Steven Miller

• Born: November 08, 1956, New Jersey
• Active: '70s, '80s, '90s, 2000s
• Genres: New Age
• Instrumental Instrument: Engineer, Producer
• Representative Albums: "M. Subterranea," "Singing Whale Songs in a Low Voice"

Biography

Steven Miller is a producer and multi-instrumentalist, not to be confused with the Texas roots rock guitarist of the same name, '70s superstar Steve "The Joker"/"Space Cowboy" Miller. This Steven Miller was born November 8, 1956, in New Jersey. Closely associated with the new age-styled Windham Hill label, Miller's ambient recording techniques established an American equivalent to the ECM label in the '70s and '80s, helping forge the sound and careers of Michael Hedges, Will Ackerman, Alex de Grassi, Barbara Higbie, Scott Cossu, Michael Manring, Nightnoise, Darol Anger, Andy Narell, Liz Story, and George Winston. Miller has always been actively involved in burgeoning new technology, as he and Ackerman developed a process of pressing vinyl records that enabled Windham Hill to produce and sell audiophile-quality LPs for standard retail prices. He was also one of the first producers to fully embrace digital recording. During the transition years from vinyl to compact discs, his recordings were frequently played at high-end audio shops to demonstrate the CD's extended dynamic range. In recognition of his work, Miller was appointed to the board of the RIAA's CD division.

On his own as a leader, guitarist, and keyboardist, Miller released a recording of his own compositions, Singing Whale Songs in a Low Voice, in 1983, featuring Mark Isham and Art Lande. His second effort, M. Subterranea, came nearly 15 years later in 1997. With Narell, Miller created the original music for Apple Computers products IIe, Lisa, and Macintosh. After Windham Hill's demise, Miller worked as an A&R director at RCA Records and then briefly left the business. Upon returning to music, he has worked independently with a wide range of artists, including a number of pop and rock singer/songwriters. Miller's collaborators have included Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams, John Gorka, Patty Griffin, David Broza, Paula Cole, Robin Spielberg, Kitaro, Glen Phillips, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Donna the Buffalo, Pink, the Dave Matthews Band, the Backstreet Boys, Clay Aiken, Chicago, G. Love, Jack Johnson, and the Jonas Brothers. Jazz artists who have joined forces with Miller include the Manhattan Transfer, Michael Brecker, Don Grolnick, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Rick Braun, Diane Schuur, Paquito d'Rivera, and Dave Valentin. In partnership with Allen Sides, Miller created the Hollywood-based Ocean Way Drums -- a musical instrument plug-in that was introduced at the 2008 NAMM show, available at Guitar Center stores and other outlets. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

Singing Whale Songs in a Low Voice Buy this CD