We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Scottie Miller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Scottie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Writing and composing my latest project “Carnival Cocoon” has been one of the most liberating experiences of my life and career. It started with compiling poems I had written over the past five years or so, with the goal of releasing a book of my poetry. As I was creating the book I began experimenting and improvising on piano while I read the poems, responding musically with the feeling of each piece. I recorded the compositions that worked well organically, then built on the concept to later record the fully produced “album version” of Carnival Cocoon.

The content is vulnerable and unencumbered by traditional form. It felt “risky” releasing such a transparent view into my life and how I perceive life. This project is also much different than my previous blues and blues/rock recordings.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and began piano studies at age six. I attended Berklee College of Music in 1986 and then set out on my life in. music. I am first and foremost a pianist and songwriter best known in the blues and roots music realm, but I create music with influences in folk, jazz, rock, classical, Americana, R&B, gospel and funk.

I have toured with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend Bo Diddley, been published by Hal Leonard, inducted three times into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame and released 11 self-produced albums and a poetry collection.. I lead my own solo career and founded the Scottie Miller Band in 2000.

I split my time as the keyboardist for five-time Grammy nominated singer Ruthie Foster. We have toured internationally together since 2007 and performed on stages from Carnegie Hall, New Orleans Jazz Festival to Austin City Limits. I’m featured on Ruthie’s Blues Music Award winning cd/dvd “Live At Antone’s”. Together we penned the song “I Was Called” which is featured on the album “Almost Home”, by multi Grammy Award-winning gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama. Most recently I was awarded Bluebird Reviews’ 2023 “Artist Of The Year,” and am a contributing songwriter/performer on Ruthie’s Grammy nominated album “Healing Time.”

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Creating original music, performing it live and interacting with people is the ultimate gift to me. The energy exchange that happens between the creator and the listener is everything. If just one person feels emotion or inspiration from what I’m creating, this in turn gives me inspiration and together we create something bigger than both of us.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Continue to seek out music and art in all forms. Attend concerts/live music venues and support the artist by getting their music or art. Share what you find with others. Continue to create an atmosphere where music and art can actively live and breathe in your community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.scottiemiller.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottie_miller_band/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottiemillerband
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScottieMiller

Image Credits
Jim Vasquez. Will Phelps. Lynn Phelps.