Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Miller.
Hi Mark, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I had the great fortune of being born into a home filled with music and love. Both of my parents were professional musicians. My father was a Gospel singer and choir director and my mother was a phenomenal pianist and teacher. During my adolescent years, I was, against my own will, playing the piano and trombone and even sang in the Atlanta Boys Choir. After spending a few years trying to rebel against all things musical, I finally gave up the fight at about 14. The guitar captured me and my dad and my brother became my first teachers. Within a year I was playing in my brother’s band, and soon thereafter started writing and returned to singing.
After studying classical guitar in college and then earning a Master’s degree in conducting from Emory University, I started my full-time professional life in music. In 2016, I returned to my first love of performing and writing Americana/Country Music. Since then I have released to albums of original music and performed about 240 shows a year.. Simply through word of mouth and trying to show up with professionalism and deliver what’s expected these past six years, my career has provided a good life for me and my five children.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been several times where the internal struggle has been whether to keep going or stop. The creative process and the rigors of performing night after night, and not always too much financial gain can be discouraging. However, each time I would always find encouragement from other artists and friends to keep on keeping on. I love the words of Samuel Beckett’s quote. Try again fail again, fail better”.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a singer and songwriter, I find the most fulfillment in writing and performing story songs. Because of my training as a classical guitarist, I always try to take pride in playing clean and solid finger-style guitar. I am most proud of my recent record “Standing On Shoulders“. After the sudden death of my father due to complications from COVID-19, I began researching and writing about my paternal ancestors. The record is basically stories about my ancestors living through the Civil War the dust bowl, the great depression, a lot of tragedy a lot of loss but also a lot of victories…
How do you define success?
I define success as finding your calling and fulfilling it. In that, I believe you find true happiness and joy. I also believe that true success is found when you’re calling, whatever it is, serves others and brings about some form of healing and peace in a troubled world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @markmillermusic
- Facebook: @millersmillmusic
