About
The Rollin' Rust is a folk rock group based out of the foothills of Central New York. Led by singer-songwriter James VanDeuson, The Rollin' Rust celebrates the distinguished writing style of a vagabond folk artist, incorporating elements of blues, bluegrass, roots, folk and country. Rollin' Rust tunes have a distinct originality to them; they'll be dropping you off somewhere between your favorite Willie Nelson song and the closet where your mother's rock-n-roll collection still lives... the one she thought she got rid of years ago. James is joined by his bandmates Jim Hearn (lead guitarist) Kyle Dennis, (drums/vocals), and Nash Robb, (upright/elec. bass and vocals)
The Rollin Rust formed in 2021 and has since made its musical mark with efficiency, performing at several notable music festivals including, Borderland Music Festival, the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, Great Blue Heron Music Festival, Stony Fork Music Festival, Seedstock Music Festival, Brew York, Sterling Stage, Fall Down Music Festival, and many others. The group has traveled to 25+ states, sharing lineups with CAAMP, Watchhouse (previously Mandolin Orange), The Black Crowes, Sam Bush, The Wood Brothers, Dark Star Orchestra, Ryan Montbleau, Marcus King, Cabinet, Fireside Collective, Houndmouth, Sierra Hull and more. The Rollin' Rust has directly supported Grammy winner Brandy Clark, Donna The Buffalo, Ryan Montbleau Band, Driftwood, Pressing Strings, Argonaut & Wasp, and Hunter Root.
In 2024, The Rollin' Rust competed against 70+ bands for a main stage slot at the prestigious Borderland Music Festival, winning the "Battle Of The Borderland," competition.
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The Rollin' Rust's debut album, "Road Rats," was nominated for Best Americana Album at the SAMMY Awards in Syracuse, NY.
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The Rollin' Rust tells the noble tale of a rambling group of young dreamers, unafraid to live out of vans, buses, and hotel rooms. Their polished performance, unmistakable comradery, and colorful lyricism tends to leave its mark on an audience... wherever they happen to end up for the night.​
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Road Rats.
In 2022 The Rollin' Rust completed their debut studio album, "Road Rats." The LP was tracked live at Another Recording Co. in Omaha, NE. In doing so, The Rollin' Rust is now on the list of ever-popular musicians who have had the opportunity to work with the skilled folks at ARC including Justin Townes Earle, Jason Mraz, Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst, Phoebe Bridgers, The First Aid Kit and many, many others.
Road Rats catalyzed their quick start in the region and now serves as the foundation for their promising future.
"It's a blend of folky-type storytelling with a genuine blast of everything that this band has to offer. Recording it live made it way more gritty and unapologetically true to what would eventually become The Rollin' Rust sound. It's nervous. It's exciting. It was our first real go at making music together." - James VanDeuson
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The project was driven by nationally acclaimed producer and internationally touring musician, Ben Brodin.
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NEWEST
The Rollin Rust – “Banjo in my hand”
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"I suppose the actual genre for this track is Americana, but we’re definitely happy to feature here. It’s got an up tempo style that somehow manages to reflect some old timey sounds. The electric guitar licks even feel a little like roots country. The blending of styles on this one is a definitely a feature. Some of the lyrics are humorous, featuring living a life on the road despite others who may not support your dreams or lifestyle. It’s an old fashioned story in and of itself, told in a timeless genre style."
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- Ear To The Ground Music Review -