Even as a boy back in Idaville, Ind., DJ Miller was determined and focused in pursuit of his goal of becoming a Country performer. Whatever sparked it, Miller had a dream and he knew from the start he would spend his young years chasing it down.
Of course, plenty of kids aspire toward stardom. What made Miller stand out was his realization that attaining it meant taking charge of making it real. He hit on an important epiphany early, as he notes in his bio: “You can’t be the only one having fun. You have to interact with the crowd.” From studying Garth Brooks concert tapes and Brad Paisley in action to honing his shows at local clubs and state fairs, he learned quickly — and kept learning.
In 2009, producer Johnny Morris made Miller’s acquaintance and introduced him around in Nashville. Miller was already touring hard, but at that point he began building his schedule to allow time to write with the pros. The results can be heard on his debut album, Whatever It Takes, produced by Johnny Morris and featuring four of his co-writes among its 10 tracks.
Even more evident is his ability to put a song across with a style based on old-school Country. Fiddles and classic piano fills set the mood on his first two singles, “Whatever It Takes” (written by Brad Wolf, Don Goodman and Trini Triggs) and “Between Sundays” (Richard A. Alves, John Colgin, Gary Duffy and Reid Brannon). Both augment a vocal style that radiates authenticity and sincere emotion. Yes, you can hear the marks of Garth in his phrasing, but mainly you feel that excitement Miller cultivated onstage, abundant in his recording as well.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
MUSICAL HERO
“Garth Brooks, of course.”
CD IN YOUR STEREO
“Room for Squares by John Mayer.”
LUCKY CHARM
“A guitar pick from Brad Paisley.”
FAVORITE FOOD ON THE ROAD
“Subway.”
WHAT YOU HOPE PEOPLE WILL SAY ABOUT YOU 50 YEARS FROM NOW
“He was very determined and he started out low on the pole but worked his butt off and became one of the biggest Country artists in history.”
SOMETHING WE’D NEVER GUESS ABOUT YOU
“I love salt water fish. I have three aquariums in my house.”
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By Bob Doerschuk
Used by Permission © 2012 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.
