Few people can say that they could set their lives to music, but it's a safe bet that New York musician Sheri Miller can.
The critically acclaimed singer/songwriter has written hundred of lyrics and dozens of songs, both as a solo artist, and in collaboration with musicians such as J.D. Souther, Jill Sobule, and Shawn Mullins.
Her sophomore album, "Winning Hand" is an extension of the music that is her life, produced by the renown Kevin Killen. Recently, The Lobes asked Sheri about the things that influence her songwriting:
The Lobes: How much has heartbreak contributed to your songwriting?
SM: A lot a lot a lot. I had a long, painful break-up about a year ago, and I infuse much of my emotional torrential heart energy into my songs. With this heartbreak, I had been writing, grieving, wondering, creating songs about being in and out love; well before the break-up. I wonder about the nature of love. How it connects us all. How animals feel in love. I think love is the seed of universe.
The Lobes: What are your main musical influences?
SM: You. Me. The conversation I overhear while ordering a coffee. The Beatles. John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Bach. The Beach Boys. Etta James. Ella Fitzgerald and Rogers and Hart. The Gershwins. Otis Redding. Joni Mitchell. Nina Simone. Bruce Springsteen. My mother.
The Lobes: What's your favorite iPod track this week?
SM: “I”ve Been Loving You Too Long.” Otis Redding.
The Lobes: Are you working on any music right now?
SM: Yes. I’m very lucky to be recording a new song, with some incredible musicians now. The incredible Will Lee, Paul Shaffer, Steve Cropper and Shawn Pelton. Keep an eye out for it on my website, sherimiller.com
The Lobes: If you could craft an all-star band, who would play in it?
SM: See question above.
The Lobes: Have you ever been inspired by an author or a book to write a song, and if so, which one?
SM: Absolutely. Every song in a way is inspired by authors and books. The God Of Small Things by Arundhati Roy inspired me. Barbara Kingsolver inspires me. Charles Bukowski I love too.
The Lobes: What keeps you awake at night?
SM: Mosquitoes. I’ve been getting eaten up alive lately. I think it’s that fragrance gardenia hand lotion I used one night. I was almost suffocating, covering my face with a sheet as a faux net. So I decided to spray an outdoor Deet spray over my bed. And oh boy. I better air out my room.
Also worry keeps me up at night. But there are good drugs for that. Just kidding.
I do love to sleep. Dreams are where the songs are.
Here is a song from Sheri Miller's "Winning Hand" album, entitled, "Spoons":
Purchase Winning Hand:
iTunes: http://bit.ly/iqqicN
Amazon: http://amzn.to/kljGLp
CD BABY: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sherimiller2
www.sherimiller.com
