Peach Jam Podcast: The Ides of June - Atlanta, GA

 

The Ides of June is composed of four musicians who, despite their busy day jobs, find time to live and breathe music every weekend. Lead vocalist Dusty Huggins, drummer Austin Robb, and guitarists Alex Gannon and Eli Browder form a close-knit unit that relies on each other not only to make music, but to navigate the realities of being a working band.

In their conversation with host Jeremy Powell, the band members talk about how they came together in the vibrant Atlanta music scene, highlighting their camaraderie with fellow musicians. Despite their demanding schedules, they all share a common goal: to bring their music to the people and make something special out of the time they have on stage.

"It's a full-time job we don't get paid for," says Eli Browder. "If we're not playing on the weekend, we're out seeing shows, practicing, engaging with people on social media. It's a grind, but it's worth it."

Being a working band has its challenges. The Ides of June, like many independent musicians, juggle multiple roles — performing, recording, social media management, marketing, and even editing their own videos. It's a grind that often goes unnoticed by fans who only see the band on stage, but behind the scenes, the effort is immense.

Austin Robb shares a candid perspective: "You have to be a videographer, photographer, marketer, and then still make time to play your instrument and record decent music. It’s wild, but we’re doing it because we love it."

In addition to their usual gigs, the band also emphasizes the importance of finding creative ways to generate revenue. They perform three-hour sets of original music and covers, which helps bring in paying gigs. They also invest in merchandise, including vinyl records, which have made a resurgence in popularity.

As Dusty explains, vinyl sales are not just a financial boost — they’re a way to connect with fans on a deeper level: "It’s humbling to know that someone wants to buy our music, even if they don’t know who we are. It makes the grind feel worth it."

One of the most eye-opening moments in the interview centers on the impact of social media. In today’s digital age, a band’s online presence can be just as important as their live shows. Venues and promoters often check a band’s social media following before deciding to book them, making it crucial for bands like The Ides of June to maintain an active online presence.

"The way the industry works now, it’s all about numbers," says Dusty. "Venues don’t want to book a band without a following because they don’t want to risk an empty room."

While the band members acknowledge the importance of social media, they also recognize the challenges it brings. Austin notes, "It’s not just about playing music anymore; it’s about editing videos, taking photos, making posters, and learning how to market yourself. It can be overwhelming, but we’re figuring it out as we go."

Despite the frustrations that come with navigating the digital landscape, they’re grateful for the opportunities social media has brought them, including gigs with larger acts and the chance to expand their fan base.

The Ides of June isn’t just a band name — it holds deep personal significance for Dusty Huggins. The name came about after a series of tragic events that inspired Dusty to channel his emotions into music. In 2012, Dusty lost his mother to suicide. This loss served as the catalyst for his decision to pursue music, and the name "Ides of June" was a reflection of the pain and resilience that followed.

"It’s a way to make something beautiful out of a bad situation," Dusty shares. The band also honors his mother’s memory by supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an organization close to their hearts.

Their annual fundraising event at Monday Night Garage in Atlanta is a testament to their commitment to both their music and a cause that means so much to Dusty and his family.

Throughout the interview, one thing becomes clear: The Ides of June are a band driven by a deep love for music and an unwavering commitment to their craft. They may not have the luxury of full-time music careers, but they’ve found a way to keep pushing forward, finding joy in the small victories and the moments of connection with their fans.

As the band reflects on their journey, Dusty offers advice to aspiring musicians: "If it matters to you and it’s a necessity in your life, you have to do it. It’s not easy, but if you want to do this for a living, you’ll make it work."

Their story is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of music to bring people together. The Ides of June may be a "weekend warrior" band, but their dedication to their art and their fans is anything but part-time.

You can catch the full interview and musical performance by The Ides of June on the Peach Jam podcast, available on the GPB YouTube page. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts to help bring more attention to the talented artists like The Ides of June that we feature on the show.

This episode of Peach Jam sheds light on the behind-the-scenes realities of a working band, showcasing the passion and resilience required to make it in today’s music scene. Whether you're a musician, music lover, or just someone who appreciates a good story, this episode is a must-listen.

The Peach Jam podcast from GPB features songs and stories from a variety of the incredibly talented and diverse bands and artists who call the Peach State home.

Recorded live in our GPB studios, you get a front row seat for the intimate musical performances and free-flowing conversation from a truly eclectic variety of Georgia musicians. You can find more at GPB.org/PeachJamPodcast — and please download and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.