Russ

About Russ

Many may think they know Russ Miller well, but only those who know him best also know that he has modestly hidden a unique talent for music since his youth! Finally a suppressed voice can no longer be silenced, and the time has come for Russ to share his talent with us!

Russ’s Childhood Musical Influences:

Russ grew up in the less affluent areas of Southern California where he gained an appreciation for, cultural, ethnic, religious and musical diversity. His personal experience of trial and hardship as well as his exposure to vast diversity has added a depth of feeling and expression to his music. Russ’s father himself is an accomplished musician, once opening for Ike and Tina Turner! Musical talent has a place in the genealogy of his family. Russ was taught an appreciation for all genres of music mainly due to his mother who constantly played her collection of old 45 records that included everything from Rock, to County but Russ’s favorite was always Motown and R&B.

At the height of the hip hop, break dancing and rap movement, Russ would walk to and home from school each day as he listened to his friends enthusiastically give their best shot at rapping. Russ took the challenge personal, when all his Black and Hispanic friends joked when Russ jumped in to give his best shot; his friends quickly saying, “White Boy's Can’t Rap”. Just a couple years later, his friends would be introducing him at house parties and confidently searching to pare Russ up against other upcoming rappers in the area. Russ was well known on the (expired link) party scene and was pared up to battle rap those other rappers that were known in the areas also. No one was expecting what came from the unlikely pompadour wearing red headed white kid. Russ was on the rap scene before the Beastie Boys began doing rap or before there were any other break out white rappers known anywhere. Russ talks about being disappointed that he was the first person to add singing into a rap, then just months later, LL. Cool J. came out with a lay back romantic style rap song, called I Need Love. Russ’s friends still tell the story of the Omni Boys party in Inglewood where Russ rapped off against who would become known just a couple years later as Snoop Dog. Maybe Snoop might still remember the night he met up with a clean cut, red headed white boy with a big following performing his well known Uncle Sam Jam!

A Path change without regret:

Russ’s future in the music business was bright having a certain niche in that there were very few talented white rappers or R&B/Hip Hop singers at the time. Then his life spiritually took a turn for what he says, he has never regretted. Russ gave his life to his Heavenly Father and to serving him and explains that God had made it apparent to him, just what his life would have been like had he chosen the path of a music career instead of a complete turning to the Lord.

Russ Miller (Singer / Songwriter):

Russ only jokes now about his ability as a rapper and laughs even harder when someone say’s, “so you’re a rapper”? Russ is certainly a multi- talented artist who has a natural talent for rap also; however, Russ has an equal if not a greater talent for singing, song writing and composition. Russ has a natural ear for hearing timeless melodies as well as for writing lyrically profound songs that are a rarity in the music world today. Russ believes the song Robbed, might be one of his best written songs, dealing with the subject of rape and molestation and delivered and written in a way that makes the listener hold on to each word as though a story is unfolding.

Russ made the following statements about his music today:

Music is a part of me and to get my music out in any form, is liberating! I want to be clear that my desires are not to become a performer. I accept and have no regrets in recognizing that my window as a stage front performer has closed. However, my desire is to get my music out if nothing else for myself, for my family, friends and all who will enjoy and be moved by my music! If I have aspirations for a music career, it would be see other talented upcoming artist reproduce my music or to utilize me for my writing ability and songs. I believe I have much to offer the music industry in a time when inspiration is fleeting and that I will make a valuable asset in working with other producers, labels and artists. I am open to working and assisting those who would utilize me and so that I can continue to do what I love and to be part of the creative process in any way. I believe also that I have a natural ability to inspire greatness in others and I welcome the opportunity to assist others careers in a positive and rewarding manner.

A delicate balance (Writing with boundaries):

To add to the validity of Russ’s ability as a song writer, you will notice a very tender balance within his lyrics in order to remain current, yet still avoiding language and content that he feels would not be representative of his character or which could negatively influence. Russ says, “It is much easier to write without boundaries or discretion; it is much harder to eliminate or to approach a subject with class, subtlety, style and most importantly consciousness and responsibility”.

We Invite you to become a life long fan of Russ Miller. Russ promises to communicate with every fan and to build a lasting relationship throughout his music endeavors and journey! You will find Russ to be open and personable seeking the feedback of his valued friends and fans!