared.

“This song reflects that hard personal journey.”

The song’s power convinced Audius that she was ready for professional recording. Last July, Dusty spent a week in Sydney recording four more songs and polishing “Better Off.”

“It was so surreal being in the studio. Laying down vocals, adding harmonies, and watching Audius bring in different elements – it was magical to see my songs transform.”

With her mother’s guidance, Dusty released and promoted her music independently. “The music industry can be harsh, and people often get swallowed up by it,” she explained.

“Because I’m young and given the pressures of social media, we decided to keep it safe and authentic by managing everything ourselves so I could enjoy the process with less stress.”

For Dusty, music isn’t just about performing; it’s her way of connecting with the world. “I don’t know what I’d do without music. It’s always been a huge part of me.

“When I’m sad or happy, the first thing I do is go to the piano or pick up my guitar and start writing a song,” she shared.

“Music is everything to me. It’s so special because everyone can connect to it – even if you don’t write or play, you can hear a song and think,…I love that!”

This connection with listeners is the essence of her ambition as an artist. She vividly recalls a Year 8 camp where several girls approached her in tears after performing a song about dealing with unkind peers.

“They said the song meant so much to them because they could relate to it completely. ”

“That’s why I do this – having others connect with what I’ve written and helping people through the gift of song means everything to me.”

Her parents’ support grounds her journey.

“It means so much knowing Mom and Dad believe in me and want to help make everything happen,” Dusty said.

“They have both been so supportive; I couldn’t have done this without them!”

With enough songs written for an album, she hopes to complete recording by next year and dreams of touring.

To other young people sharing similar aspirations, Dusty offers simple yet powerful advice: “Just believe! Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. Have faith in yourself!”

Listen to Dusty’s soulful voice and songs “Better Off” and “Let Go” on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms.