Miller, who played one of our living room shows just last year, recently released a six-song EP called Doubters and Dreamers, and it includes her cover of Elton John's "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word," which is today's Jam of the Day. Enjoy!
Music can be oh-so healing at times, especially during this time of year when winter is slowly knocking on our door. We're reminded that the ground will start to freeze, the birds won't soon greet us with their voices in the morning, and our lives will begin to settle as we wait for spring, when a new cycle of life will show its colors.
Whenever I hear Hannah Miller's soothing voice, I'm reminded that we should embrace being re-born. There comes a time when we need to slow down, to remember why life is great, and how we can make it better. That's where today's PJOTD comes in: its message speaks of surrender -- the kind that washes over us and leaves us without our possessions, freeing us from a life that was once rushed.
Miller's new EP, O Black River, is available on iTunes now. Here's the title track for you to enjoy.
If there was a way I could bottle up the quiet energy and intimacy of a living room concert, and perhaps show it to you in a three-minute video, I would gladly do that. But, I can't. A video, or even any words I could write wouldn't do a living room concert justice. It's a different (and better) setting than the coziest venue around town (and we have some cozy ones). You really have to be there, I guess.
Hannah Miller -- the latest artist who will be performing in our living room concert series -- she's easy to write about. Her most recent EP, Journey to the Moon, released in 2010, was a fantastic showing of Miller's vast talents. If each of its four songs were shot toward the moon, they would probably land in four different places -- Miller doesn't focus on one style or sound. She throws everything in the air, hoping a good home awaits in the unknown distance.
On Saturday, Miller will be landing smack dab in one of our living rooms. We're almost at capacity, so if you're in the St. Louis area and would like to join us, or just want more information, shoot an e-mail to: jason.speakersincode@gmail.com. The suggested donation for the show is $5-10, and "doors" open at 8:00 PM. We'd love to see you!
Singer-songwriter Hannah Miller grabbed my attention the other day.
See, I'm a sucker for a gal, a voice, and a guitar, and her song "At My Best" sure did the trick. I like simplicity in music; I like the cold truth. Give me something that is real any day over what has been manufactured, or "mashed up." And when it's done the right way - or maybe just the way I like it - I fall for it. Hard.
Take a few minutes and listen.
I could listen to a song like that for years and years.
Luckily, there's more. Miller released a fabulous four-song EP, Journey to the Moon, earlier this year, and if you liked what you heard above, I suggest giving it a try. It has some spunk to it - "Way About Ya" might even make you get up and shake it. Modestly, anyway.
What makes Hannah Miller tick? We asked her, and thankfully, she answered. Please enjoy our latest 10 to Spin.
I know it's different for everybody, but when I listen to music, the first thing I notice is the voice...(excepting classical or instrumental, of course...) I cannot really separate the music from the singing, and if I fall in love with a song, nine times out of ten, I'm falling in love with a voice, because it moves me, because it has this undefinable quality that makes me want to hear it over again, because there is something mysterious and gut wrenching contained in it...So, I thought my theme for this playlist would be Voices; ten voices that wreck me, in the best possible way, and some of the songs that showcase those voices and allow them to be all they were meant to be...and in no particular order...enjoy!
1. Over the Rhine - Latter Days
I love these guys, and Karin Bergquist was one of my earliest (and only female for awhile) influences!
2. U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday
What can I say really? The definition of gut wrenching...
3. Elton John - My Father's Gun
Again, any commentary should be unnecessary here too...arrrggghhhhh!
4. Tom Petty - It'll All Work Out
It just makes you feel so much, you know? I wanna be him...I wanna do that to people with my music.
5. Matthew Perryman Jones - Save You
Okay, I love this guy; his music makes me wanna cry, and he is an awesome person, and I was so, so honored to sing some background vocal on his upcoming record!
6. Tom Waits - Singapore
I remember hearing this for the first time in college, and wondering how a voice like that could have existed in the world for so long w/o me knowing it! It's kinda earth shattering...
7. Dolly Parton - Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That
This track is a 2 for 1 b/c Julie Lee is on background vocal and she is amazing, too; love 'em both.
9. Cary Ann Hearst - Hells Bells
Oh my goodness, a fellow South Carolina musician with me, and one that the whole world is gonna know about soon.
10. Simon and Garfunkel - The Only Living Boy in New York
Yes, another 2 for 1, and these guys have been in my head since I was in elementary school...I know exactly where I was when I heard these voices for the first time!
