Meet Allen Miller | Singer/Songwriter & Music Business Management Executive Assistant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allen Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allen, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Making music is the most creatively fulfilling thing I can do for myself. However, it also can be a very lonely process. I don’t think people realize that artists have to be completely self-funded until they get to the point where they can get a record deal or start making income from their music. It takes a lot of planning and saving for me to put out a song, because that means shelling out $1000 for just the production, and then self-releasing on streaming services. If someone you know is releasing music, just know that it’s a big accomplishment to even get to that point, even if no one streams it. So stream it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Songwriting has always been a creative outlet for me, since I learned how to play the piano and sing many years ago. It started as a hobby in my bedroom, and in many ways it still is. I write all my songs alone. So when I take it to a producer to work on it, there’s a vulnerability required of me to release it into the world and make it real.

I have grown so much as a storyteller over the past couple of years, and I credit that to my internal development as a person. I know who I am now. I know what I want now. So the songs sort of just pour out of me now. I’m also finally comfortable with my sexuality. Being a gay artist who is authentic is impossible if you haven’t lived in your truth yet. So now, I’m not afraid to use male pronouns in my music. I’m excited to start doing that more.

I’m proudest of my lyrical abilities, and I believe that sets me apart as an artist. I look up to writers like Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus who always find the most beautiful ways to express their emotions through lyrics. Words have always excited me, which is what led me to writing my first novel this summer as well.

I hold a lot of identity in being a writer. I could talk about storytelling – my own and other people’s – forever. I will never put out a song that I think is lacking in story. I have a high standard for myself, and I hope that comes across in my music and art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First things first, we’re going to Saddle Ranch. As a Texan, the western-themed restaurant on Sunset always reminds me of home. I’ve never had a bad time at Saddle Ranch; I don’t think it’s possible to.

Next, we’re trekking down the hill and visiting Hi Tops. Even though my phone was pick-pocketed from there, it still has a feeling of safety to it somehow. It’s my home base in West Hollywood.

In the morning, we’re having brunch at Sweet Butter in Sherman Oaks, and we’re having the country biscuits and gravy with fried chicken. Because, duh.

For the rest of the day, we’re lounge around in Malibu. First we hit the market, then the beach, then we have dinner at one of the many seafood spots.

And then there’s The Grove. You can’t skip The Grove. People from out of town love it so much. I do too, and I’m not afraid to say it. After the Grove comes Melrose. It’s a must-see.

If we make it out to Silverlake, we’re definitely going to Burgers Never Say Die. You’ll get over the initial shock of the price when you taste the burger and soft serve.

Lastly, we’re going to Hotel Cafe for Monday, Monday, and/or Bardot for School Night. I always leave those events with a new artist to listen to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my boss, Mike Merriman, founder of Parr3 LLC. When I started at the company a year ago, I quickly revealed to him that I was a songwriter and wanted to pursue that professionally in the long run. His response was enthusiastic and overwhelmingly positive. He’s given me advice on how to get started and continued to check in on my progress. His guidance – both in the music industry and also just how to be a cool, well adjusted adult in LA – has made a real impact on me. I’m so grateful to have found a company full of kind people who are all supportive of one another, and that is 100% a result of Mike’s excellent leadership.

Instagram: @allenmillermusic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-r-miller-iv/

Other: TikTok: @allenmillermusic