Local rocker Doug Walters is 'fighting the good fight'

Tonight at the Pour House, it's going to be more than just another show for Doug Walters and the Regenerators. It's also the CD release for Walters' latest, "Into the Light."

Recorded and mixed throughout 2008 at the studio Awendaw Green, the album features Walters on vocals and guitar. Tonight's show features the Regenerators, including Dale Baker (guitar), Robert Thorn (drums), Ben Wells (bass), Patience Clements (keys, vocals) and Annie Boxell (vocals). The album also owes thanks to the efforts of Eddie White, Travis Banks, Jeff Leonard, Jeff Caldwell, Brooke Scaggs, Richard White, John Fitzgerald and Paul Quattlebaum.

"It's kind of about finding your light and letting it shine and the struggle of really trying to find yourself. Daring to find and be the highest version of yourself you can be, against all odds and the things that have gotten in your way and held you back and told you that you were unworthy for so long," Walters said.

"And hanging in there, even when it would be so much easier to give up and give in," he continued. "That leap of faith into the light takes a lot of courage but it's such a beautiful thing. We are here to express ourselves as honestly and as completely as we can. To be inspired and to inspire. Fear and resentment and regret can be so distracting. … Fighting the good fight. … Life is short. We have to shine."

Many have compared Walters' sound to Pink Floyd. Walters also gives credit to influences such as Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Roger Waters, Mark Lanegan, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, David Gilmour, Doyle Bramhall II, Jeff Caldwell and Jimi Hendrix.

Despite such a variety of influences, it is life that truly inspires Walters.

"Sometimes it's just a feeling," he said. "I've always been a little on the heavy-hearted side. Maybe because I'm a Capricorn. But a lot of good songs come out of it. I don't really mind being down, as odd as that sounds. I get a lot of good ideas out of it."

"Sometimes I'll watch a downer movie just to get in that space. I would not recommend pain and darkness, but it has come in handy artistically," he said.

Being down may have been an artistic motivation, but fans can expect a show where Walters comes alive. It's what he loves about performing.

"I guess it's when I really get to be who I am," he said. "I think that's my purpose in life so I really feel alive then."

Hopefully, the Columbia native and Charleston resident since 1993 won't have a lesson to learn tonight. Fans may also know him through his former soul and funk band, The Secrets, with whom he played for 12 years. In addition to his solo projects, which also include Torture Town, Walters plays bass for Funhouse and guitar for Rik Cribb and the Problems.