We are a Mid-Coast Maine region Retro-Rock band that combines elements of R&B and grit to bring you original songs. We also love to interpret covers and cite many influences, such as Booker T and the MGs, Otis Redding, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, ZZ Top, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Elvis Costello, Elvis Presley, James Brown, The Replacements, The Smithereens, The Black Crowes, The Kinks, and anyone with soul and grit.
The band was formed in 2022 around the original music of Bill Stamey (guitar, lead vocals). Bill, originally from Memphis, has played guitar and other instruments since early childhood, attended music college, independently studied music, and has played with incredible people. He gigged on Beale Street and all over his hometown, played around the South (Athens, GA, Austin, TX, etc.) many times during his early days as a professional musician, and brings that sound with him to Maine. Howard “Word” Coven (guitar and vocals) joined Bill in 2022 and brings some original songs and vibe of his own. Word is originally from Staten Island, NY, but spent a long time on the West Coast, where he played in multiple bands and projects. He was a founding member of The Electric Waste Band and San Diego’s Jetwash. Word brings creativity, a dash of disco, a helping of jam band, and big sense of humor. Word has a way of finding the good side in every situation – a positive influence! With Bill and Word Dooryarders evolved through a few different lineups in the bass and drum positions (and played with some great people, including Jeff Sauer on bass and Greg Saucier on drums – both of whom are pros, and played on the videos for the singles “she’s gonna be my girl” and “thorns”, released prior the album best laid plans). In the summer of 2023 Randy Shaw (bass and vocals) joined the band, bringing decades of experience, a great personality, a funny sense of humor, an encyclopedic knowledge of rock music, a practicality that cuts through a lot of the fog, and a lot of cool to the band. Randy is originally from Rhode Island but has lived in Maine since college. Randy, Word, and Bill are the core of Dooryarders, and play electric and acoustic gigs. When playing electric we always have a killer drummer. Between June 2023 and July 2024 Scott Mills (drums) was in the band with a solid rock foundation. Scott plays on nine of the tracks on the album best laid plans. Also on the album is former Dooryarder Greg Saucier, who plays on the song “thorns”. Since July 2024 Stephen Almasi has played out with Dooryarders and worked with the band as it continues to record new music.
Bill, Randy, Stephen, Word after a gig at Hi-Fidelity November 2024
Word, Randy, Bill, and drummer Scott Mills, who played on best laid plans
Randy, Word, Bill working on acoustic arrangements at The Dooryard January 2024
Randy, Bill, Scott, Word at Bath Heritage Days, July 2024