We recently connected with Cadence Miller and have shared our conversation below.
Cadence, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Going into any creative space can be a risk. You are your own company/manager, or at least in my case as an entertainer. I was a bit of a late bloomer, deciding in high school I wanted to be on stage professionally. I remember my parents saying, “Are you sure? You’re going to be broke your entire life.” To which I said absolutely – as long as I’m performing, I’ll be happy. Sure, this life has its ups and down: little to no job security, moving from state to state for different contracts, and typically no benefits (health, 401k, etc.). I think most people have to choose between work to live or live to work. I feel like I get to do both!
Between stage jobs, I needed to find a creative outlet. So I began podcasting and discovered another passion. Along with my best friend, I started Something Sinister, a weekly true crime comedy podcast. Here I learned so much about audio production, interviewing, merch design and distribution, and so much more. The risk with our podcast came from the topic/theme “true crime and comedy.” Sounds crazy right? How can such dark, horrendous stories be humorous? We’ve learned from mentors and our audience that there’s a fine line BUT there’s also a niche of people who share the same dark humor. We don’t make fun of victims or shed a humorous light on these terrible events. We simply say what you’re all thinking behind closed doors, choosing to smile and laugh as something of a coping mechanism. It’s like hanging with your gal pals and discussing your favorite serial killer at wine night!
2022, brought some major life changes. I started the year doing live shows 7 days a week, operating the podcast, and several side jobs in between. Why not add another? The opportunity presented itself to produce a show, a lifelong dream. The risk? Everything. Money, time, ability.. But I dove head in along with a childhood friend and team of people. Taking on something like this meant I finally had to start scaling back, saying “no” when necessary (another risk in my eyes, I don’t like saying no obviously).
What I’ve learned: high risk, high reward. That doesn’t mean you’ll always succeed. It doesn’t mean success is right around the corner. But when you do, wow! For me, it’s about finding your ultimate happiness, what your passion (or passions) is. You can always scale back, start over, find something new. Keep exploring! Keep trying! Do it for you and recipients of your talents!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’m Cadence Miller. I’m 29 years old and originally from the very small now nonexistent town of Picher, OK. I attended college at the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and the University of Central Oklahoma. I graduated with a degree in music theatre and began performing full-time professionally in 2015.
A few of my performance credits include: The Living Nativity at Silver Dollar City in Branson MO, the first U.S. national tour of Octonauts Live, Thank You for the Music: a Modern Tribute to ABBA in Branson MO, Chart Toppers: Ovation at Six Flags Over Texas, Elvis: Story of a King in Branson MO, and Awesome 80’s in Branson MO.
My first podcast was Sh*t the Audience Says with Cadence, a lighthearted, comedic podcast where I interviewed local entertainers who shared their behind-the-scenes stories and audience interactions. With the pandemic in 2020 and not being able to interview guests face-to-face, I, unfortunately, ended STASWC that year.
I’m now the co-host of Something Sinister, a true crime comedy podcast. Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms. www.somethingsinisterpodcast.com @somethingsinisterpodcast on Instagram and Facebook
2023 I’ll be co-producing and performing in Once Upon a Fairytale at Americana Theatre in Branson MO. This show will feature 6 entertainers, high-energy dancing, a magical production design, and all of your favorite childhood storybook songs. www.onceuponafairytalebranson.com @onceuponafairytalebranson on Instagram and Facebook
I’m currently performing at Americana Theatre in Branson MO and was recently promoted to head choreographer for the 2023 season. You can find me on Instagram at @cadencenicolem
As far as what I’m proud of.. I pour my heart into all of my projects. I’m proud of anything that I can bring to life. I nearly cried the first time I saw my dancers perform the first song I choreographed. I love hearing the feedback from our podcast. I love seeing people get excited about my upcoming fairytale show. I do my best to stay humble, but deep down I’m SO excited and proud (my teams included).
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
The entertainment world specifically (and even more specifically in Branson MO) is hectic and sometimes unknown. I always get a funny look telling people “I can’t take off work” or “I work 7 days a week.” It’s not a normal 9 to 5, clock in clock out. When I get overwhelmed or too busy I’m met with suggestions like “maybe this industry is too much, maybe you should find a normal job.” It makes me laugh. Peace and love, but no thank you. I do it because I love it – whether I’m working box office or putting on a full face, ready to sing. This is my happy place. And no workplace is perfect.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Hindsight is 20/20. Part of me wishes I started younger. But you hear horror stories about that too. Overall, I wish I would have done more. Funny coming from someone who seems to take on too much and has little to no time. But I wish I would’ve said yes more, put myself out there more, tried my absolute best at all times, studied harder, etc. It’s that “be aware of the moment” mindset I guess. Looking back, I’m sure I missed many opportunities to grow, learn, network, etc.
My advice – take any and all jobs in your field of interest. Listen closely to people you admire. Take any opportunity to learn and never stop learning or growing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cadencenicolem
- Twitter: @cadencenicolem
- Youtube: something sinister podcast
- Other: www.onceuponafairytalebranson.com / @onceuponafairytalebranson www.somethingsinisterpodcast.com / @somethingsinisterpodcast
Image Credits
Marshall Meadows Judy Reynolds