Jen Miller set to perform this summer on Marine Atlantic Ferry.
- Author- James Bennett
- Jun 22, 2015
- 6 min read
Hello, Jen, can you tell me a little about yourself and your style of music?
I grew up in Nova Scotia, Lower Sackville to be exact. My life was always filled with music as my dad was big into music. He had every instrument at the house and when I was younger he had all his buddy’s over on the weekends and they would jam. And they weren’t jamming they were listening to music. I was obsessed with music at a very young age and had a huge love for pop music. I listened to New Kids On The Block, TLC, Marky Mark and Madonna among many others. In teen years I started to go to church very regularly and started listening mainly to Christian music. Not only was that what I listened to but after learning my first 3 chords at 14 I wrote my very first song. I wrote mostly Christian music for years after that until I headed out West in my mid 20’s. I was introduced to so many new artists and started playing in the pubs, cafes and lounges there. My style of music and writing started to change and evolve. So now I have gone mostly country/folk with strong power house vocals. Similar to the lead vocalist from Little Big Town.
What artists or people influenced your music?
My dad was a huge influence as he was the one to bring music into my life. Bands like Third Day, Jars Of Clay and artist Jennifer Knapp played a huge role in my writing and playing styles as they were the top Christian acts I listened to as soon as I started playing and writing.
What songs could we find on your ipod or itunes account?
I listen to a lot of Country music now and artists that I know. You can find Little Big Town, Andy Brown, Conner Roff, The Civil Wars, KT Tunstall, Dave Gunning, Jim Hanlon, JP Cormier, James Bay, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and a zillion more. Too many to name!
What are your plans for this year?
Well like most years I play 2 – 4 shows a week. I hope to land a few showcases this year and play some bigger stages. I am a full time musician so I’m just working every avenue I can right now to be able to continue playing more.
Will you be touring, playing shows, festivals etc?
YES!! I’m headed off to do a house concert with Jim Hanlon at the owners of Stanfest house in Canso. After that I’m doing the song writing camp there and then playing a few sets at The Stan Rogers Music Festival. I have a couple gigs in Cape Breton , Liverpool and Windsor along with a few more house concerts. A big chunk of my time will be on The Marine Atlantic Ferry. I play in the lounge every summer.
Is there a new CD in the works?
I have just released a brand new album called ‘Can’t No One Bring Me Down” I went into the studio on Thanksgiving. I had the chance to co produce it with Ross Billard at his studio in Halifax. I have amazing session players on the album including Bruce Dixon on Bass, Ross on Keys, percussion, electric guitar as well as Luke Munroe on fiddle. 2 of my good friends did some back round vocals on a few of the tracks as well. Chelsea Amber and Ryan Willigar. Two very talented singer/songwriters. That you will see a lot around HFX and Canada.
What made you decide to move back to the Eastcoast?
I wasn’t planning on it. I actually just came here on tour 2 years ago. After playing here I fell in love with the Maritimes again. My music was so well received and I had gotten so many great opportunities I thought “why go back?” I was invited to play on CTV Moring Live, “Sessions” with Jimmie Inch and had multiple raidio interviews all over the Maritimes. So it seemed like the right move to stay.
Who is on your bucket list of artists to see perform?
Little Big Town, James Taylor, Ray Lamontagne…Too many more to name.
What is your most enjoyable song that you perform personally? And why?
“Can’t No One Bring Me Down is enjoyable to me because it’s 100% true and the reactions I get from people are too funny. Also it get’s peoples head bobbin and toes tapping. Not to mention a good sing along part.
Have people ever compared your sound to another artist and if so who?
Yes I have heard many artists names like, KT Tunstall, Indigo Girls and Colbie Callat.
What is it like performing on the Marine Atlantic Ferry? Do you get sea sick? Any interesting stories you can tell me while performing at sea?
It’s so much fun. I have gotten sea sick. I suggest you NOT forgetting to take your Gravol each morning haha. I love the staff and the people on the ferry. So many NEWFIES! How can you go wrong! The only thing I can say story wise is that Newfies really like their “drink”. And they really want you to enjoy it to. As a performer I am not allowed to drink while I’m working so I always have to say no to peoples offers. I feel really bad about it. I have even had people make up elaborate ways to get me alcohol without getting caught. But I like to play it safe and not drink anyway. What has been your biggest achievement to date? 3 things. 1.My latest album. I payed for it 95% myself. It wasn’t cheap. It’s professional, with amazing musicians, singers and it’s just in time for my summer touring season. 2. I doing music full time and 3. I have my own place. Just me, myself and I. All goals I had for this past year and I’m really happy with myself.
We know that being a musician can sometimes be a struggle, long hours, late nights performing, travel, etc. How do you stay motivated to continue performing?
I just remember how I hate working for other people. Haha. I love sharing my music with people and I love that connection it has with people. So I continue to remember how much I love what I do and happy I am. Even during the slow time, long nights, and travelling its all worth it in the end if I’m happy.
Your single “breathe it in” in support of Cystic Fibrosis has a special meaning to you. Can you tell me more about why you decided to help out with this great cause? And what has it taught you about yourself?
I have two young nephews and a niece who suffer from CF. So wherever I have lived I have tried to stay connected with the CG community. Last year I decoded to write a song to raise funds the cause. All year I sold cd’s and online to raise money for my families Great Strides Walk which happens every May. I’ve decided to make it a yearly thing. The song itself isn’t about CF but rather it’s a song about pressing on despite trials and hard times. I wanted to write something that would be encouraging to my family and other as well as giving it a good beat that they could dance to. J MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Having the disease in my family has taught me not to take a ll the little things for granite and to be happy with what I do have.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about yourself and maybe people do not know already?
I’m single haha But really…..let’s see….I make jewellery and sell it at house concerts and farmers markets. House concerts are my favourite venues. If anyone reading this wants to host one it doesn’t take much. Contact me and we can make it happen. J It’s a great way to connect with my listeners and get to know them on a more personal level. When I moved back to NS I think I ate more donairs then I have in a lifetime haha How can people purchase your music? At a show, online..BAND CAMP IS THE BEST WAY. J I’m on iTunes but I never see that money cause iTunes takes a huge %. So if you see me on the street, at a show or head to https://jenmiller.bandcamp.com/releases that’s where I’m going to receive the most support. I want to take this time to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to get to know you. I want to wish you great success and happiness in the music business as well as life. Any final messages you might have for your fans? As a musician or any type of artist we hope that what we do connects with you. If you do feel a connection to one of my tunes or you really like my music please buy the album. I made this ne album for people to listen to and to love as much as I love it. One album is a meal and or gas money. Cd’s are a huge part of how I make my living. You can preview it on iTunes and bandcamp. You can go to www.jenmiller.ca for more info, pics, video and more. Thanks so much and keep supporting local music.
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