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Milton
Milton
Milton, the modern-day troubadour with the distinctive voice and one-name moniker, is the leader of a lively, rootsy collective known for their soul-stirring live shows. Meet Milton and you will meet a tall, bookish optimist who will tell you about the “heavy” new group that he heard in a club last night and the old folk recording he listened to this morning with equal enthusiasm. The folksinger has developed a grassroots following for the warmth and spontaneity of his live shows, with a playlist that includes traditional folk, blues and country songs with old time harmonies. Earning comparisons to many of his heroes—Van Morrison, Nick Lowe, The Band—singer-songwriter Milton has distinguished himself with his unique voice and lyrics, a compelling mix of grit and grammar.
Milton’s latest CD Grand Hotel, recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Bo Ramsey (Lucinda Williams) and engineer Tom Tucker (Prince, Mavis Staples), and released in fall of 2008, establishes Milton’s reputation as a singer and songwriter to be reckoned with. A narrative of a dozen stories, songs painting vivid moving pictures of American life, the album has received critical raves. NPR featured Milton’s song “Booker” about legendary New Orleans piano great James Booker as Song of the Day, hailing “the one-named folksinger knows what he’s doing.” Blurt magazine called Grand Hotel “a soulful blend of literate, street-smart NYC folk and free-wheelin’ Texas troubadour-styled alt-country.”
Do you have any hobbies?
I listen to a lot of old records. I like reading novels, autobiographies by musicians and books about how records were made and shows were put on. I enjoy going to the public library. I like listening to baseball games on the radio. I like swimming and being near water.
What was your most embarrassing moment on stage?
I had the lead in a 5th grade production of Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew". They filmed it live for the local public access TV. While making my grand entrance I tripped and fell on my face. The play was in heavy rotation on that local cable station for several months after the show.
What got you interested in being a professional musician?
I heard the Beatles my mom's old, scratched Beatles record when I was 4 years old. Everything sounded impossibly good. All I wanted to do was play that record over and over again. From what I could tell they were 4 best friends cracking up, all the girls loved them and everyone went crazy when they played their lovely songs. What else would anyone want to do?
Do you have any pets?
I have a cat. She's hilarious.
Describe your first gig.
I played at an Art show called the "Horror Show Art Show" with my band Bad Moustache in High School. I was the drummer. I wore purple spandex pants.
Who are some of your favorite artists to listen to?
Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke, Neil Young, Nina Simone, Little Richard, Dolly Parton, Steely Dan, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen
Do you have any unusual stories from the road?
Right near Buckshot's family restaurant outside of Charleston, South Carolina I got directions from a man named Jimbo, wearing a Dukes of Hazard t-shirt. When we saw the band and all of the instruments in the van he asked to buy a CD. He returned from his car with the money for the CD and a mix CD of his "favorite songs in the world". We played it in the van as we drove South. The first half of the CD was made up of 5 or 6 traditional country songs about prison. Half way through the mix turned into hot 80's top 40 hits like "I wear my sunglasses at night." and "I Ain't Missing You at All"
What’s your favorite city to tour?
I love Memphis, I love Los Angeles. I love The Berkshires. I don't know if I have a favorite.
How long have you been performing?
15 years
What’s the craziest thing to happen on tour?
I once took the wrong guitar away from a gig. We figured it out three cities later and still managed to meet and trade with the other band.
What’s your favorite song to perform?
Depends on the night
Where do you get the inspirations for your songs?
Life, books, music
Who is your dream artist to perform with?
Nick Lowe, Bonnie Raitt
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Seeing the kids off to college
What’s the hardest thing about touring?
How much things cost and how much gigs pay (or don't pay).
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Work all the time. Don't give up. Focus most of all on making something good and letting people know about it.
What producer would you wish to work with? And why?
Nick Lowe. T-Bone Burnett. Anyone who loves classic sounds, soulful performance and smart arrangement.
What’s the farthest city you toured?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Have you met any interesting people since you started performing?
Several.
Before you started recording, what’s the worst job you had?
Newspaper phone sales.
What’s the best job you had?
Caseworker.
As you first started out, did you ever feel frustrated and wonder if this was ever to be?
I must be still starting out.
Were any of your songs really difficult to reach its present form?
Some were very tough. Good stuff usually requires work though there are quantum leaps of productivity.
Which song of yours is your favorite?
Depends on the night.
Which song do audiences seem to enjoy the most?
In The City
What’s the craziest thing a fan has ever done?
Crash a private party claiming "Milton is my best friend"
Is there any instrument you wished you knew how to play?
Most. Banjo, Piano, Dobro, Clarinet
How do you want people to receive your music?
I hope my music will make someone laugh, cry, think, dance, sing and/or any combination of those
What do you do to stay entertained while traveling to other cities?
Listen to music in the van, watch dumb movies in motels. Read in the early morning. Talk to people.
