Music has always been a powerful medium for self-expression, allowing artists to convey their deepest emotions and connect with their audience. One such artist who has mastered the art of channeling his feelings into relatable lyrics is singer and songwriter
John Miller.
For 26-year-old Miller, songwriting can be described as “a cathartic experience.” It serves as an emotional outlet, allowing him to process and unleash his feelings. However, he acknowledges that certain emotions need time to simmer before fully expressing them in his music. This approach allows him to create songs that burst with relatable sentiments.
"Containing my emotions until they are ready to be released allows me to capture the rawness and honesty of the moment,” he says.
By acknowledging and exploring these emotions in his music, Miller creates songs that resonate with listeners personally. He believes in addressing life's highs and lows but ultimately aims to leave his audience with “a light at the end of the tunnel.”
"I want my music to encapsulate the idea that even in the darkest times, there's a glimmer of hope,” he says. “It's like that Green Day song, 'Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),' where you reflect on both the good and the bad, but ultimately recognize the value of the journey."
Miller's songwriting process begins with melodies that come to him spontaneously. He records these melodies as voice memos and later fleshes them out on his guitar, his primary instrument of choice. Whether it's a chorus or a snippet of a melody, Miller tests them out by singing them in gibberish, ensuring that they flow naturally and resonate with the emotions he wants to convey.
But it is during the lyric-writing process that Miller truly immerses himself. The lyrics of his songs often draw inspiration from everyday experiences, particularly in relationships. He takes long walks, allowing the words to naturally find their way to him. This approach ensures that his lyrics flow authentically and connect with the listeners' experiences.
Finishing a song can take Miller anywhere from 10 minutes to a year, although Miller aims to complete his compositions within a week and a half. He meticulously transcribes his lyrics and chords onto paper, capturing the essence of each song in a tangible form. He shares these handwritten notes with his bandmates to ensure a cohesive musical vision.
"I can't keep songs locked up forever,” he says. “I aim to finish them within a reasonable timeframe to share them with the world."
With an album on the horizon, John Miller aims to impact the music industry significantly. His ability to translate raw emotions into relatable lyrics and captivating melodies is a testament to his talent as a songwriter. Through his cathartic songwriting process, Miller invites listeners to join him on an emotional journey, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope.
"I want people to know the honest version of me," Miller says. "There's nothing mysterious about it. I'm an open book, and my music is a reflection of my emotions and experiences."
