Long before Emily Kaye Miller could read a college textbook, she was busy sharpening her music skills. Her work will be displayed when she performs during the sold-out “Drop the Needle” show at the Manship Theatre on Jan. 23.
“I started playing music my first grade year in piano, so I’ve been playing piano before I could read words,” Miller said. “I’ve always sang. My whole family plays music and sings. We were these crazy Cajun people just rocking out.”
But it wasn’t until about a year and a half ago when the fine arts junior started exploring musical gigs in Baton Rouge. She started playing at local restaurants like La Carreta and Caliente, eventually getting the opportunity to showcase her original music at Spanish Moon.
That’s when she caught the eye—and ears—of Rob Chidester, who organizes shows at venues like Chelsea’s Cafe and the Red Dragon Listening Room. His goal is to give local groups, especially those formed by students from LSU and Southern, a stage to perform on.
“A lot of people have been telling me about her. I was very happy to find that she’s incredibly talented,” Chidester said.
Chidester booked Miller for the latest installment of the Manship Theatre’s “Drop the Needle” series where local artists perform a different classic album every month. The Jan. 23 show will feature Carole King’s award-winning album “Tapestry.”
“I’ve listened to Carole King growing up so much, so when he said her name I was like, let’s do it,” Miller said. She will be singing King’s “Beautiful” with a piano accompaniment.
Although she spends much of her time performing music, which she posts on her YouTube channel, Miller’s major is concentrated on painting and drawing. She said she goes back and forth between her love of art and passion for music.
“Most people say you have to pick, like you can’t be pursuing music and pursuing art at the same time. But I’m equally passionate about both,” Miller said.
But what always brings Miller back to the stage and confirms her love for performing is the raw emotion she gets to display.
“I like being able to say whatever I want and everyone accepts it automatically,” Miller said. “It’s so weird that I couldn’t tell you my whole heart right now, but if I was at a concert or a gig, I would tell you every bad relationship I’ve ever been in and just sing it all.”
Though Miller is also a singer, songwriter and guitarist, Miller said playing piano is her most challenging, but favorite, musical skill.
“It’s like reading a language and trying to speak it with your fingers,” Miller said.
Miller said she isn’t sure of her future career plans, but since she has an art history minor and plans to continue her education, she might be interested in teaching.
She is sure of one thing, though—music will always be an integral part of her life.
“I don’t have huge aspirations of becoming famous,” Miller said. “I want to play more music because it’s what I love to do. I’m never going to stop playing.”