DAVE MILLER Drummer, Producer & All-Around Great Guy 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.
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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.
