Robert Miller’s Grand Slam Project Talks New Music, Podcasts and More
Nov 9, 2023 | Interviews (Just Listen To This)
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: Supplied By Lisa Davies Promotions
Robert Miller’s Project Grand Slam are releasing a new EP and we sat down with Robert Miller to find out more:
Firstly, how did Robert Miller‘s Project Grand Slam begin?
I formed Project Grand Slam in 2007. The story of the name is interesting. I was a big fan of the James Bond movies when I was growing up. In the movie “Goldfinger” the plot to contaminate the gold in Fort Knox, USA was called Project Grand Slam. I liked the sound of that and chose it as the band’s name. However, when I watched the movie again six months later I discovered to my horror that the plot was actually called Operation Grand Slam! But it was too late to change the name. Besides, I later Googled Operation Grand Slam and found out that there was a genocidal program in Africa that was called Operation Grand Slam. I didn’t think that naming a band after a genocidal program was a great idea!
Who else is in the band with you and what do they play?
The band is based in New Yok City. And I’m fortunate that there are so many wonderful musicians who come to America and New York City to make their mark. So I’ve not had any problem filling out the lineup with incredible musicians, mainly from Latin countries. The current lineup features Marilyn Castillo (Mexican-American) on vocals, Joel E. Mateo (Puerto Rico) on drums, Baden Goyo (Venezuela) on keyboards, Tristan Clark (Canada) on guitar, Alex Blade Silver (U.S.) on sax, and Guillermo Barron (Mexico) on percussion. I play the bass, write all the music, and come from New York City.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I grew up in Queens, New York, one of the boroughs of New York City. A typical middle-class neighborhood. I started out on piano, then switched to trumpet because my dad played the trumpet. When the Beatles and the British Invasion era came out in the 1960s trumpet was no longer very cool so I taught myself guitar and then bass.
You have released a new EP called ‘The Singles Project’. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?
I write and record new music all the time. I happened to have 5 songs that I felt were release-worthy. They were very different from my usual music in that they’re rock oriented, several have a message, and I decided to sing them all.
The EP includes the single ‘Like Never Before’. What was the story/inspiration behind that track?
I believe that artists have an obligation to address the social issues of the day. This was the usual in the ‘60s as artists like Dylan and CSN&Y released message songs. “Like Never Before” is a song that speaks to all the problems and issues in the world, particularly given what’s happening right now in the Middle East. We don’t respect one another. Something has to change. My message is clear: “We need each other right now like never before.”
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, equipment, effects, pedals etc?
I’m Old School. I don’t use any effects or pedals for my bass. If I can’t create the sound that I want without machines I’m not interested in doing so. My go-to bass is my 4-string Pedula which is about 30 years old. I also have a Fender Precision Bass from 1960 that I bought in a pawn shop in 1974 for $100. My best investment!
Do you have any plans to support the release with any live dates such as in the UK and Europe?
Rather than go on tour I have the benefit of hosting a podcast (Follow Your Dream) that is ranked in the Top 1% of all podcasts and has listeners in 200 countries. I release all of my music through the podcast and it goes to thousands of people all around the world. It’s like taking a world tour without having to go on tour. I don’t know of any other artist who has this opportunity.
Was it a difficult EP to write at all?
Not at all. Every time I sit down at the piano or with my guitar I come up with something worth saving. I record a bit into my phone and then come back and listen to it later. If I like it we go further.
In addition, you host the ‘Follow Your Dream’ podcast. How did that opportunity arise? Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from your podcast?
The podcast has been a remarkable, wonderful experience for me. I had no idea when I started it during the depths of the pandemic where it would go. It’s attracted so many incredible artists – musicians, actors, directors and other creatives. And the icing on the cake is that I’ve been able to collaborate musically with several of my guests, including Jim Peterik (Ides of March/Survivor), Elliott Randall (Steely Dan), John Helliwell (Supertramp) and Tony Carey (Rainbow).
What makes Robert Miller happy and what makes you unhappy?
I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for 48 years. Two daughters. Five grandchildren. As the song goes “I’m A Happy Man”.
Robert Miller’s Grand Slam Project’s latest single ‘Like Never Before’ is out now. The new EP ‘The Singles Project’ is released on 18th November 2023 on Cakewalk Records.
Official Website: https://www.projectgrandslam.com/
Follow Your Dream Podcast: https://www.followyourdreampodcast.com/