Spring 2023 Issue

Music Duo (cont’d.)
getting stronger, balancing each other out in
terms of their very different approaches to
writing music and lyrics.
Cook, for example, takes the music first, lyrics
last approach.
“When I sit down to write a song, I pick up
my guitar and mess with chord progressions
and see what resonates,” Cook said. “Based
on whatever progression I come up with, that
group of chords and riff lays a blueprint.”
On the other end of the octave, Miller said
his mind is awash in both music and lyrics.
“I have music running through my head most
of the time so that will often get me started on
a new song,” he said. “But I’m also an avid reader
and listener, which also often inspires ideas for
lyrics.”
In terms of collaborating with Cook, Miller
said he usually starts with the music, and, in
keeping Cook’s voice in mind, will further flesh
out the idea.
A pen-to-paper kind of guy—evidenced by
the files of manila folders filled with lyrics—he
often jots down his thoughts for a first verse
and chorus.
Next, he will record a rough scratch of lead
vocals and harmonies over part of the music
track and send it off to Cook.
“He takes it from there, does his magic on
it, lays some vocal track ideas with lyrics he’s
worked on and then we go back and forth
working and tweaking it until we’re happy with
the lyrics and melody,” Miller said.
Then a back and forth of file sharing ensues,
with Miller tightening and “sweetening” the
music track and Cook singing the final lead
vocals and harmonies.
“I will sometimes add more harmonies, put all
the tracks together and mix it,” Miller added. “I
then send it along to Jeiris. If we both agree it’s
finished, then we move on and start working on
the next new song.”
So, with five songs behind them and the
ability to collaborate in person, what’s next for
this duo?
“Our hope is that people will like what we do,
download and listen,” Miller said.
Their music is available on streaming services
Left to right: Cook in his home studio. Miller
in his home studio.
that include CD Baby, Spotify and Apple Music.
In the meantime, Miller and Cook will be
creating more songs with the long-term goal
of having them placed in movies, on TV and
in commercials—and maybe even a local live
performance.
As Miller enjoys being more behind the
scenes, Cook is continuing to live his dream of
“doing something I enjoy and being able to pay
bills” by playing local gigs at venues in the tristate
area.
“I redefined what success looks like for me
with music,” he said. “I never went into this with
the goal of selling out MSG and charging $500
a ticket.”
As for taking the Miller-Cook duo on the
road?
Shall we say, stay tuned?
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