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 Click
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from the Showgoats album. "Catfish Saturday"
Dr. Walker Meadows, a talented veterinarian, has a fun and unique hobby. When
it’s time to call it a day, Dr. Meadows enjoys playing music in his band The
Showgoats. It helps him unwind after his busy days taking care of animals. The
Showgoats’ specialize in country tunes, complete with catchy lyrics and excellent
music! Dr. Meadows plays the guitar in the group. His other bandmates/friends also have
successful day jobs, including two lawyers and a computer consultant. It might come as a
pleasant surprise that these hard-working professionals can also rock n’roll!
 Dr. Meadows
was inspired to be a veterinarian when he was in high school. He was a stable hand for a
carriage company. He enjoyed the regular visits a veterinarian made to check up on the
horses. He thought it was so rewarding to be in this profession, since it garnered so much
admiration. Along with that, he really enjoyed working with animals.
 Today, he
is passionate about his career, and his music. Dr. Meadows began playing the guitar in
college. Eleven years later, he’s having a ball in The Showgoats, and have put their
album, "Catfish Saturday".
Click
here to hear sample music clips)
Their music is fun and light, keeping you humming all day long. In this exclusive
interview, I talk with Dr. Meadows about what inspires him to pursue his career and music.
We’ll also talk about how he started the band.
I’d like to welcome Dr. Walker Meadows to our
Meet-the-Musician interview. Thank you for joining, me, Dr. Meadows.
Joanne:
How did you start the Showgoats?
Dr. Meadows:
I started the band with a close friend of mine, Mark Degnan. We had a shared
interest in some musical groups and thought it would be easy to do it ourselves.  It took us a while to track down people with similar interests and
time constraints. Through word of mouth we found Fred Monroe, Chip Holmes and Eric
Dunnanvant. After finding enough players we rented a band space and began practicing
several nights a week trying to find an agreeable sound. After a few months together, we
had put together about a dozen well-crafted original songs. We decided to keep working on
being a band. We didn't know of any other bands that could write songs this fast and we
REALLY enjoyed our practices.
Joanne:
What instrument do you play?
 Dr.
Meadows:
When did you learn how to play? I play the guitar. I have been playing for about
11 years. I am familiar with stringed instruments, having played the violin since I was 8
years old. I decided to play guitar after hearing a song by Bob Mould.
I was in college at the time. I heard this song and decided I wanted to be able to play
like he did. So I turned my car into the nearest music store and bought a guitar. I still
have trouble playing that particular song, but maybe one day I will master it.
Joanne:
How do you balance being in the Showgoats and working as a veterinarian?
Dr. Meadows:
Being in The Showgoats does not take away any time from my "day gig" as a
veterinarian. The two activities seem to coexist very well. I find that having a band
allows me to erase a lot of unneeded information from my mind. I can relax and completely
concentrate on music, which is very calming to me. I have also found that the camaraderie
of the band is very appealing. We all have stressful day jobs. There are two lawyers and a
computer consultant besides me. We are all in different fields but we share this interest
in our band. I think we are all very proud of what we have done with The Showgoats.
Joanne:
Where do you get your inspiration for writing and performing songs?
Dr. Meadows:
Writing music is a strange pastime. I can’t tell you where exactly my ideas come
from. There are two steps to writing my songs. The music and the words. They never come at
the same time. Mark Degnan has, in the past, come up with the words. It is not until
recently that I have tried adding some for myself. Music is easy; it comes naturally. I
hear songs in my head all the time. I keep a tape recorder near me all the time so I can
hum ideas. Words are different. They are harder. I still don’t have a good system for
them yet. I try not to make lyrics to transparent. I really don't want folks to read into
the words. Sometimes I think lyrics can detract from a song, I try not to do that.
Joanne:
What’s the best part about making music?
Dr. Meadows:
Music feels good. Making music is what makes me feel great. Some
people like to skydive and others live for golf or reading. Making music allows me to feel
happy and important. It’s very simple, actually.
Joanne:
When you tell people that you’re in a band, what is their first reaction?
Dr. Meadows:
I will tell people if I think they like music. I generally get a positive response.
Joanne:
Sometimes veterinarians are inspired by pets they had when they were growing up
or by an animal-lover in their family. When did you realize what your calling was, and
what made you want to study veterinary medicine?
Dr. Meadows:
Being a Veterinarian has never been my life long dream. In high school I worked as a
stable hand at a carriage company in Charleston, SC. I enjoyed the environment of the stables
and taking care of the animals. The best part of our week was when the veterinarian came
on his regular visits to our stable. We all looked forward to that time. He was so
knowledgeable and friendly. I decided that having people looking forward to seeing you and
respecting what you know wouldn't be a bad way to make a living. So I guess I made my
career decision more on a choice of lifestyles than anything did. Helping animals and
their owners makes me feel good. It’s a pleasant way to spend the day.
Get your copy of "Catfish Saturday" today!!
Faces of Home Education Profile
"Lights! Camera!
Guinea Pigs!
Films by Alyssa
Buecker,
High School Homeschooled Filmmaker
hosted by Joanne Spataro, FreshAir TeenZine
  Alyssa
Buecker is an extraordinary teenager. She’s a very talented up-and-coming movie
director, with a cast of unique actors. This home-schooler’s future as a director
blossomed when she combined her love of directing and animals. Alyssa is the producer,
editor, director, and writer for all her films! See a bit more on her unique films which
have gained prominence at HBO, Nickolodeon and the Cannes Film Festival!!
Games People Play
Unique
Alternatives to Playing Fetch on Those Dog Day Afternoons . . .
by Cynthia Gallagher
  Anyone who
thinks dog ownership is easier than child rearing obviously never had to entertain two
energetic boxers cooped up inside on a rainy day. For a breed that loves to run and
frolic, high-speed chases around the sectional sofa hold their interest only so long. Made
a desperate woman by two pairs of plaintive brown eyes, I thought back to the favorite
games of my own childhood. The surprising results are guaranteed to wear out even the most
active dogs, rain and/or shine. |
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