ABOUT
The Dust-Ups blend a down-home country sound with punk rock spirit. While they all call New Jersey home today, The Dust-Ups’ origins span from New Orleans to Quebec, allowing their alt-country signature to resonate as far from regional. Before becoming known for their lively, catchy songs, the outfit was assembled in 2022 after lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Ryan Chatelain, a veteran of the New Orleans and New York solo-acoustic scenes, laid down roots in New Jersey and put out the call for musicians on Facebook and Craigslist.
Multi-instrumentalist Joe Palmisano answered and expressed a shared fondness of some of Chatelain's biggest influences, including Old 97’s and Uncle Tupelo, and the two then partnered to start what would eventually become known as The Dust-Ups. Shortly after, bassist Stephen Swalsky, formerly of the alt-country bands Coal Palace Kings and Mud, Blood & Beer, and drummer Alek Speck, who toured the world with the indie rock group Run Run Run, completed the lineup.
So far, the four-piece band has driven their quintessential alt-country charm through the PA systems at The Stanhope House and Crossroads in New Jersey, Rockwood Music Hall in NYC and John & Peter's in New Hope, Pennsylvania, among other clubs and events. With Palmisano seamlessly switching from lead guitar to pedal steel to mandolin, crowds can always expect the unexpected.
The symbiotic songwriting relationship between Chatelain and Palmisano brings a unique dynamic to The Dust-Ups, who released their eponymous debut album March 8. Now that the polishing touches have been put on the album, The Dust-Ups are endeavoring to continue extending the legacy of alt-country while remaining inspired by country legends and channeling their fervor for the genre into euphonic harmonies and raw, heartfelt lyrics.
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“The Dust-Ups self-titled debut album is outstanding alt-country with hints of honky-tonk and blues rock, fused with catchy hooks and punk rock swagger. I hope you enjoy this album as much as I do!” -New Jersey Stage
“A lively debut that offers both fun and great traditional musicianship.” –Americana UK