Simply Six: Sheri Miller

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

I have a feeling if I was alive when The Beatles were on the Ed Sullivan show, I would’ve been convinced in one heartbeat, one split second flat, I wanted to sing, and write songs.  How could you not, it’s the Beatles?

For me, I can’t recall one specific thrilling, defining moment, but I’ve been writing songs since I first sat on a piano bench at age 6/7.  Making up songs always felt as natural to me as feeling the wind on my neck, or swimming in the ocean.  It feels like it’s been born with me, as part of nature.  My nature.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of

your favorites?

Aaah, great question.  The Beatles.  Beach Boys.  Wings.  Nina Simone.  Ella Fitzgerald.  Etta James.  Paul Simon.  Tom Waits.  Joni Mitchell.  Ricki Lee Jones.  Jimi Hendrix.  Glenn Gould.  Bach.  Tchaikovsky.  John Coltrane.  Bob Dylan.  Elvis Costello.  Leonard Cohen.  Adele.   Raphael Saadiq.  Stevie Wonder. 

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

When you play a song live, and people have told you the cried. Or written me they’ve cried from listening to a recording.  I once read a Rickie Lee Jones interview, and she said something to the effect of “the point of making music is to make people cry; and to make yourself cry.”  I think that’s a beautiful way of putting it.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?

How much can music influence current events?

Absolutely!  Music has changed the world since the first note rang clear through the treetops.  Bob Dylan in the ‘60’s with “Blowin’ In The Wind” influenced masses of teenagers to support the peace movement.  So many civil rights songs, from Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” to gospel spirituals, inspired and gave strength to busloads of Civil Rights activists who found deep sources of courage to risk their lives, and ride through the dangerous South to protest the Jim Crow laws. They changed the world.  Music has lifted people up, told our stories, and changed our world since the beginning of time.  I think it’s an honor and privilege to be part of the musical tradition and legacy in any form.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Wow.  Loaded question.  Technology, in essence, has revoked the power from the record companies and massive terrestrial radio stations, and given the power back to the listeners, the people themselves, the musicians, at the very source.  Anyone can post a song on the internet.  Anyone can be heard. It’s a double-edged and a blessing. I love the new technology. It’s a true musical democracy.  Amen.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Barbara, I dig it.  I would be a flashy, sparkly 3 inch pair of sexy hot smokin’ high heeled puppies.  You could walk in me, but never walk all over me.  I’d make you feel something.   Something good.  Watch me comin’, now.  I got some sole! 

http://www.sherimiller.com/
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