User:DMAN Band

Why I do What I do (PLEASE READ)http://www.reverbnation.com/dmanband

Simple really, you see ever since I was a kid I wanted to be that guitar player up on stage and people really liking what he was doing. For one reason or another that never happened, I guess if I knew know what I didn't know then I would have practiced more and made more of a commitment, but I grew up in the 70's and well getting stoned was my top priority. I was not thinking long term at all, nor were most of my friends. But I did play, although not that great I played enough to entertain myself but not others. Sure I would get together with friends once in a while and play but I was always amazed at how much better they were, Duh, they practiced more. So I would try to learn more stuff but then would get sidetracked on some other thing that came along, no commitment, I was a dumbass plain and simple.

So then a few years ago I have this stroke and I couldn't play at all, let alone walk or talk or feed myself. I could have cared less if I ever got out of that wheelchair, my main focus was to play my guitar again. You see even though I wasn't all that great at playing it was still a passion for me and to have that taken away was horrible. So after my stroke, for about 3 months all I could do is hold my guitar and cry, it hurt not to be able to play, so I tried and tried, cried and tried some more, and slowly things started to improve. I could make chords, I could strum a bit and I even got some of my finger-pickin back. It was the hardest thing I have ever done and I am fortunate to be able to play again.

Then last summer, just when I thought it was over I was diagnosed with cancer and well it scared the shit out of me. I thought ah shit here we go again. So I have been practicing more now than ever before and I bought a Boss Micro BR to record as much as I can. You see even though I never became that guitar player up on that stage, I wanted to leave some sort of musical legacy and now I have that chance. I have put my songs on CD's for my friends and family and I don't care if they don't sound perfect, anytime I played I didn't sound perfect so why should I now. I just want them to hear me sing and play.

And thanks to UG, Reverbnation, Lastfm ect.... I am now reaching people I thought I could never reach, so in some way I have been able to take that stage in front of all of you, and so far you have liked most of my music. I can't tell you how grateful I am for that, it really means a lot to me. So thank you all. I also played my first gig a few weeks ago and am working on my 3rd CD, I have come a long way on this journey but it was worth every step.

If I learned anything from all the shit I have had to go through it is not to take anything for granted and enjoy each and every day.

Doug Mikkelson link title