DS Interview: Cheer Up Dusty— Philly’s Unfiltered Pop-Punk Revolution
Who is Dusty, and Did They Ever Cheer Up?
You might have heard the name Cheer Up Dusty buzzing around the Philadelphia pop-punk scene, but it was the name itself that immediately piqued my curiosity. As someone who’s often described as overly energized and maybe a little too cheerful, I couldn’t help but think: I’m about to make it my mission to cheer up Dusty—if their frown is even still upside down.
What I found wasn’t just a band; it was a whirlwind of raw energy, unfiltered humor, and relentless passion— a sound that embodies everything pop-punk is supposed to be. Something real, built from Philly grit and a refusal to compromise.
Since their debut in 2019, Cheer Up Dusty has been carving their own lane in the DIY scene, blending nostalgic pop-punk sounds with a fresh, unfiltered twist that’s hard to ignore. Their latest EP, Don’t Take It Personally, Take It Seriously (2023), and the upcoming wave of new music make it clear—they’re not just keeping the pop-punk torch burning; they’re throwing gasoline on the flame.
So, who exactly is Dusty?
As it turns out, Dusty isn’t a specific person per se. “It started as a joke with a friend who called me ‘Justy,’ and it eventually turned into Dusty,” Justin Humenik, lead singer, says. “Every time I disagreed with something, it was always ‘cheer up, Dusty.’ So, I named the band that as an ‘F-you’ to him.”
The name Dusty has become something more than just a playful jab among friends. “Dusty has become an enigma,” Justin continues. “We get asked all the time who it is. Honestly, I prefer to leave it open-ended. Dusty is whoever needs cheering up, whoever’s kicked down. It could be you, it could be me, it could be anyone. That’s the beauty of it.”
From the beginning, the band came together around a shared love of music and friendship. With Justin Humenik on vocals, Brayan Marin on lead guitar, Nick Silvidio on rhythm guitar, Pat Desiato on bass, and Caleb Kerr on drums, they created more than just a pop-punk group. They found a way to speak directly to anyone who’s ever needed to hear that they weren’t alone in the chaos of life.
What does Cheer Up Dusty sound like?
Blending 2000s pop-punk with their own unique flavor, Cheer Up Dusty’s sound is both familiar and fresh. “Our biggest influences come from classic pop-punk bands like Good Charlotte, Sum 41, A Day to Remember, and Blink-182,” says Brayan Marin, lead guitarist. “But we’ve also got Caleb, who’s into hardcore, and me—well, I listen to a lot of Bad Bunny. Somehow, it all mixes together, and we all learn a lot from each other.”
From the very first track, “Everybody Hates Me,” which has become a fan favorite, to their latest creations, their sound has continually evolved. “It’s been a constant evolution,” Brayan adds. “When we first started, Justin was doing everything. But now, we’ve got a solid core, and with the help of our producer Pete Zen, we’ve been growing together.”
Their lyrics mix humor with real emotion, reflecting the band’s unapologetic approach to life. “I’m not the most serious guy,” states Justin. “I write about things I’ve experienced or that I find relatable, and then we all contribute ideas to add our own flavors to it.”
Philly isn’t just home— it’s a battleground.
Cheer Up Dusty has become deeply rooted in the DIY culture of Philadelphia, a city that’s known for its gritty, no-nonsense attitude. “The Philly scene is really something special,” explains Brayan. “There’s so many artists putting in real work, and the fans here respond to that. You can feel the love, and that pushes us to always give more.”
Being an independent band in today’s industry isn’t easy. “The biggest challenge is balancing everything,” Brayan admits. “We’ve got to work, practice, promote, and still find time for our families and ourselves. It’s a constant struggle, but it’s worth it. Pressure makes diamonds, right?”
Their success also comes from embracing social media. “We try to just be ourselves,” Brayan laughs. “Even if it’s cringe. People respect authenticity, and we’re just putting it out there.”
The Creative Process
For Cheer Up Dusty, songwriting is a true collaboration, built on sharing ideas, trading demos, and refining their sound together. Once they land on something that feels right, they bring it to producer Pete Zen, whose expertise helps shape the final product. Each member plays a crucial role in supporting the message of the song, ensuring that every track captures the raw energy and authenticity they strive for.
With new music on the horizon, the band is gearing up for an exciting year. Their first single drops on April 15, 2025, kicking off a wave of releases and a packed schedule of live shows and bigger tours. The goal is simple: to reach more people, play more music, and do what they love.
Looking ahead, their vision is clear— turning their passion into a full-time career. Leaving the day jobs behind to dedicate themselves entirely to music is the ultimate dream. But beyond success, their true mission is to create a lasting impact. Every song, every show, every interaction is about sharing their love for music and the energy they pour into it. If listeners walk away feeling something real, knowing they’re part of something bigger, then Cheer Up Dusty has done exactly what they set out to do.