Band of the Week: Blake Miller

The best compositions combine raw and honest lyrics with a passion for inventive sonic discovery. For some musicians it may be take countless hours and releases before they find the combination. For Portland's Blake Miller that remarkable discovery came at the tender age of 21. He has the ability to utilize multi-tracked vocals, found sounds, and unique instrumentation. This series of tiny discoveries was primarily recorded alone. Having the ability to record quality sounds in your bedroom lends itself to constant and consistent inspiration.

Burn Tape is Blake's second release, and he has worked with Ohio's Exit Stencil Records for both. Aside from the quality and buzzing structure of these songs what makes them unique is the format in which they are being release. On April 21st the album will be released in two formats, cassette tape and digital download. Unlike vinyl, tapes have never been known for their sound, but their is a certain level of nostalgia. It all adds to the campfire soul that Blake let's free through this collection of songs.

Recently, Blake was kind enough to answer a few of my questions.

Orange Alert (OA): Your latest album, Burn Tape, will be released next month by Exit Stencil Records. What can you tell us about the album?
Blake Miller (BM): Oh that album was written and recorded over late 2007 and all of 2008. Mostly all of it was recorded on my own, except for the rain is all around me. I'm happy with it. I'm just glad i am finally getting another album out there.

OA: What do you think about the term "bedroom musician"?
BM: I honestly don't know what to say to that term. Don't all creative processes develop in some sort of room? I suppose the technology to record a song in your bedroom is more easily accessible these days, but that doesn't make the music good. It just makes it easier. I believe that there is a certain amount of time, dedication and discipline you most devote your self to playing music. Recording yourself is just a tool to hone those import skills when playing creatively and artistically.

OA: Included in your recording process is a series of "found sounds". What is one of the more surprising or unusual sounds on "Burn Tape"? Are you always searching for new sounds and where are some of the place you record?
BM: I think that all of the sounds are apart of my natural process and the way i create a song. Whether it be a squeaky door or wind blowing outside. Most of the time, the sounds cant be avoided. I usually record in the places that I am living. A living room apartment. A bedroom. A Hallway.

OA: "Burn Tape" will actually be released on cassette tape. What your thoughts on new releases coming out on tape? Do you feel it adds anything to the sound or feel of your recordings?
BM: There is an aesthetic that the tape gives to the music. Going along with the concept that most of the songs were recorded in my "bedroom" the tape emphasizes that idea of the whole "low-fi" wave. I like it and hopefully other people will too.

OA: This is your second album on Exit Stencil, what has your experience been like?
BM: Everyone at the label has been really cool. They really give me freedom to release the songs the way i want them to be released. I think that it is important. It has been good.

OA: What's next for Blake Miller?
BM: I have been writing and recording for the last Five years, but now I feel that touring more would be a good thing for me. So hopefully that. Trying to get a part time job. Playing Music. Living Life. Growing plants and maintaining loving, healthy and positive relationships with people.

Bonus Questions:
OA: If you could sit down to coffee with any one (alive or dead) who would it be?
BM: Jonh Lennon

OA: What was the last great book you have read?
BM: ' WARTON AND THE KING OF THE SKIES' by RUSSEL E. ERICKSON

Listen to: In The Danger (mp3)

For more information of Blake Miller please visit his myspace page.