Orion Miller is a singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his inspirational lyrics and dancey rhythms. Based in the Kootenays in British Columbia, he has a unique sound both solo and with his funk-rock band EarthWords. He plays a diverse range of material from folk to funk to reggae, blues and jazz, which he blends into his own distinctive style. His lyrics focus on social, political and environmental issues, and tend to be positive and upbeat. Driven to spread his message to the world, Miller is continuously touring. Although most often on the road, he is also consistently recording in his home studio. He recently released his debut album, Live in the Studio, with Sound-Splash!, recorded live off the floor in Studio 80, Nelson B.C.
Miller grew up playing Suzuki piano and picked up the trumpet in high school band. He fell in love with the guitar and soon after, his song writing career began. He also taught himself the bass and drums, adding to his ample supply of creative devices. After running bands successfully throughout high school, he took a year off to travel through South-East Asia and India, concentrating on songwriting. He then went on to train in jazz and other contemporary music at the renowned School of Contemporary Music at Selkirk College in Nelson.
Above all, Miller’s calling is to speak to people through the universal language of music. His goal is to uplift and empower others as well as to bring awareness to global issues. His writing has been highly influenced by his experiences backpacking through third world countries. He travels simply - with a guitar, notebook and a few possessions. Miller finds inspiration both in the far corners of the world, and also close to home in Canada. Like two of his greatest influences Michael Franti and Bruce Cockburn, he seeks to spread positive messages to all peoples of the world.
When unaccompanied, Miller’s music is focused on acoustic guitar and voice. His highly rhythmic playing is reflected not only while singing and strumming, but in his personal and exceptional “slap guitar” style. Performing often with a stomp box, an amplified wooden block tapped with the foot to create a kick drum-like beat, Miller delivers a highly energetic solo performance.
EarthWords is Miller’s main project. The four piece band consists of electric and acoustic guitar, keyboards, bass and drums. All of the members sing, creating a very full sound. The musicians are also multi-instrumentalists, giving them a diverse array of resources when writing and arranging. They have a shared love of spontaneity in music, and it is not uncommon to see lengthy jams and new songs emerging on stage. A unique blend of funk-rock, reggae, blues, and jazz, they are incredibly tight musically and are known for their lively stage antics and intense live shows. Striving to bridge the gap between audience and performer, EarthWords makes every effort to connect with their fans through music. Audiences are often singing along by the second chorus and dancing from the very first note.
No matter where he finds himself, Orion Miller is incessantly writing fresh material and finding new ways to speak to the world. Although primarily touring and playing live with EarthWords, he and his band are also in and out of the studio working on their next record, featuring many of Miller’s new songs. When not on tour with the band, he is playing solo and collaborating with other artists. Combined with his love for danceable grooves and true improvisation, Miller will carry on using music as his weapon, looking for truth and spreading his musical jam wherever he goes.