Following on from the release of his breakthrough debut single 'White Silhouettes' last year, London-based artist Edison Miller is back once again with his stunning sophomore effort 'Lucid'.
Channelling a bold and vibrant indie-rock direction reminiscent of Foals, 'Lucid' makes for a bright and exciting return. Jam-packed with glittering guitars, pulsing hooks, and his own engaging voice at the helm, it feels like he is ready to kick off his 2022 in stellar form.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I wouldn’t say I fell in love but I started playing piano when I was about 8, I liked it but I was being taught by someone who didn’t seem to love the piano anymore themselves. It wasn’t until I was about 11 or 12 when I realised I could sing that I started to believe I had some actual musical ability and I guess that’s where the love started.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
My Dad had cases of cassettes in his little red Renault when we were kids and he’d listen to Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Supertramp, Genesis etc, it created a kind of subliminal familiarity and love for some great music. I had an eclectic mix of pop, rock, soul, disco and Motown that I listened to when I was young but Red Hot Chili Peppers were my favourite band. They captured my imagination with Kiedis’ lyrics and performance style and Flea’s filthy bass lines.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I bought was Songs About Jane by Maroon 5. I remember listening to it on my CD player top to bottom on repeat in my bedroom.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
A list of too many and to choose one would do the others an injustice, so here’s at least two. Paolo Nutini’s ‘Iron Sky’ because it transcends the form of song writing , it’s a masterpiece and ‘Holocene’ by Bon Iver for it’s power to transport me to another dimension.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t have any rituals or habits particularly, even when I write on my own, the only thing I like to do is write in a notebook with a pencil. Collaborating with other writers throws up new ideas and processes, I just keep myself open and the inspiration seems to flow.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Koffee - ‘West Indies’ it’s great vibes, James Blake, Foals, Laura Mvula & Sam Fender amongst many… music that makes me feel good or focuses me in a certain mood - it’s never genre specific. There’s some great bands that I’ve discovered recently from having my songs put in new Spotify playlists.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
The Chili Peppers would be a dream and I’d probably lose my mind but it would had to have been David Bowie.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to share something I wrote and believe in. I hope it speaks to someone and/or invokes some sort of reaction, I want to move people or for people to move. I get to do what I love and that’s rewarding enough on it’s own, regardless.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Instability and financial struggle.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Just to do it, don’t wait for it, do it already, the time is now. You know what needs to be done and what you don’t know, you’ll work out.
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Edison Miller's new single 'Lucid' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.