Last week I was lucky enough to catch up with musical craftsman Jesse Miller, one of the most humble and creative Einstein's in the industry, and essential member of the band Lotus. For those of you who are unaware, Lotus is an American group formed out of Indiana in 1999 by 5 college dudes with a knack, or should I say genius, for combining instruments of every genre and invoking full-blown, unparalleled, musical catharsis.
Their unique sound is so badass that even your average wook cannot begin to fathom the euphonious brilliance that is Lotus. And while their presence may be one of obscurity in the realm of today's sellout pop music, be not mistaken, the magnitude of Lotus's success is nothing short of revolutionary. It speaks for itself.
Read on to engage in the interview I had with bassist and songwriter Jesse Miller.
Lotus is obviously known for its special sound. Is it possible to label it with a specific genre?
-I really don't think it fits in a specific category because, you know, we're pulling from a lot of places. I'd describe it as “dance rock", but ultimately Lotus is really a genre onto itself.
So in that case - more of an experimental, electronic type of sound?
-I'd say so, but again, you're still leaving out a lot. It really can't be generalized.
What artists or groups would you compare Lotus to?
-Any groups that are incorporating things that are both from the rock world and the electronic world would be comparable. Going back to anything like Kraftwerk and Talking Heads from the 70's, even some fusion jazz stuff that Herbie Hancock was doing around then. Today we'd look at LCD Soundsystem on the electronic side, and some instrumental rock bands like Explosions in the Sky or Tortoise.
On the same topic, a lot of traditionalist music critics are condemning the EDM movement for a lack of originality and creativity, what would you have to say about that?
-That's really a problem you'd face with anything that's considered popular. You're going to get a few originators and a whole lot of followers, especially in this day and age where someone has the ability to crank out something from their computer even without experience or training as a musician. It may have a cool sound, but actually writing music is an entirely different story.
Tell me more about Lotus's creative process in producing music.
-Me and Luke (his twin brother) write all of the music for Lotus. We do a lot of it individually, but in the arrangement and producing stages we work on pretty much every track together. We often find a reference point, Luke likes to more than I do – he'll think, “this is similar to something else" or “what can we learn from this", etc. When dealing with a composition, the overall view of it can be the hardest part. You have to find a way for it all to fit together. It's important for us to always get a wider view – getting other people to listen to it, taking different approaches.
Did you always want to make a career out of music?
-You know, it's really hard to even imagine what exactly a musician's life entails until you've lived it. Obviously you see these documentaries and things but that really doesn't explain it too much. It's so different from any other careers, even on a day-to-day basis. One day of work can change your entire year.
What kind of advice would you give college kids who are trying to “make it" in the music industry with their own unique style?
-I'd say the first thing has to be about the love of doing it. It's often that you hear these stories of someone coming out of nowhere and getting all of this recognition off of one release, but the reality is that that's just this tiny fraction of a percentage of artists. That's not always how it works. I know tons of artists who never have an extreme breakout moment like that. Music is super competitive and there's so much that can hold you back. But if you love it, pour yourself into it.
Where in the world is your favorite place that you've toured with Lotus?
-Every time we go to Tokyo it's quite an experience. We're actually going back in May for the sixth time. Amsterdam was amazing too. As for the States, I always love going to LA and San Francisco.
What is Lotus's fan base like?
-I'd say it's usually a young crowd, people in their 20's or 30's. But then you'll see a group of 60 year olds. I think it covers a fairly wide range. There are some people who are more into the jam band sound, and then you'll have your electronic lovers. It varies.
Ideally, who do you think Lotus would be great collaborating with?
-Brian Eno.
After getting to know Lotus, I zoomed my view onto Jesse for a few fun questions.
Led Zeppelin or Aerosmith?
-Zeppelin.
Johnny Cash or Hank Williams?
-Johnny Cash.
Worst job you've ever had?
-Landscaping.
One thing you can't live without?
-My bicycle.
Best advice you've ever gotten?
-“Earn more than you spend."
Rituals you do before a show?
-I like to have a beer.
What's on your desk right now?
-Two computers, a cup of cold coffee, and my headphones.
You heard it here folks, sounds like a musician. Thanks for your time Jesse. Stay tuned for Lotus's newest album coming out July 22nd.
