Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Loman
Hi Greg, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Resilient is an American rock band primarily composed of severely wounded U.S. combat veterans, whose focus is writing and performing music that reflects the inspirations and hardships they’ve experienced in both their civilian lives and military careers.
We first met in 2012, after suffering devastating injuries in Afghanistan left lead vocalist Tim Donley and guitarist Nate Kalwicki rehabilitating at Walter Reed Military Hospital. During that time the two joined MusiCorps, a revolutionary music program for wounded warriors, where they befriended professional musician and teaching artist Greg Loman. With fresh wounds and a vast new space to fill in their lives, the veterans plunged into the spiritually, physically and emotionally healing pursuit of music, practicing relentlessly and forming a lasting brotherhood in the process.
As part of the MusiCorps Band, we had an opportunity to perform with rock legend Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) at The Beacon Theater, Constitution Hall, and Madison Square Garden. It was during these shows that we first jammed with recently discharged drummer Juan “Dom” Dominguez – a decorated Marine and triple amputee whom Roger had brought on board – and in sharing the experience we realized that forming our own group was inevitable. Nathan’s brother Erik, a talented bassist, was brought on board to round out the band.
Since then, the band has independently released original songs and performed all over the U.S., gaining traction as a unique, unforgettable act by stunning audiences at conventions, galas, dive bars, universities, and music festivals. We were featured by D’Angelico Guitars at the 2020 NAMM convention and headlined the 2021 Sag Harbor Music Fest, where we had the honor of being proudly introduced by their mentor Roger himself. During the COVID lockdowns, we adapted to the new normal by finding fresh opportunities working on veteran-supporting campaigns and starting our own non-profit, The Reborn Project.
Members of the band have performed with musical greats Yo-Yo Ma, Sheryl Crow, Aaron Neville, G.E. Smith, Ricky Scaggs, the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra, Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), and appeared on television shows “N.C.I.S.”, “The Colbert Report”, and “Lucky Dog”. We just released our our first full length album “One More” and are the subjects of a feature length documentary currently in the works with award-winning filmmakers North Productions.
The Resilient’s rare combination of military discipline and artistic freedom only amplifies our message of hope and perseverance. True to our name, we exist in utter defiance of limitations associated with their unique physical circumstances and have overcome the unthinkable. Now we’re living like there’s no tomorrow.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every single facet of The Resilient presents a unique challenge and problem to solve, which is part of what makes it so interesting. We have to face all of the same trials and tribulations as any active touring band, but most of our members have specific physical boundaries. Our drummer Dom, for instance, only has one limb- which if you think about for a second, is insane. Nobody in their right mind would continue going out on the road given that kind of circumstance, given the physical and mental efforts required to keep a train like this going… maybe we’re not in our right mind! Haha.
Over the years we’ve gradually learned how to maneuver and problem-solve to keep things flowing smoothly… and we’re always experimenting and tweaking our approach. Continuing to find ways to make the grind more tolerable for our wheelchair bound band members, adapting the instruments to be more comfortable and transportable, and just making sure that we never lose the morale and brotherhood that brought us together in the first place.
Along the way The Resilient has been lucky enough to have great opportunities and rise to those challenges, creating prolific bonding experiences and some very unexpected but satisfying rewards.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The Resilient’s work is all about the music- honing the energy that the five of us bring to the table to create memorable songs that reflect our life experiences, but more importantly communicate the idea to the world that we are ALL resilient. That if these guys can rebound from what happened to them to be in a touring original rock band, anything is possible. While we’re known for having brave wounded combat veterans in our band, it’s not necessarily what we’re most proud of, or what we want to set us apart… we want to be a link in the chain, a part of the musical community’s fabric, and an honest, authentic creative force. The fact that we bring a military discipline to an expressive art form- that might be what we specialize in the most.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
LA is an endless source of inspiration, just due not only to the massive amount of talent that is out here but the sheer drive and ambition to be your best. It is one of those places that naturally brings the most out of us creatively, because you look around and everyone is in it with you. That, plus the food scene, the weather and the beautiful surroundings make it surreal and wonderful at times. It is also a great hub for anyone who is touring or travels often given all of the options for how to get in and out of here.
As with any city there are many problems that we’d like to see improve- we see some more affordable housing soon before more creatives and promising entrepreneurs get displaced.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theresilientband.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientband/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theresilientbandofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheResilientBand
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1skfghCkcYG4QyiYNxjoim
Image Credits
Ekaterina Gorbacheva
Wrenn Photography
Kamryn Ramsdell
