Meet Nathan Dean of Nathan Dean and the Damn Band in Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Dean.

Nathan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Started the band in November of 2005 at Roosters in Mesa, AZ. Had a couple of different jobs along with playing in the band for the first 2 1/2 years. Decided I wanted to make it my living in the middle of 2007 so I started getting everything together to make that possible then i.e. buying the necessary equipment, trailer, finding an agent, bandmates that would be able to tour. Hit the full road time in June of 2008. Since then we’ve released four original albums and played in 20 states across the country. My goal has always been to keep plugging away and making one fan at a time. That’s what we continue to do. Whether it’s on a patio in AZ or a festival in IL, in 2019, we will be playing our 120th show of the year this Friday in Tulsa, OK. Currently, we have over 200 total shows booked for the year, but that number will be closer to 250 once I start booking fall dates back in the valley.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been a lot of bumps in the road. I’ve had to replace the motor in our RV that we travel in 3 different times. The Winnebago we started on the road with I had to replace the transmission after 30k miles. Not to mention other mechanical problems. I’ve also had to find new players over the years. All in all, over the years I’ve had five different guitar players and eight bass players. Luckily in that same span, I’ve only had to have two drummers. The same drummer, Bill Bogan has been on the road since day one of full time touring. Other struggles include performing while sick. I’ve had pneumonia twice over the years and strep throat many more times than that. The show must go on as they say. More recently in the last year, I’ve fractured some ribs on two different occasions and most recently also broke my tail bone. Had to sing either that night or the following night in both instances.

Please tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a band and what sets you apart from others.
The band is country music-based with influences from all genres and walks of life. We’re known for strong musicality, vocals and a fun, party-like attitude on and off the stage. I’m most proud of all of the die-hard fans that we’ve accumulated over the years. They will always buy every new piece of merchandise we put out, every album and come to every show when we’re near their city. I think what sets me apart from most others is that I truly love what I do. I could do it for next to nothing, which is what we got paid when we first got started or making the decent living that we do now. As long as people want to listen… I will keep performing

Is there anyone, in particular, you would like to recognize? Mentors, etc.?
I’ve had many mentors and supporters along the way. Far too many to mention all of them specifically by name. But, my family was a huge influence. All of the band members along the way. I’ve gotten a lot of love and support from friends and supporters all across the country.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nathandean.net
• Email: nathan@nathandean.net
• Instagram: #ndatdb
• Facebook: #ndatdb
• Twitter: #ndatdb

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