Daniel Miller Band

The opening track to ‘Backporch’, the newest release from Tennessee native Daniel Miller, begins with a splash – both literally and figuratively. It’s entitled ‘Mermaid’ and listeners are immediately submerged in an underwater romance with a reggae backbeat. “This is will certainly be a change for folks familiar with my last record.” The record Miller’s referring to, ‘Southbound’, was his first solo release and was met with regional acclaim in 2005.
"I really tried to switch things up this time, put a little bit more soul into every song and made sure nothing sounded the same." If variety was the goal, consider it met. 'Backporch' is filled with a full spectrum of sound, the uplifting and gospel tinged 'Out of Nowhere' is immediately met by the desolate, alt-country track ‘Broke Down’. The bluesy ‘Voodoo Doll’ is followed by ‘Segue to Sorrow’, a traditional country tune that harkens back to the early 1970s. Each of the album's 10 tracks lead the listener in a different direction.
“A majority of these songs were inspired by my summer’s spent in the Low Country of South Carolina. My family would pack up every June from Knoxville and drive down to spend a month or so in the area.” It was during those summer’s that Daniel became exposed to a variety of genres including the delta blues, reggae and surf rock. The liner notes of ‘Backporch’ cite small country churches, beach bars, honky tonks and road side peach stands as influences in its creation.
“The only song that isn’t in some way inspired by my time down there is ‘Mighty, Mighty’”. According to Miller, the power pop song is a tribute to nights spent driving around Knoxville with friends as a youth. “In high school we used to just pop in a CD and drive around town looking for things to do – no agenda, just out to experience life. Those are some of my fondest memories.”
To record the album, Miller returned to Knoxville to work again with Don Coffey Jr. (Superdrag) and Tim Lee (Tim Lee Band) at Independent Records Studio. “Those are two of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Tim always blows me away with his guitar work, he’s filled with great ideas. With Don, I mean - he’s got an incredible ear, he’s funny as hell and the Knoxville music scene should feel blessed to have him. There’s nothing else to say.” While ‘Southbound’ boasted an assortment of Knoxville musicians, ‘Backporch’ clocks in with only two guest appearances, save for a small choir on ‘Out of Nowhere’. “Ben Maney came in last minute and really some great texture with his talent on the keys.”
In addition, Miller brought in former Superdrag frontman John Davis to play on three tracks. “Man, to have John and Don together playing on three of my songs – I can’t describe how incredible that feels. John is such a pro, he laid down some pedal steel on ‘Segue’ and then turned around and added Wailer like background vocals and bass on ‘Mermaid’. It was such a treat to work with him, I knew it would be.”
For those who haven’t seen Miller perform, ‘Backporch’ is truly an accurate portrayal of what you can expect. He keeps the audience engaged by switching styles often, yet his soul filled vocals remain a constant. “I just feel blessed to be able to continue to do this, to be embraced by two communities 1,000 miles apart is incredible. I hope they like this new record – it took a little while to get it out.”
It’s certainly worth the wait.