We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeremiah Simmons. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeremiah below.

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

Recently I had the opportunity to compose a score for a horror film as part of the 48hr film competition in Las Vegas. I had scored for this director in his previous projects, but had never participated in a project with such a tight timeline. Additionally, another team reached out asking if I could provide a custom track for their thriller film in the competition as well. Balancing multiple genres and styles with so little time proved to be quite the challenge, and I had to step away briefly to perform a track I produced for a client at a private party as well. While very little sleep was had that weekend, I was very pleased with the end result for both films. I scored the horror film directly to scene utilizing a mixture of original classical piano motifs, atmospheric sampled casino sounds, and direct samples of the actors’ own voices to increase the authenticity of the project. The other film team provided me with their script of a 70’s housewife serial killer. I was fortunate to have legendary Las Vegas vocalist B. Rose provide her own vocals in that track which I wrote as a disco-thriller. Ultimately they used it as their credit track. Both films performed well in the competition, with the horror film ‘Lady Luck’ winning best use of genre, and the thriller film ‘Murder a La Mode’ winning the overall competition. The score for ‘Lady Luck’ has led to additional film projects with directors I met through the competition, and I feel very fortunate to have worked directly with such talented local actors and directors.

Jeremiah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I grew up in East Texas where I studied classical 20th century composers, then performed as an original songwriter as a teenager before joining progressive-thrash metal band NOMAD as their lead guitarist. Throughout the next few years I toured across the south in that and other bands, studying a variety of styles of music and learning audio production from a variety of producers we worked with. Ultimately as the pandemic ended that chapter, I relocated to Las Vegas to pursue my craft as a dedicated composer and producer, launching my brand as Miah Sound Studios. I’ve been very fortunate to write and produce for private clients here on the west coast, as well as becoming more heavily involved in film, scoring for a variety of short films. Being a musician has never been more accessible and simultaneously difficult than in our current era, where a massive influx of of artists and the budding AI industry create a uniquely challenging environment. My goal from a young age has always been to set myself apart through individuality. Where many modern artists strive to create music that matches artists they love or fit into specific molds, I’ve always maintained that my own life experiences growing up in the south and moving through many genres, locations and music scenes sets my sound apart. I strive to build authentic relationships and work on projects that have real passion behind them, so that my own voice can add to the character of the final project. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to move into a larger space and begin building a physical studio that embodies those concepts. Within the next few months I hope to record not only my own music, but of that of private clients, local artists and more original scores for budding films. It is my hope that within the next few years, Miah Sound Studios will grow into a vessel of passion and musical creativity for myself, budding musicians and film directors.

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

Music is truly the language of emotion. Growing up in a family that didn’t talk about feelings or place much value in the emotional state of our lives, I found that music always felt like the only valid way to express myself. Continuing into adulthood I realize that where words often fail me, sonic expression always completes my thoughts and expressions. Often I hear of people ‘giving up’ on their artistic careers, which is something I’ve never understood. Artistic expression is a natural part of life to me. Whether I am ultimately financially successful in my musical career or not, I will always be what I am. I’ll always write music, I’ll always reach for it and always strive to create, as there is nothing more natural to being human. The act of creation is divine, and I think that spark will always be the most rewarding aspect of life.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The covid pandemic has likely had more impact on the entertainment business than any other event in our lifetimes. While things had been stable and even somewhat successful in my musical ensemble prior to 2020, the changes that came with the year brought a quick death to that group. For a short time I felt somewhat lost and uncertain, until I realized that it brought a much needed opportunity to my life. I had wanted to relocate and more heavily pursue a career as a composer and producer, and this was the perfect time to make that change. Ultimately I moved to Las Vegas, a city where I knew very few people and had no knowledge of the music scene, in hopes of furthering my goals. It was a drastic change that I could not be more pleased with. From meeting the love of my life to having songs I produced played at the T-Mobile Stadium to scoring film, the last three years have been the best and most productive of my life so far. Change is frightening, but always necessary.

Contact Info:

• Website: miahsoundstudios.com
• Instagram: @jeremiahelimusic
• Facebook: Jeremiah Simmons
• Youtube: @miahsoundstudios5973
• Other: [email protected]