INTERVIEW:
Abel Miller
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I have been catching up with Abel Miller…
as he tells me about his track, Feel Good, and his upcoming E.P., Private Island. I ask which artists and albums are important to him and he reveals what is coming up in terms of music and gigs – Miller reveals some rising artists to get involved with.
I ask whether he has a favourite memory from music and what it is like getting support from some big radio stations; the advice he would offer artists coming through and whether he gets much time away from music to relax.
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Hi, Abel. How are you? How has your week been?
Hi. Yes, it’s been a great week. Had a few radio interviews and premiered the new single toom titled Ride for Me, with DJ Ace at BBC 1Xtra.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Yes, of course. My name is Abel Miller. I am an R&B artist from London, U.K. I would say I have been putting out music around nine years; however, I have been singing practically all my life. It’s been a grind! But, I love making music and I was featured on one of the early tracks from K Koke entitled Nobody But Us and this brought a buzz as he just signed with Roc Nation at the time. I then went on to putting out E.P.S. The first one was titled Make You Love Me and the track No Gentleman was playlisted on BBC Radio 1Xtra.
What can you tell me about your latest track, Feel Good?
Feel Good’s concept is actually different to the title - when you first see it you would think it’s an uplifting, positive ‘feelgood’ song (laughs). It’s more about a female going through things and not feeling too good and I’m explaining that throughout the verses. The instrumental has a tropical edge but, at the same time, R&B chords.
Private Island is your upcoming E.P. What sort of themes do you explore on it?
Yes. Private Island is the E.P. It’s got a lot of mid/up-tempo songs on there; a bit of Island and also an Afro-Swing feel to it. It’s a six-track E.P. and it starts with Feel Good - which is the slower track on the E.P. - and then picks up into tracks like Chasing Rain (ft. Sona) which is more on the up-tempo end.
Do you have particular music idols or artists you grew up around?
Growing up, I listened to a lot of Gospel in my mum’s home; artists like Fred Hammond and Yolanda Adams and so on...then I would stay at my dad’s and hear the latest tracks. Really, an album I won’t forget is Usher’s 8701. I had that on-repeat back in the day.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
I just really hope this E.P. gets heard by as many people as I can reach as I believe it’s my best body of work and showcases different sides; so I’d say to get the E.P. buzzing!
Do you already have plans for 2019?
I have a few songs in the pipeline that I am planning on putting out, but I’m just taking it each day with this E.P. Definitely will be a headline show from me at some point too.
What has it been like getting support from the likes of BBC Asian Network?! How much of a boost does that give?
It’s been great as I haven’t really been on BBC Asian Network so it opens me up to a different audience. Also, the track Drop It Down by Nash (ft. myself) has done well there too so that support is good.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
So far, I would have to say 25th June, 2017. This is when I put on my first show and I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I had never done one so I was nervous; the turnout was amazing and the show was a success!
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
Bob Marley – Exodus
This means the most as it’s my go-to-album for encouragement and uplifts people.
Usher – Confessions
To me, it is a solid R&B album so I will have to include this!
Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On
For the live instrumentation, I would say this album is up there.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
I would definitely need my MacBook and may bring the mic too when I’m on the go. I’m not fussed about the rest. Sweets and drinks of different varieties and I’m good!
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
I’d say try keep that quality control over what you’re putting out try make the music mix-downs sound clean; get visuals looking epic as that counts a lot these days and be consistent also. It’s easier said than done as it costs a bit but, in the end, you have something you’re happy with and that means a lot.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
Not at present, but I hope to get back to you with dates for 2019 (smiles).
IN THIS PHOTO: Daniel Caesar/PHOTO CREDIT: Roots Canada
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
You may already know of these two (laughs). I like Daniel Caesar’s album and also Ella Mai.
IN THIS PHOTO: Ella Mai
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Sometimes (laughs). My relaxation would be either going to an arcade with friends and family or simply looking after my little boy. These things take my mind off music.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Ok. Thanks for having me! Daniel Caesar – Get You
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