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Los Angeles, California has long been a hub for aspiring musicians and artists hoping to make their mark on the music industry. Among the talented individuals navigating this vibrant scene is John Miller, a 26-year-old musician, and singer based in Orange County. With a unique sound combining alternative and pop elements, Miller has been steadily building a following and perfecting his craft.
Miller’s introduction to music began in fourth grade when he took up the violin. He always thought he would one day become a violinist in an orchestra, but his path took an unexpected turn after his family relocated to California. He started to explore songwriting and discovered a passion for creating his own music. Miller credits his father for exposing him to a diverse range of music from his own generation.
“My dad had an extensive vinyl collection, and I grew up listening to everything from Love and Green Day to Sam Cooke and Strawberry Alarm Clock,” he says.
Drawing inspiration from various sources, Miller’s music balances catchy pop hooks and dance-infused alternative sound. In addition to his dad’s musical influence, Miller admires contemporary artists such as SZA, Dua Lipa, and Lady Gaga. His broad musical palette allows him to craft a sound that is uniquely his own
Miller’s songwriting process often begins by focusing on everyday experiences and emotions, specifically those from relationships. Melodies often come to him spontaneously, and he records them on his phone to later flesh out on the guitar. He then fine-tunes his lyrics during long walks until the elements combine seamlessly.
“When it comes to writing music, it’s almost like suppressing emotions and then letting them come out in really emotional bursts,” he says. “The best songs come from capturing raw emotions and translating them into relatable lyrics.”
The length of Miller’s songwriting process can vary from as little as ten minutes to over a year. However, he aims to strike a balance, typically spending about a week and a half to complete a song. Transcribing the lyrics, chords, and beats onto paper is essential for him, making it easier to share his music with bandmates and keep a hard copy for himself.
Finding inspiration in everyday moments, Miller remains dedicated to crafting heartfelt and relatable music that appeals to his growing fanbase. Currently, he’s working on an album set to release later this year, featuring a collection of meticulously crafted songs that focuses on a range of relatable emotions and experiences and carries an underlying message of hope and optimism.
“I want to leave a lasting impression on the music industry and connect with people through my music,” says Miller.
