Country

Rising Country star Alex Miller isn’t pondering life after college graduation or a future foray into the work force. Instead, the 6’ 6” singer/songwriter from rural Lancaster, Kentucky is referring to this year as “Alex 2.0” and awaiting the upcoming release of his EP, COUNTRY. The phrase reflects the impact that his ever-expanding life experiences have had on him. Miller has lived at warp speed. Touring steadily on ever-larger stages and at prestigious venues and opening for high-profile acts has been a major part of that growth. Responsibilities to his band and fans, working with a well-known producer, crafting songs with hit writers, and exposure to alternate genres and new artists have all played a part in the process. “I’m working to better myself and my music,” Alex says. “I’m not walking away from the core of me or the type of music I want to make. That will always be Country … ain’t nothin’ gonna change about that.”

Following his departure from American Idol, Season 19 in 2021, Alex immediately secured management, signed with Nashville-based Billy Jam Records, and released his well-received debut album, MILLER TIME, shortly thereafter. The disc generated three high-impact singles: “I’m Over You, So Get Over Me,” “Don’t Let The Barn Door Hit Ya,” and “Through With You.” His recent hits, “When God Made The South,” and “Girl, I Know A Guy,” will be included on the COUNTRY EP.

Alex also began touring heavily, and before the bells rang in 2022, he had entertained at multiple State Fairs (Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Washington, Wisconsin), and opened for Hank, Jr, Josh Turner, Lee Brice, and Shenandoah. The talented newcomer was chosen as the Texas Roadhouse Artist of the Month (October ‘21) and performed a duet with Grand Ole Opry star Rhonda Vincent at the Lee Greenwood All-Star Salute concert that November. His star was on the rise and the Country traditionalist was a huge hit with audiences everywhere, so even more bookings rolled in. Miller would go on to open for Brooks & Dunn, Jamey Johnson, Generation Radio, Niko Moon, King Calaway, and Aaron Watson in 2022. Additionally that year, he opened shows for Diamond Rio and Sawyer Brown, and debuted at the popular Wild Rose Casinos in Iowa.

By the end of the 2023 Fair season Alex will have also shared the stage with: Drake Milligan, Noah Thompson, Dillon Carmichael, Chris Janson, HunterGirl, Emily Ann Roberts and Tracy Byrd. Miller has performed at State Fairs in Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, plus County Fairs in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

While he maintained a heavy touring schedule, Miller also expanded his pool of co-writers. “It’s so important to me,” Alex admits. “Writing helps me really stay centered on who I am as an artist while at the same time giving me free rein to experiment a bit.” This year he has collaborated with hitmakers Kent Blazy, Larry Cordle, Kirsti Manna, Wood Newton, Emily Ann Roberts, Jerry Salley, Josh Shilling, and Bill Whyte. “Writing with folks of this calibre has been a huge step for me,” Alex adds. “I mean the hits they’ve written are crazy … but it helped me broaden my horizon musically. And when it works and you’ve got a good song at the end of the day, there’s no better feeling.”

There was also the recording process for COUNTRY, which producer Jerry Salley notes “really grew Alex’s artistry.” Salley adds, “He was born with real Country music in his bones. Now Alex is taking his love for the traditional and exploring new sounds – while staying true to himself. He is realizing there is more to his musical ability with every recording. With that super-recognizable baritone and his firm Country foundation, I think Alex’s audience will continue to grow by leaps and bounds.”

Another opportunity to connect with fans has seen Miller partner with Europe’s #1 Country Music Radio Station, CMR Nashville, to host an hour-long curated, monthly radio show called MILLER TIME. Alex spins songs – old and new, written by himself and others, that have impacted him in some way. It’s a fun, inside look at Miller’s creative mind and it’s a project he will continue through year’s end.

Alex began performing professionally at the age of seven, progressing steadily from shows in and around his hometown of Lancaster to larger markets, appearing at the Dolby Theatre, Lucas Oil Stadium, WoodSongs, Renfro Valley, Lincoln Jamboree and more. His expressive voice brought him early success and his skills with guitar and lap steel are evident on stage. Alex also plays ukulele, bass, banjo – and has taken up the fiddle as well.

8/4/23