Roots & Soul

June 24, 2010

Roots & Soul

by Mary Allen
ALABAMA NATIVE THRIVING ON TV AND IN THE RECORDING STUDIO

Kassie MillerRising country music and reality TV star Kassie Miller will be playing at The Fish House on June 26 from 7-10 p.m.  Local favorite Lucas Crutchfield will start the evening off with an acoustic set from 5-7 p.m. and alt-country outfit Timberhawk will finish things up from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.  

After talking to Kassie for just a few minutes, we realized that the 26-year-old Alabama girl has some pretty big dreams. The soulful singer/songwriter took a few minutes from rehearsing for her upcoming shows to tell IN a little about her past, present and future in the world of entertainment.

IN: Tell us about what inspired you to start singing. Does anyone in your family have a musical background?
MILLER: I started singing in junior high. I always sang at my grandpa's church, and my dad played guitar. I love music of all genres, and I just wanted to entertain. I knew this as a little girl.

IN: Were your parents supportive of your music?
MILLER: My parents supported me every step of the way. My dad died about eight years ago, but like I said, he was always playing guitar and loved listening to me sing.

IN: Explain some of your musical influences. How would you characterize your sound?
MILLER: My music is a mix between Lionel Richie and Dolly Parton: country soul. I write all of my own music. On my first self-titled album, I wrote all 12 songs. I got married last June, so a lot of my songs were inspired by my husband.

IN: What is your favorite thing about performing?
MILLER: Although I love being in the studio, there's nothing like performing live. I love entertaining and vibing with the crowd.

IN: Speaking of being in the studio, have you signed a record deal yet?
MILLER: Not yet. I do everything independently. My husband produces the music, and I write the songs that I perform.

IN: Sounds like a lot of hard work. Besides eventually getting signed, what are some other career goals you have set for yourself?
MILLER: I just want to be on the road and do music for a living. I moved to Nashville when I was 19 and have lived there ever since. I love it. If you ever visit, you'll never want to leave.

IN: Tell us about your experience on reality TV.
MILLER: I won the first season of CMT's "The Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search" and received $25,000. Last year I was on "Can You Duet" and placed seventh.

IN: Where can our readers purchase your music?
MILLER: It's all available on my website, kassiemiller.com, or on iTunes. I also post updates on my MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.

Kassie Miller with Lucas
Crutchfield and Timberhawk
WHEN: 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, June 26
WHERE: The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St.
COST: Free
DETAILS: 470-0003 or kassiemiller.com