Dominic Miller

Hello friends, followers, and those who are just curious. I haven't written one of these for a few years. I think twitter and Facebook are partly the reason (blame) for that. I kind of miss the website days when there was only one place we could post our thoughts without the restriction of just a few words.
Why am I writing? Because I am a musician and I like to work. If I say nothing then you mightn't be interested in what I'm doing. Like everyone else I'm just trying to stay in business and I want you to come to my gigs and listen to my music. You won't find me in your glossy Sunday supplements as I rarely conduct interviews. This is partly because I don't get asked and because I'm not a songwriter, so to the media I have nothing much to say. However, while I don't write lyrics I absolutely believe there is a kind of narrative in instrumental music. I have a new album coming out soon and I want you to hear it. Think of this as my story or extended album notes. You can also think of it as self-promotion if you wish. Or you don't have to think of it at all. As with my music you can form your own stories or none at all. I don't mind either way, it's up to you. Here goes... What an incredible last few years it's been. As many of you know I have spent most of my time working with Sting. One of the perks of working with him is the opportunity to work alongside those he hires, many whom have become some of my closest friends. We are family. He chooses the very best musicians and technicians. It's a truly blessed life I have there. We have travelled the world, played some incredible concerts and met some amazing people. Many of you have expressed opinions about what he's doing or what he might do next. I get comments from some of you, the most common being, "When's he going to make another album like the old days?" I have to smile at these because it's really no-ones business except his. All you have to know is I love working with him whatever we are doing because he has an incredibly healthy and productive work ethic which does me good. I try bringing it to every project I do.
I spend about two or three months a year working on my project. I write and record music, have a band and do small tours and one off solo shows. It goes without saying I love doing that, not least because I too have an incredible band who are also some of my closest friends. The conditions are completely different to working with Sting but I have a band who are doing it for the same reasons I am. Simply for the love of music. It helps to have a sense of humour with all the early wake-up calls, carrying and setting up our own gear etc. We all do it because we love it. I am happy to report we will be touring around Europe in May and June 2014. Dates will be posted shortly.
I get comments too, like, "When are you going to make another album like "First Touch"?". Same response applies. As musicians we are evolving. We have to do what we do to make progress. Sometimes that involves taking turns that don't suit our listeners. Would it be right if we always made music that suited the listener, or made the albums they wanted us to make? Would that not make us somewhat predictable or playing it safe? It's certainly food for thought. My daughter Misty gets comments all the time about her first ukulele singer/songwriter album which everyone loved. Now she's doing something different which might not suit her ukulele days listeners but absolutely suits her. And she has my full support. I like and admire anyone who takes a chance knowing the potential cost or risk. Actually I prefer it. Who am I to question what any artist does. If I liked just one thing you created I would absolutely be open to anything you did henceforth. It doesn't mean I would have to like it, but I certainly wouldn't discard it.
I am really encouraged by the response I have had from the first tune "Tisane" we posted to Soundcloud. I guess it suggests you "approve" of where I am in my current creative trajectory. Yes, it is a bit "First Touchey", in that it's all acoustic. That certainly wasn't the intention. I just feel more at home playing an acoustic guitar again, that's all. I am really exited about releasing the new album, "ad hoc". I made a posh video in NY to accompany the first tune called "Exiting Purgatory". Scary title I know, but the first word in the title suggests there's a happy or encouraging ending. I have heard it said inspiration comes from desperation. This has been my experience of it too. I believe you have to dig deep sometimes to find the truth. I did my best at trying to find it with this album. If you listen to it I hope it helps you find yours.
We will post the new song with video very soon, then the album in February. We are open to your comments, criticisms, doubts, encouragements, adulations etc. You can make of it what you will because no matter what I will never stop making music.
Love,
Dominic