Terje Dokland, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Microbiology, spends his time on UAB's campus studying the world on a microscopic level. In his free time, however, he takes to the stage. 

"It's an outlet for creative energy as well as a technical and intellectual challenge," Dokland said. "I never thought I could remember so many lyrics. I also enjoy the camaraderie and just getting together with friends once or twice a week to make music."

Dokland plays guitar in a band called "Payline." Two of Dokland's fellow bandmates are also UAB faculty: Kevin Harrod, Ph.D., of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, on guitar, and Joe March, Ph.D., from the Department of Chemistry, on drums. Jason Fondren, Dokland's friend from his previous band, "Burning Vinyl," rounds out the ensemble on bass, with all four taking turns on lead vocals. 

"Payline started with Kevin and I doing a gig at our friend’s birthday party two years ago," Dokland recalled. "Then we met Joe at a beer class that we were taking, and I contacted Jason to complete the lineup sometime during the summer of 2023."

Though Payline was founded two years ago, Dokland's personal music journey began when he started playing electric guitar in a band during high school.

"It was the era of punk and new wave," he said. "For a number of years, I only played acoustic guitar. I got back into band again with Burning Vinyl some 12 years ago or so."

Now, Payline touts performances from friends' houses to a recent show at Truestory in Crestwood, which was a benefit for Graduate Biomedical Student Outreach. They play an eclectic mix of classic and alternative rock, from The Rolling Stones, to David Bowie, to Portugal. The Man, to Kings of Leon, and more.

"We try to put our own spin on it when we can," Dokland said of the band's music, adding that Payline hopes to expand into more venues in the future. 

Payline will be performing a Day of the Dead/Halloween show on Saturday, Nov. 2, on a backyard stage of a private residence. As an added bonus, Dokland's son, Aidan, a music major at UAB, will be joining the band on guitar. Contact Terje or Kevin for details.