Dustin Kensrue

Dustin Michael Kensrue (KENZ-roo) (born november 18, 1980) is a vocalist, lyricist, and rhythm guitarist in the Orange County, California post-hardcore quartet Thrice, as well as a solo artist.

Although Thrice as a band does not consider itself a Christian band, Kensrue himself is a Christian. A lot of his lyrics are inspired by Christian morals and their place in society today, with Kensrue drawing much of his lyrical inspiration from various literary sources including his favorite author C.S. Lewis, who penned the well-known Chronicles of Narnia books and many books on a variety of subjects, both fiction and non. He has a tattoo on his left wrist which is a passage from the Bible written in Hebrew.

Dustin designed the album artwork for both parts of The Alchemy Index - Thrice's fifth studio recording.

Dustin also added vocals in the song "The Contender" on the album "Pierce the Empire With a Sound" by experimental act The Out Circuit.

His younger brother, Chase Kensrue, plays guitar and piano for the band Eye Alaska.

Dustin is married and on December 7 2006, he and his wife had their first child, Sailor Ardith Kensrue.

Solo Project

Ursus Veritas was the former alias for Dustin Kensrue's solo side project. The name was a play on words from Latin: ursus meaning bear, and veritas meaning truth, combining to mean "(to) bear truth". Kensrue has always expressed an interest in discovering truth, and has also said he likes bears, which lead to the play on words. However, at some point he decided to drop the name in favor of simplicity since "people have enough trouble just pronouncing [his] last name to begin with."

On January 23, 2007, Kensrue released a solo album titled Please Come Home on Equal Vision Records. He wrapped up the recording and mixing of the album at the home of fellow Thrice member Teppei Teranishi. The album opened at 142 on the Billboard 200 with 5,800 copies sold the first week.. He supported the album with a solo tour including stops on David Letterman's talk show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Fuse Network. Please Come Home met with mostly favorable reviews from critics, who have compared Kensrue's versatility in his vocals to singer/songwriter Ryan Adams and Johnny Cash.

Dustin Kensrue intends to donate 5% of the proceeds from Please Come Home to a non-profit organization called To Write Love on Her Arms. In the press release, Kensrue explained the choice:

"To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for those struggling with clinical depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. To Write Love on Her Arms began in March 2006 as a written story and an attempt to raise money for one girl's treatment. T-shirts were printed and a MySpace page was created to serve as home base for the story. Excitement spread quickly throughout MySpace and the independent music community. For 2007, TWLOHA is aiming to raise $100k for treatment and recovery. This comes in addition to online counseling and continued efforts to creatively present hope and raise awareness.

TWLOHA is a fitting choice for Please Come Home. The album lyrically exudes redemption, personal worth, love, acceptance, and hope. “I try to be an artist who aspires to find hope even in dark places: If I’m down, I don’t want to bring people down to that place with me. I’m looking for a way out," says Kensrue.

In January 2008, Dustin announced via his MySpace page that another record is in the making and he expects it to be out in the new year.

Discography

2007: Please Come Home

Equipment

Dustin has used various equipment with Thrice and for his solo project.

In the summer of 2007, Dustin sold his 1966 Gibson SG Jr, Taylor GS Acoustic, 1968 Gretsch Clipper, Marshall JCM800 2205, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, and Mesa Boogie Cabs on Ebay. He stated "Change is good," as the reason for selling his equipment.

Guitars

Dustin currently plays these live:

• Black Nash T-Series Telecaster copy/Variax Hybrid (Relic'd)
• Warmoth '72 Telecaster Deluxe/Variax Hybrid (Natural)
• Gibson Southern Jumbo TV
• Gibson 55-77 Les Paul Special

Other Guitars he has owned and recorded with:

• 1966 Wine Red Gibson SG Jr (modified for a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in the bridge and with the tone knob removed. This was Dustin's main touring guitar until 2006.)
• Gibson SG (Tobacco Sunburst)
• Gibson RD Artist (Tobacco Sunburst)
• Taylor 510 and GS

Amplification

• Marshall JCM 800
• Line 6 Vetta II Combo
• Line 6 Vetta II 2x12 Extension Cab
• Princeton Tweed Combo (made by Teppei)

Effects and other

Effects used in past:

• Line 6 DM4
• Ernie Ball Volume Pedal
• Dimarzio Straps
• Line 6 DL4
• Boss RV-5
• Boss Tuner

Currently:

• Line 6 FBV shortboard

References

Other sources

• Dustin Kensrue Official Site
• Dustin Kensrue's Official Myspace profile
• Thrice website
• Water is Poison, the Official Thrice Fansite
• THE So Cal Scene Interview with Dustin Kensrue