On stage he’s a cool drink of water in a pinned striped suit and a confident swagger. He pounds on his guitars and sizzles with a slide looking like he’s channeling every great bluesman to ever put a finger to a string. He’s got wit, humor, a slightly devilish gleam in his eyes and a [...]
On stage he’s a cool drink of water in a pinned striped suit and a confident swagger. He pounds on his guitars and sizzles with a slide looking like he’s channeling every great bluesman to ever put a finger to a string. He’s got wit, humor, a slightly devilish gleam in his eyes and a smile that could charm all the birds out of their trees. Yet he’s also about as genuine, easy-going and self-effacing a person as you could ever hope to meet.
Career-wise, the past few years have been almost ludicrously busy. He followed up the 1999 Sketches EP with 2002’s soulful Music is the Medicine and in 2006 released the smoking hot Dirty Looks. Miller has also crisscrossed North America and Europe playing everything from bar gigs to festivals and even performing at the 2010 Winter Olympics during the closing ceremonies.
Along the countless road trips he has picked up several awards, accolades and well deserved nods and kudos. To add the cherry to his ice cream, he found time to head to Austin Texas to record his latest CD with the legendary Double Trouble not to mention have one of his songs feature the old outlaw himself, Willie Nelson.
To look down at his journey as the crow flies, Miller seems a charmed soul walking down streets paved in gold CDs. But Miller’s road has been anything but straight and narrow. He’s had to climb a desert mountain filled with the landmines and personal demons of failed relationships, drugs and alcohol. “I did the whole rock star lifestyle long before I was a rock star” he jokes. But in a serious tone he adds “Damn I’m glad I don’t do that anymore.”
Derek has been clean for four years now and is more creative, productive and passionate than ever. Leaving his self destructive chains at the cross roads, he can move freely with open eyes and a light spirit. The road ahead is long but clear, the sky is bright and the sun is shining on this humble and larger than life guitar man. Derek Miller can now truly appreciate the journey.
