INTERVIEWS • PRINT

Interview: Marie Miller enchants with her melodic mandolin

July 29, 2014
Jon Berrien
Latest posts by Jon Berrien (see all)

Marie Miller is a triple threat! Singer, songwriter, instrumentalist- she is full of talent and lucky for us she is putting it on display. The Virginia native is a master of the mandolin and with traditional folk influences mixed with pop, her sound is a unique blend of melodic goodness. 

Marie Miller’s five-track debut EP ‘You’re Not Alone‘ is currently making it rounds and it has us excited for her future. GroundSounds caught up with Marie for an exclusive interview to chat about her music and more, check it out below. 

 

For those just discovering Marie Miller, can you tell us a bit about your background and getting started with music?

I am from Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. I grew up listening to a wide variety of music and performing at a young age with my older sister. When my sister decided to go to college my dad and I drove down to Nashville, and I recorded a solo EP. After recording the EP,  I got signed to Curb Record. I ended up taking a few years off to finish high school and attend two years of college. Now I do music full time and am having a blast!

What was it like growing up with 9 other siblings?!

I loved it! All my siblings are my best friends. I couldn’t imagine life without them.

What is it about the mandolin that attracts you to it most? 

I’ve always loved bluegrass music, and I think the mandolin is perfect for that genre but also works for a wide range of genres. I also love how small it is!

Can you tell us about bringing your debut EP ‘You’re Not Alone’ to fruition?

I began recording ‘You’re Not Alone’ about two years ago. I really wanted to work with producer Paul Mabury and was so excited when he agreed to produce the album.  After he and I picked out our favorites of my songs, we got to work in the studio. It was an amazing process, and I am so proud of the end result.

Can you tell us about the creative and writing process for your track “6-2?” 

‘6’2′ was written totally as a joke. I wanted to tease my friends and other girls who had their “perfect guy” picked out in their head. I wrote it really fast and never imagined recording it, but its a cool surprise to see the great response.

What are a few of your favorite books?

This is the best question I’ve ever been asked. “To Kill a Mocking Bird”, “Anna Karenina”,  “The Brothers Karamazov”, “Lord of the Rings”, and all the Harry Potters.

When you are on stage performing what typically goes through mind?

I have had a couple rough nights in my career, but in general I am thinking how blessed I am to have this job. 

Congrats on signing with Curb Records, how has it been working them? 

Curb is a great label, because it’s small and powerful at the same time. Everyone is really sweet and I love working with them.

Can you tell us about the inspiration for your track “Unconscious?”

“Unconscious” is a song inspired by the Philosopher Plato’s story of the man in the cave. In the story the man’s only reality is what he sees inside the cave. One day he finally decides to leave the cave and see the real world for the first time. I feel like we can also live in a “cave” by living inside our heads instead of taking in all the beauty and richness of the world and the people around us.

Can you tell us a little bit about your faith and how it has helped you get to where you are?

My faith keeps my career in perspective. It reminds me that I could have the whole world and without love I would have nothing.

Are you working on a debut album? If so, what can you reveal to us about it? Is there a tentative release date?

I’ve finished it, and I love it! It’s similar to my EP with perhaps a more mature music sound. I’ll let you know once we choose a release date.

What’s next for Marie Miller, what are you currently working on?

This week I am working on booking more shows. I hope to be playing as much as possible this fall.

http://www.mariemiller.net
http://twitter.com/mmillermusic
http://discoveringthebeautiful.tumblr.com/
http://www.myspace.com/mariemiller
http://www.ilike.com/artist/Marie+Miller

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