My mother named me Paul Damon Alford.
I came into this world smaller than most and overlooked by many. As I grew older I realized I was hearing and seeing things that others were not. Now thirty four years on this planet and eyes wide open, I am starting to believe. Starting to believe that possibilities are endless and endless love can change everything. I Believe that we are here for more than just a paycheck and taxes, and that a kind gesture and a smile are worth more than gold.
These are just words on paper from some guy you don't know. So, please let me give you a little background on myself. Here is a small portion of my life; starting with learning of honor, bravery and the idea of freedom.
At age 18 I left Fort Worth, Texas for Chicago and the United States Navy. Inspired by a high school World History teacher, I chose to pursuit the Navy Seal program. I was unsuccessful in obtaining the Trident that the team members wore so proudly on their chests. But the lessons learned from these trials will forever guide me. Now onto open seas and the sun on my face and salt in my wounds, I traveled the world as a Sailor of the United States Navy. New tastes new smells new flavors, new everything, and I loved it!
After returning to the U.S. in late 2000, I started hearing melodies more and more, almost to the point of being annoying sometimes. So I bought my first guitar in hopes to vent these melodies in 2001. Music consumed my life while stationed in Norfolk, VA and I started writing songs 30 days after buying a guitar. This was my everyday release of anger, hate, disappointment and dishonor the military had shown me. The mindset that we ruled everything and were allowed to tear up anything was sickening. I for one could not longer participate in the arrogant ignorance. I was Twenty-One years old when honorably discharged from Navy. I worked side by side with outstanding citizens in service, but many people leading the military have forgotten what honor is it seems.
On to greener pastures... I had a friend offer a business deal regarding cattle. So in June of 2002 I was now in the Cattle business... and on my way to Henderson, Kentucky. Where I would greet my long time friend and mentor Steve Champion and his family, and be introduced to Casey Damn James, who would forever change the way I think and feel about playing guitar.
In 2006 Casey and I moved back to Texas to chase the dream of playing music for a living. We met players instantly and started practicing relentlessly. Six days after we arrived in Texas we had our first paying gig as Kentucky Fried Texas. KFT was voted "Most Entertaining" out of 1500 floats in the "Dallas Greenville Parade". I was the frontman and songwriter for our band. We recorded one album; and through our mastering engineer Phil York, the album was submitted to the Grammy Board. Months later, shortly after the bands breakup in late 2007, Kentucky Fried Texas was voted a "Grammy Contender" for our debut album ¨Greatest Hits Vol. 1¨. It was recognized in two categories. ¨Best Rock Album¨ and ¨Best Rock Song, ¨Costa Rica." This was a huge honor for my debut as a singer/songwriter.
After six years of playing bars and never finding a venue in Texas that would allow me to express my full creative range, I chose to give away all of my possessions and move to Costa Rica in December of 2012. I figured if the world was coming to an end, I would greet the end in paradise. So I wandered into an eyes wide open community in Manuel Antonio and was welcomed with open arms. I finally felt appreciated as a musician and a human being. I started finding an inner peace and understanding in everything, and found love to be a powerful thing. I know now that learning to love the things you use to hate, will change your inner compass. It will change your fate.
Costa Rica had what I needed on many levels, but the most important a universal gift... and the gift's name is Sam.
Sam and I grew up just 5 minutes apart from each other in Ft.Worth Texas but never met until Costa. Since that day we have been sharing light, love, music, and laughter with those around us in our travels and hope to share these things in many more places.
Sam is an International professional raft guide and all around Badass! She convinced me to come back to the states and experience the 'river folk' community in Colorado and California . I have never met a group of people with such well rounded thoughts and abilities. I feel more connected than ever before and wake yearning to learn and share more. We are minimalist and enjoy life this way. We wake up under the trees and fall asleep under the stars with the ripple of the river passing by. Purchasing fresh eggs from the local farmer for breakfast, a refreshing way to start the day. Best part, the sunshine, and the beautiful songs of birds as our alarm clock.
Now 6 years after my debut album with over 300 songs and ideas written, I am ready to share the lion within. A lion of light, love and equality for all and everything. The gathering of lions has commenced, and consciousness is the guide into our selves and the future of our pride. May Peace and Love dance throughout humanity as fire to a prairie.
Paul Damon and The Pride of Lions - Coming Soon!
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