Meet The Members of BNI ~ Austin Duller

Every musician is an artist in their own right. Whether just starting out or a seasoned professional, musicians have a true passion for expressing themselves through the music that they play and write. For every musician, there is a deep connection to the instrument that they choose to play. Everyone’s reasons are different for playing the instrument that they do, but whatever the reason it is truly remarkable to watch a group of talented musicians get together and play with such passion.

As one of the band’s many supporters, I was able to sit down and discuss this topic with each of the members of Batteries Not Included, a local pop punk band based out of West Bend, WI.

Austin Duller -

Guitar/Lead Vocals

I’m gonna start out with the most obvious question and get it out of the way - why did you choose the guitar?

“I got a First Act guitar when I was younger and got back into it because I’ve always been drawn to guitar.”

Okay, so you’ve always been drawn to the guitar, but was the guitar your first choice instrument to play?

“I wanted to play drums when I was little, but to save some of my mom’s sanity I played guitar instead.”

Wow, interesting. I am sure your mom really appreciates that, though! Plus, it would have made singing (or at least being lead singer) a challenge. Was being lead singer even on your radar when starting BNI?

“So, funny story - someone else was supposed to do vocals. Before BNI was even a thing - back when we were in summerband - the dude didn’t show up. So, we started practicing the songs by me talking through the songs and our mentors, Rich and Drew, told me I sounded good (I didn’t). But, they’re the reason I kept going and improving my vocals until we formed Batteries Not Included with Sam.”

Oh, very cool. It just goes to show that everything eventually works out and things eventually fall into place the way that they’re supposed to. As the lead singer/guitarist, what are some of your favorite songs to play?

“Probably two of our original songs, Undone or Half Dollar, because they’re so high energy.”

That’s interesting because I would think that the higher energy songs would be more difficult since you sing and play at the same time. That being said, what is something you want everyone to know about your role as the lead vocalist and guitarist?

“For doing lead vocals and guitar, you have to have an equal mix of effort in both, whether it’s playing the chords or singing the notes.”

Geez - that sounds like it requires a whole lot of concentration and a major ability to multitask. Definitely something I would be terrible at. When you play (on or off stage), you make it look so effortless and it all just flows so well. In general, what do you like most about playing with and being a part of BNI?

“My favorite thing is that we can really be ourselves and all of our personalities complement each other. In simple terms, we’re all dumb but good at counting to four.”

That’s fantastic - I love that! You can definitely tell when you guys perform that you all have really good chemistry and vibe really well together. Especially in between songs when you guys are playing gigs - you all sort of riff off of each other, and for the audience that makes a huge difference. If a band does not have good chemistry, it can get super awkward for the audience to see (and feel).

Last question - if you had unlimited funds and could pick custom anything, what would be your dream guitar?

“Either a Fender American Professional Stratocaster or a Fender American Professional Telecaster. To be simple, I really want a Fender custom shop guitar and make it my own.”

Very cool - so instead of picking an already existing guitar, you would rather customize it to your specific needs, almost like what Les Paul did. Austin, you are a true musician with a great passion for what you do, and it shows! Batteries Not Included is so lucky to have you and I - as well as all of those that support this band - cannot wait to see what else this band will do!