Today we’d like to introduce you to Walker Dearman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been interested in music since I was a kid. My dad played a bit of guitar and I began to play pretty young. I started writing songs when I was in middle school and have been working on song writing ever since; now I play my own original music when I’m solo and also play in the band Midnight Heron, where I’m able to play some of my original music as well with a full band.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been years where I put music on the back burner, but I’m always happier when playing music and when musical community is part of my life. Sometimes I play less publicly but keep playing with friends and family. There were a few years in my twenties that I worked across the U.S. in conservation jobs from Massachusetts to Utah, and playing music around campfires always helped sustain me when I was working on trails far from civilization.
Keeping a consistent musical practice while also working full time and meeting other life obligations has been difficult. There have been times I’ve focused on cover songs and music that is not a personally fulfilling but is easier to make money with- at this point in my life I’m much more interested in playing originals and focusing on work that challenges and interests me personally, and trying to make money while also focusing on that kind of music is definitely a challenge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My songwriting has definitely grown with me. I started out writing a lot of love songs and I grew a little tired of that and wanted to branch out into other topics. Conservation and the natural world have always been important to me, and the song “Mother Nature” was inspired by my time spent working outdoors. I’m happy with how the recording came out and was lucky to be able to make a music video for it too.
I’m also proud of the music I’ve been making with the band Midnight Heron. My bandmates are also great songwriters and interested in playing originals and exploring fun and challenging opportunities, like playing at festivals.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The Galveston music community has been fundamental and continues to help me and others grow as musicians and songwriters. Robert Donovan with Island music introduced me to Bert Wills when I was still in middle school and together they helped me turn an interest in music into a lifelong passion. My first public performance was at the Old Quarter and that venue continues to inspire me with the talent that frequents their small intimate stage.
The members of Midnight Heron, Sasha, Sean, and Clarke, have been a supportive team and great creative partners.
My family, friends and dogs are paramount in my musical journey. I’m a new Dad, and my wife Devin and daughter River are the best for supporting my music and listening to me play the same thing over and over.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/justwalker?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcASrxs5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAadEjGzZcJZ6R2f8zh7SyQwZ2WRIeoMLB6Ae053A795WPXj5d2UAOpEAHbrTIw_aem__L1MeJRlHvN8vpMeSQGt_Q
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just_walkermusic?igsh=d3NwZG5yNjM0N2Js
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustWalkerMusic/&ved=2ahUKEwjGn9ah5qWVAxUHK1kFHbeGJ5YQFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3gnRm47xfBDGkcLS0HYG5b
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@justwalkermusic?si=sWZnYYAffSfgTx7C
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/midnightheronband/
