Check Out What We've Recorded So Far!
Click Here to experience Soul Searching the EP
About Mark
In Soul Searching, Mark Miller stakes his claim on the music that is his birthright, the music he grew up with on the streets of the South Side of Chicago, and the music his father created (“For Once in My Life,” “Touch Me In The Morning,” “Heaven Help Us All” and a string of other major hits). But Soul Searching is more than an album.
“It’s been awhile coming. I grew up with this music, and loved it way before my father was even in my life in any meaningful way. Our relationship was complicated. He struggled with a gambling addiction, which took... everything. And it took me some time to come around to this project, to really claim it on my own terms,” says the singer.
Mark grew up with his sister, mother, and grandparents. He had a visceral connection to soul music he couldn’t explain until he heard Stevie Wonder’s 1968 single “For Once in My Life” one day and saw Ron Miller's name on the record label. He would point at the 45 and tell his South Side friends: “That's my dad!” Less than three hundred miles away in Detroit, his estranged father was creating a catalogue of Soul treasures. In the 1970’s, the Miller teenagers re-connected with their dad and moved with him to Los Angeles when Motown relocated their headquarters.
Mark’s early career was focused on athletics and acting. He co-founded both the Reflections Theatre Ensemble in Chicago and The Road Theater Company in Los Angeles where he acted in plays, on television, and in films. But he always sang, and sang well -- so well that his father would often have Mark sing demos of his songs. In 1994 Mark began singing and performing in Los Angeles clubs, Ron Miller was almost always in the audience until his death in 2007.
Mark experimented with musical styles over the years, but ultimately surrendered to the sounds he grew up with.
“I love music, period,” says Mark. “I started out singing jazz, and I love Sondheim and rock and pop. But I found myself turning every arrangement into Rhythm & Blues. The truth is, that's my heart, and I'm ready to show it to the world.”
From Mark
Hi everyone! Mark Arthur Miller here, and I would love you to join us in finishing the CD, SOUL SEARCHING! The album is a tribute to Soul music, with all-new arrangements to classic Soul and Motown hits, songs from my Father’s songbook, and BRAND NEW SONGS written by myself and co-writer Peter Smith. The CD would also be the completion of the soundtrack for the live stage show “SOUL SEARCHING”! Read the reviews: Broadway World & Music Connection This project is halfway there and what we've done so far is really exciting! Please check out the Soul Searching EP! We've come a long way, but now we need your help to cross that finish line!
Where The Money Goes
Many people who have never been involved in making a record are surprised by the work and funds it takes to complete it. The funding goal is based on what the first half of project cost and all that will need to be accomplished for the finished product to be in your hands. Also, as in any project, there are extra costs that I will have to take care of. This budget does not take into account PR costs which are so important in getting your music heard, so anything we raise over our goal will mainly go to that end.
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Recording time in the studio
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Editing/Mixing time in the studio
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Photography and Artwork
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Mastering of the final recording
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Printing of the final CD product
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Paying the
musicians and engineer (most
important of all) They are some of the best in the biz!
Enjoy The Perks!
There are some great ones! Obviously the more you give, the bigger the prize, but every last donation is one I will feel blessed to receive. Check out the list of PERKS on your right and see how you would like to take part!
Take This Journey With Us
The creation of this album is something we have worked on for a long time -- arranging, writing, producing and performing with a group of artists I have known for years and am proud to call friends and family. It's something I think you would be proud to be part of! Come join us!
From Peter
I’m very proud to be Musical Director, co-arranger, co-writer and co-producer on this project! Mark has an extremely specific, unique and profound connection to soul music. His story, the story of his show and the story of his album, is one that needs to be seen and heard. The second half of the album— the part yet to be recorded— features not only more revamped arrangements of soul classics (including some by Ron Miller), but also original music in the tradition of Mark’s father, written by Mark and myself. Have a listen on this indie gogo page to the first half of the record and you’ll get a sense of what we are doing. By pre-ordering/supporting, you are making the project happen— straight up! And that includes not just Mark and myself but also Maiya Sykes, Will Artope, Erich Gobel, Laura Mace, Frank Abraham, Jon Stuart, Adam Hawley, Gene Coye and many, many other great musicians who will be gainfully employed and utilized by your support. Thanks for checking it out!
Other Ways You Can Help
The best compliment I can receive is when someone recommends my music to their friends. A "Hey, you have to check this music out" to a friend is every artist's dream. Helping spread the word to people who would like what I do is the best gift of all! Let's make some music!
Thank you all for your support,
Mark
