A New Segment: Take Five with ZACH 

Zach Martin: Welcome to newhdmedia.com, where we are joined today by the incredibly talented JC Miller. We’re launching a new segment, “Take Five with Jay,” and JC is our very first guest. JC, thank you for being here.

JC Miller: That’s nice, thank you. Glad to be here.

Zach Martin: We’re glad to have you. I have to tell you, your new single, “Before Nightfall,” is one of those captivating tracks that resonate deeply. I believe it will connect with anyone who listens. You’re originally from Detroit, but now you’re based in Southern California, correct?

JC Miller: Right.

Zach Martin: Great. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself so our audience can get to know you better, and then we’ll dive into your latest release?

JC Miller’s Journey in Music

JC Miller: Sure. I have a background in music where I started as a composer for hire for commercials and TV. I worked as a session musician and eventually felt the urge to create a project where I could decide when the music was finished, not a client. Working for companies like Levi’s was fun, but I wanted to build my own narrative.

I’ve done a lot of traveling, especially around the Southwest Sunbelt area. This journey led me to explore my roots and family history. Interestingly, despite not communicating across generations, my family seems to be on the same wavelength, spanning states like Florida, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. This sense of place has influenced my music deeply.

I started crafting these Americana soundtracks, pondering what the music was saying to me and ensuring the lyrics and music seamlessly fit together. This exploration culminated in my latest single, “Before Nightfall,” which is based on the Santa Fe Trails Diaries. I’m inspired by writers like Larry McMurtry and Cormac McCarthy, whose works resonate with the country twang and Southern rock style I naturally gravitate towards.

The Evolution of Southern Rock

Zach Martin: Southern rock has seen many transformations. Some believe it faded after bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd. Do you see it making a resurgence?

JC Miller: Absolutely. For me, Southern rock never truly disappeared. It evolved. My style is often mistaken for a Texas native sound, though I’m not from Texas. My producer, Marty Rifkin, even joked that I’m from Texas based on my musical sensibility.

Lynyrd Skynyrd is legendary, but Southern rock includes influences from Leon Russell, Dr. John, Little Feat, and many others. It’s a regional style that has become universal. It’s timeless, like a pair of Levi’s. Bands like the Marshall Tucker Band and the Allman Brothers have contributed to its deep and enduring legacy. I love immersing myself in that rich musical heritage.

Influences and Inspirations

Zach Martin: You mentioned being from Detroit but growing up in Northern California. How has your upbringing influenced your music?

JC Miller: I was born in Detroit and grew up in Northern California. Despite my Detroit roots, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the Southwest. I’ve traveled extensively through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and more. The desert, dry heat, and the culture of these regions speak to me deeply. This connection, along with the music, resonates with my soul.

Zach Martin: Music has a unique power to transcend boundaries and evoke emotions. Is there any song that you hear and think, “I wish I wrote that”?

JC Miller: Definitely. I’m always striving to reach new heights in my music, often by looking to the past. I love the idea of time travel through music, drawing inspiration from various eras and genres.