There are entertainers you can tell from the minute they hit the stage they're not really there, per se. The only reason they even take to the stage is to sell the next CD, get some promotion or make their next gazillion dollars. This probably won't happen to DJ Miller though. In fact, DJ believes and artist's ability to connect with the crowd almost immediately upon taking the stage then keeping that attention is the single most important thingthe entertainer should do. Anyone who has ever seen DJ work knows he takes this belief to heart.
He says, You can't be the only one having fun. You have to interact with the crowd. You want them to be wondering what's gonna happen next. If you just stand there and sing your songs and play your music, you might sound really good, but if you don't give your fans a real show, then they may not have a reason to come back and see you again
DJ has had tremendous support from his family with regard to his music. His father still helps manage DJ's career. But DJ has definitely looked to the bigger acts to copy their successful traits. Miller remembers at an early age watching superstar Garth Brooks wow audiences with his theatrical stage presence and ground-breaking performances. Years later, DJ would develop a similar appreciation for Brad Paisley's live show and electrifying guitar work. Along with the strong guidance and influence of his father, Darryl, it wasn't long before the impressionable young DJ had developed his own, patented brand of showmanship.
He says, "I would tape the Garth Brooks live concerts on television as a little kid and then watch them over and over," he remembers. "I saw him do all these crazy things on stage, but the crowd loved every minute of it, and I recognized that. It was at that point that I decided I wanted to go into Country music."
DJ's career took a great leap forward when he met producer/publisher/label executive Johnny Morris in 2009. Along with industry veteran Don Bedell, the two men moved quickly to sign DJ to their Evergreen Records label, where they introduced him to a host of Nashville songwriters, including hit-makers Don Goodman (Blake Shelton, Faith Hill, George Strait) and Charlie Black (Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Phil Vassar). One of the first songs Miller received was "A Little Naughty Is Nice," a catchy, up-tempo boogie with guitar riffs reminiscent of none other than one of DJ's dominant influences, Brad Paisley.
About "A Little Naughty Is Nice" he says this, "'A Little Naughty Is Nice" is one of those songs that basically gives the woman a license to go out and get a little crazy sometimes. It was sent to me about three hours before I left for a recording session in Nashville. We ended up recording it, and it turned out great. Its a fun song for all the girls out there, so I have a feeling the guys will probably appreciate it, too."
While DJ is still continuing songwriting and touring, he will be releasing a new CD before the end of 2010.
In the meantime, Miller is staying focused on doing what he does best ñ coming up with creative and entertaining ways to give his fans a concert experience they wonít soon forget. "Itís always important to make that person in the front row feel special," says DJ. "But to me, the real key is making that person in the back row feel just as special."
To find out more about DJ Miller's latest tour information, releases, Facebook, MySpace, Foursquare connectionsor just DJ go to his website found at: http://www.djmillercountry.com/
