I first caught Austin Miller when he opened for Rocky Votolato at Backbooth in Orlando in 2010. In the years since, Miller, 27, has literally traveled the globe spreading his sweet folk sound across any corner of the globe who’ll host him. CL caught up with Miller — looked at some tour photos — before he plays New World Brewery in support of his latest LP, Engine.
Read our Q&A, see the photos and listen to Engine below. Get more information on his May 20 show below.
Austin, you are perpetually on tour. What are some of these pictures we’re looking at? Do any of these photos hold any particular special value?
The photo in the cove was taken on Costa Brava in Spain. My show that day was in the early afternoon, so I got to spend the rest of the day hiking along the Mediterranean coastline. The cove was at the end of the trail, and I had it completely to myself. I sat there for a long time and enjoyed the peace and quiet. I hadn’t had much of either in a little while.
Do you ever worry about missing things at “home” when you’re out on the road?
All the time, but I’m trying to do it less. Obviously, and most importantly, I wish I could spend more time with my family and friends. I also have to turn down a lot show offers. And I’m still kicking myself for missing the “Tater Tots and Beer” festival.
Is there some new music in the works or are you just growing into the way Engine is evolving on the road.
Definitely. I think I’ve toured just about as much as I can on 39 minutes of recorded music. I have lots of new songs, and I’m in the process of figuring out what to do with them.
Tampa Bay is so close to “home” for you — do you end up spending a lot of time here? Are there things you like to to in our neck of the woods that you can’t do anywhere else?
The Tampa area is really special to me. Aside from Orlando and Gainesville, it’s probably where I spend the most time. The music scene is one of my favorites in the country; it’s crazy how much talent there is. And there aren’t many places where, in one day, you can go to the beach, visit an amazing brewery, eat a quality meal, and stay out until 3 a.m.
So where to next, sir?
Over the next four months, my tours will take me up the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and back to Europe.
This article appears in May 18-25, 2017.
