Pop singer Jake Miller is bringing sexy back, hailing all the way from Weston, Florida.
After being signed to Warner Bros. Records, he released a debut album called Us Against Them. Now with a new EP called Overnight he heads out on the road with hitmakers Fifth Harmony for The 7/27 Tour.
Windy City went behind the scenes of a recent Market Days appearance to learn more about Jake Miller.
Windy City Times: Hi, Jake. Were you into music growing up in Florida?
Jake Miller: Yes. I always loved music. I eventually started taking it more seriously and writing my own songs on the guitar. I learned basic production. During my sophomore year in high school I started putting out songs on YouTube. It caught on there and in my city. I started getting bigger and bigger. I developed a very organic fan base.
WCT: Is that how musicians are doing it these days?
JM: That was even before social media. There was only Facebook out back then. There was no Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat. I would write a few songs and put them on YouTube. Overnight I would get a few thousand views. I couldn't believe it because I had never put myself out there like that before. I was getting a lot of traction so it was really cool.
WCT: How did Warner Bros. happen?
JM: I signed to Warner Bros. about two years ago. I began management with Frank Harris, who manages Jason Derulo, also on Warner Bros. Frank brought me there to sign me. After signing it was all up from there.
WCT: You are a triple threat with rapping, singing, and modeling?
JM: I don't rap much anymore. The new project I am about to put out has no rapping. It is just singing. I want to have my sound grow and mature.
WCT: But you still model?
JM: I just signed a contract with Wilhelmina. I haven't done much work with them yet, but I moved out to LA.
I have auditioned for a few movies, but haven't gotten a part yet. I hope to one day.
WCT: It must be challenging.
JM: It is pretty hard.
WCT: Your single "Collide" you just played for the crowds. Do you enjoy playing it live?
JM: I enjoy playing all of my songs, but "Collide" is one of my oldest songs. That really helped me develop my fan base. It was my first dance song that I ever put out. From the jump it was always a fun song to perform live.
WCT: You also have songs about being bullied, such as "A Million Lives." Do you have a hand in making the videos?
JM: I am involved with everything I do pretty much. I have met so many fans that not only tell me that they love my music, but also how much my music has helped them, and saved them, stopped them from cutting or being depressed.
I have wrote a lot of songs from what my fans have told me. I haven't necessarily gone through all the things that I have talked about in songs, but I am telling their stories for them.
WCT: You have been a straight ally to our gay community by playing here at Market Days.
JM: Equality for all!
WCT: Do you have an artist that you look up to?
JM: Justin Timberlake is my all time favorite. He is definitely a triple threat. I look up to him and John Mayer. As far as hip-hop, I like Drake. My musical taste is all over the board. I appreciate it all.
WCT: What are three things people should know about you?
JM: I can solve a Rubik's Cube. I have memorized a hundred digits of pi. In high school there was a contest and I won a t-shirt. I am very competitive. The third is my sister has an amazing voice as well. Jenny hasn't put anything out yet because she is embarrassed. Maybe one day…
WCT: She could open for you in concert.
JM: I want to get her in the studio and do something. She has a great voice.
WCT: In honor of your song "Rumors," let's play a game. The latest rumor is Kim Kardashian wears butt pads. True or false?
JM: False.
WCT: You got it. She is wearing body-shaping clothing instead. True or false? There are rumors about Miley Cyrus being dead.
JM: No, I see her all the time in LA. She is definitely alive.
WCT: Right again. It was about Britney Spears being dead.
JM: There have been a lot of rumors about that.
WCT: True or false? Rumor Willis had a nose job.
JM: I don't know her but I am guessing no.
WCT: The rumor is she had a chin job and a boob job. You are so good at this game! So you are coming back to Chicago with Fifth Harmony?
JM: Yes. I have known them for about four years. After that I am going to do a headlining tour for the fourth time. We might call it the Overnight Tour from the album. It is out now with seven brand new songs. I hope people pick it up. It my greatest work to date!
Watch Miller open for Fifth Harmony Aug. 31 at FirstMerit Bank Pavilion, 1300 S. Lynn White Dr. To learn more about him, visit JakeMiller.com .
