Dave Miller

Photo by Amber Kavan

Musician, Producer and Teacher

When did you first get into music?

I was interested in music from a young age. I remember plinking around on my dad’s piano and hearing classical music from his radio and turntable. My mom was into country and folk music and my parents took me to square dances often. I was hearing music all the time, but I really fell in love with music when my schoolmate played me “You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon on his walkman. Just after that I discovered The Beatles and my obsession with music began. I got a drum set when I was twelve and that solidified everything for me.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music? How has your music evolved since you first began performing?

I played in bands with friends through high school and was really into practicing and performing. One of these groups recorded a couple demo tapes and I got hooked on recording too. When it came time to pick a focus for college, music was the obvious choice. After a year or so I landed a job teaching drums part-time. It all happened pretty naturally and I’m still recording, performing and teaching 20 years later.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

I’ve met a lot of great people in the industry over the years, and through these connections I’ve had some cool opportunities personally and professionally. While playing in bands, I’ve shared the stage with Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters), Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta), Kings X, and countless Colorado bands. Some of my favorite shows were opening for my tabla teacher Aloke Dutta with my band Katalyst. Through my good friend Peter Fletcher (Vessel, Pigmy Love Circus), I was introduced to Danny Carey (Tool) and on a handful of occasions, I got to tech for the drumming legend.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

I would have to say passion and joy. I’ve been playing well over half my life and I’m still obsessed with music. It’s just kind of there as a constant calling. I’ve branched out from drums over the years and now I’m producing music for myself and others, as well as playing with a number of bands.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

It’s overwhelming at times to see the talent this world has to offer. I’m inspired every day by the art and music people are creating, but like many artists, I’m consistently battling feelings of doubt even in times of great inspiration. I hope to be a reflection of the art and music that has given me so much joy and happiness throughout my life. I’m heavily influenced by different kinds of music from all over the world and I’m actively introducing these elements into the art I create.

What has been your biggest challenge as a musician? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge as a musician and producer has been going deep to learn how to express sounds, thoughts and feelings clearly and truthfully. I’m always working on it and maybe getting closer to what I hear in my heart. The lockdown has been an interesting time. I’ve had lots of time with my family and time to meditate and reflect. I’m excited for us all to emerge from this confusion and chaos and express love again…in person!

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

Yeah I think part of living and learning anything can feel like suffering at least a little bit. Figuring out how to navigate a career in music is definitely challenging and I’ve had many moments of doubt. I always try to focus on the positives of any situation and strive to be in projects that I feel excited to be part of.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

It seems like the internet has flipped the industry on its head. It’s really cool that it is easier to get music out there, but everyone is so inundated with content that it doesn’t seem to be any easier to push through and get noticed. With COVID-19, the internet is virtually the only thing keeping the entertainment industry going. It’s so sad how many venues have closed already and we’re not out of the woods, yet. Here’s hoping for the triumphant return of artists.

Photo by Kristin Drake

Photo by Kristin Drake

Photo by Amber Kavan

Have you done or plan on doing any Live-stream Concerts? If you have, how has the response been from your fans?

I’ve been recording a ton and posted some videos, but I haven’t gone live from the home studio. I played drums on a video session with Matt Skellenger at Mighty Fine Productions in July and it sounds like we may be back doing a live stream for Dazzle in September. Kudos to the live-streamers out there, you really provide a great service during all this.

If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be?

At this point I think the industry is changing and evolving constantly. I wish mainstream pop-culture was more varied from the usual mold, but it seems like many artist/bands still thrive within their niche. Though struggling and working on passion alone, the fringe has at least enough to sustain and keep making their art. This really is a golden age of music and people have access to so much. Innovative artists will keep coming up with ways to connect with fans and get by.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

It’s tough to pick five but here’s some albums that are still important to me:

“Graceland” – Paul Simon – For some time as a kid this was one of only a couple tapes I had and I listened to it on repeat. I still love this album to this day.

“Vespertine” – Bjork – I love Bjork’s music for so many reasons but hearing the production on this album was very influential on me as I was beginning to work with electronic music.

“Exit Stage Left” – Rush – After hearing Tom Sawyer on the radio I knew that I wanted to play drums. This album is a collection of incredible songs played live and was a great source of inspiration for me as a young musician.

“Lateralus” – Tool – A good friend turned me onto Tool as a 12 year old kid and I’ve been hooked ever since. This band oozes true artistry and still provides me with a ton of inspiration in life and music.

“Give a Monkey a Brain…” - Fishbone – Fishbone is one of my favorite bands of all time. This album really grabbed me as a teenager and let me into their vast catalog of musical excellence.

Tell us about your current project. Are you working on new music? An EP or Album?

In the past year, I released the debut “Deep Ocean Creature” album, as well as two ambient albums from the alter ego “Deep Space Creature”. Both projects are co-produced by Kyle Jones (Brotherhood Studios). In 2019 I played drums and percussion on “Vitality” by Matt Skellenger. This album is fantastic and is the fourth album of his I’ve been a part of. I’m working on a new “D.O.C.” release for 2020, and long time project with Peter Fletcher and Neale Heywood, “Vessel” that will both be released on label Vajra Records. I played on a couple tracks for the new project “Man Vs.” from my buddy, Ben Fellows (Lacuna Brotherhood). I have more tricks up my sleeve too, when the universe will allow it.

What’s next for you?

I’ve been really into making electronic music and I have some great sounds coming out of the studio lately. I’ve been mixing lots of analog synthesizer sounds with acoustic drums and other acoustic instruments. The tones and textures work synergistically and I’m really excited to see where it goes.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

I’m @tabladave on most social media platforms. Check out my label, Vajra Records for the music I produce and release.

www.vajrarecords.com or www.vajrarecords.bandcamp.com

@vajrarecords on instagram and twitter @deepoceancreature on instagram @deep_creature on twitter

www.mattskellenger.com

Photo by Michael Call