WITH AN UPCOMING NATIONWIDE TOUR AND NEW ALBUM RELEASE, SINGER, SONGWRITER AND PRODUCER JAKE MILLER TALKS ABOUT HIS INSPIRATION AND CREATIVE JOURNEY.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACK CASPARY

Pop singer-songwriter and Florida native Jake Miller (@jakemiller) has earned the title of American heartthrob through his charming demeanor and commitment to creative authenticity. As an eagerness to perform again grows, Miller reflects on his creative journey as he prepares to present a bold 2021 comeback with a lineup of new projects and tour.

Tell us about your new album and what inspired it.

We just put out a 21-song album called Silver Lining 2. It’s the sequel version of the one I put out in 2018 called Silver Lining. It’s a bunch of songs that I’ve been compiling over the last two years spanning the pandemic. ‘Click’ is one of my favorites, and the second song on the album, ‘Saved Me,’ is also special to me. It’s a great compilation, and people are really seeming to enjoy it.

What was your creative process like for that album?

It was tough, because at the beginning of the pandemic no one wanted to be in the same room, of course. For the first year, I was writing songs solo at my parents’ house and hit a pause on recording. Then I got to L.A. about a year ago and started writing and finishing this album, and I didn’t work with too many people. It was mostly the same group of friends for the whole album because a lot of people only wanted to do Zoom sessions, and I prefer to create music in person.

What cities are you going to be visiting during your fall tour?

We are going to 33 different cities around the whole country starting in Arizona, circling down to Florida, going up to New York, and then ending back on the West Coast in California.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career?

My dad gives me a lot of advice, and I think the biggest thing I always remember is to stay in my bubble. Before music, I played baseball as a kid. My dad used to say, ‘Stay in your bubble. Just tune everyone out and be in your own head, listen to yourself, trust in yourself, and don’t listen to all the outside noise.’ I’ve carried that with me my whole life. I remain in my bubble and stay true to myself.

What are your favorite spots in Miami?

The Fontainebleau Hotel is definitely one of my favorite places to stay when I’m in Miami. I recently went to Komodo for dinner, and that was probably my favorite Miami meal I’ve ever had. Besides that, when I’m in Florida, I normally just hang with my family and go to all the local spots.