|
The
following article was published in Spring 2002 on Sting.com, Sting's
official website. The author was Sophia Dilberakis.
The
Miller's Tale...
Most people don’t normally admit to talking out loud to themselves,
but this morning it’s a necessity. Just minutes away from picking up
the phone and calling Dominic Miller in London, I’m taking my pre-7
a.m. Chicago-based vocal chords through an audible practice drill just
so the first words I utter on the phone don’t sound like a bowl of
oatmeal. After all, I’m about to interview a man whom Sting has called
"my right hand and my left" and one whom I’ve watched, mesmerized, in
countless performances over the years.
As the longest serving member (since 1989) of Sting’s band, Dominic
has received massive amounts global accolades for his guitar work. The
unique sound that he is able to conjure from his nylon strings is
something that even his band mates speak of in awe and with respect.
In addition to being "musically" prepared for the interview, I’ve also
been humorously advised. My insider sources have not only extolled the
virtues of his playing but have also alerted me to his more fun loving
side. There is his famous dry sense of humour. And his ability to
perfectly capture a moment via one of his caricatures. Let’s not
forget his skill in pulling off a band prank with finesse. (It wasn’t
very long into our chat that I personally discovered how one of his
lines sneaks up on you and causes you to laugh long after he’s moved
on to other things. My suggestion to the reader is to look at every
sentence twice to get the full Dominic effect.)
And at the risk of taking away a bit of the rock and roll mystique,
one very quickly finds out that Dominic Miller is also a very
thoughtful and caring man. (Actually, it’s exactly what one should
expect from a man whose favourite word is "love.")
Immediately prior to phoning him, I took a few minutes to reflect upon
the only other time we’ve exchanged a few words. It was on September
11th at Sting’s home in Tuscany where band member and fan alike was in
a state of shock. Dominic, very graciously, had taken the time to
speak to some of the fans before and after the concert. He asked our
opinions and shared his most personal thoughts. By that gesture, he
provided a comfort to others at a time of great uncertainty. As such,
many people present in that Tuscan courtyard will forever hold him in
the highest esteem.
So, for this writer, it comes as no surprise that he is currently
telling people that he is working on music "to change the world and
make it a better place." With that as an introduction, I’ll let
Dominic tell you the rest in his own words. (Remember to keep an eye
out for his third solo album due out end of April/beginning of May.)
The
tour is over… now what?
After
being on the road with Sting for the past two years, how does it feel
not to be touring? What has the transition been like?
The transition came as a blessing because this last tour was so long.
When you come off tour, it usually feels a little like being an
astronaut in the '60s and getting back to earth. But this time it felt
very natural. It doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the tour. It was such a
success. But it was so long and we were all so tired.
Did you
take any time off to just clear your head and not do anything musical?
Absolutely. I went away to the south of France for a couple of weeks
and totally decompressed. I really needed that, but now I’m back into
the creative mode.
What do
you enjoy most about being off the road? What do you like to do in
your leisure time?
I’ve got two things I really like to do. I love playing chess and I
love amateur photography [digital]. I think it’s quite important for
musicians to have hobbies. It really helps feed your creativity.
Your fans
want to know what you’ll be working on next. There has been a buzz
about a third solo album. Can you tell us what to expect?
The third album is kind of a continuation of the other two. It’s very
hard for me to say what it’s like stylistically. I think it’s the most
focused thing that I’ve done. I feel that there are so many things I
want to say. I don’t really write while I’m on tour. It’s really a
false life. My inspiration comes from people I know, like my kids or
my friends. The music is mellow I’m really proud of it. Going back to
the style, it’s a little more "Spanishy." I love Flamenco and
Arabesque influences. There are a couple of tracks that are a little
folksy. It should be out at the end of April or beginning of May.
You seem
to have set up somewhat of a naming pattern in your solo work - 'First
Touch' and 'Second Nature'. Might your third album be called Third
"something?"
I really don’t know at this point. Third Degree? Third Party? Third
Eye? The Third?
In the
past several months you’ve played in the Czech Republic, in Racine,
Wisconsin and in London. Will you be doing any more dates to support
your own work? Where might we expect to see you and how can fans find
out about your upcoming gigs?
There will be various dates around June, July and August. Some will be
with the Tweeters and some as a duo with Neil Stacey and myself.
[Tweeters is a group comprised of Dominic, Pino Palladino (bass) and
Manu Katché (drums). Neil Stacey is an English guitarist and
composer.]
Although
many artists don’t like putting a label on their music, to help those
not familiar with your solo work, what category would you put it in?
Stylistically, it is a cross between classical music influenced by
jazz and South American music. But it’s hard for me to say. First
Touch, for example, has several different styles within it. There is a
folk element and it also has a slight jazz tint. I’m a guitarist and
instrumentalist. I take the writing more seriously than the playing.
My songs are really like short stories. I’ve worked so many years
doing sessions with people. I’m drawn to arrangements with a verse, a
bridge and a chorus. It’s important to keep them short. It’s really
not about the playing, it’s about the story. And my voice is really
the guitar.
My favourite thing is playing acoustic guitar. Life is so short, that
it’s important to say something with your music. It’s important for
people to remember you for many years to come as opposed to doing
something that is currently hip.
In what
type of environment do you like to write?
At home. Definitely at home. First thing in the morning. The reason
being is that in the morning you are still kind of more in touch with
your subconscious. You tend to come up with more ideas. You are
probably still in touch with some dream. I also love to spend to time
with my kids and working in the morning lets me do that.
Most of
your fans know that you were born in Buenos Aires and spent much of
your childhood there. You have also lived briefly in the United
States, but for most of your life, London has been your home. Which
place has influenced your music the most and why?
Probably Brazil. I was born and brought up in Argentina. Most people
who picked up a guitar for the first time back then probably played
Beatles music. But I played bossa novas. My sister taught me. South
American music in general is so melodic and so rhythmical. I just love
that. It’s such great music.
We’ve
heard you sing backup and even duet with Sting on 'Shape of My Heart',
but you don’t sing on your solo work. Why is that?
Every one of those tunes on both of my albums were songs to begin
with, actually. But, if I were to sing on the record, a lot of people
would judge me on my singing. Having lyrics, can sometimes take away
from the music. I want people to make up their own mind what the music
is about.
You have
been the longest-serving member of Sting’s band (since 1989). How has
working with Sting influenced your life and music? Has your approach
to music changed since working with him?
Totally. My life, not to mention my lifestyle. (laughing) I didn’t
even have a lifestyle before I met Sting. It’s changed a lot. What
I’ve gotten from working with him has helped me go to the next level.
I’m very influenced by his music. He is sort of my surrogate older
brother. He is the smart one with more money and bigger houses. I’m
like the kid brother. He’s kind of helped me become who I am in many
ways. He’s helped me become a better musician. Sting likes to surround
himself with creative people. He is very good with picking people -
like a casting director. By helping his cause, we are helping our own
cause.
As far as my life is concerned, it’s difficult being away from my
kids. But, this is what I’ve always wanted to do. And a lot of people
don’t get anywhere near fulfilling their dream and I’ve been able to.
Page 2
>>
More press >> |
|