10 Things To Know About Songwriter and Musican Rhett Miller

By inside + out | May 12, 2024

Texas-bred, Hudson Valley resident, Rhett Miller may be known locally as a dad in sweats on the sideline of a New Paltz Varsity Girls Soccer game. Meanwhile, as a prolific Alt-country pioneer, singer and songwriter he is well known nationally and internationally for his own tunes, as well as those he has co-created with Olds 97’s. Not only did Rhett write most of the songs on their heralded 13 albums while also navigating his own solo career, but many of the songs helped score films and TV shows including The Break-Up, Scrubs, Veronica Mars and many others. Loved by fans, alternative radio, as well as critics, Rhett also has a rich history as a collaborator with A-List bands including R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, Rosanne Cash, Ben Kweller, Jon Brion, members of Apples in Stereo, The Decemberists and others. Lucky for us–he also performs in the valley at favorite haunts like Colony Woodstock, Darryl’s House and The Falcon. But wait, there’s more. His essays, short stories and articles have appeared in Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, Salon and McSweeney’s. Then there’s the partnership with Caldecott Medalist and bestselling artist illustrator Dan Santat, with whom Rhett has teamed up a second time to create another laugh-out-loud rhyming children’s book. And last but not least, Rhett hosts “Wheels Off” a show about the messy reality of the creative life. Conversations with musicians, writers, artists, actors, and comedians about the pivotal moments that shaped their work, what it means to create in a digital age and grapple with the challenges, and the joy, of living a creative life. Want to learn more?

Read our exclusive interview: We Are Upstate NY With Alt-Country Rocker Rhett Miller

What is your most treasured possession?
I guess my Gibson J200, but I try not to get to hung up on possessions.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My family. Easy.

When and where were you the happiest?
Putting my kids to bed every night is my favorite thing. It’s becoming less of a thing, but oh man, it’s so sweet.

What is your greatest fear?
I don’t know… Alzheimer’s?

What is your greatest extravagance?
Disc golf discs probably.

What do you most value in your friends?
Authenticity.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Novel-writing.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Musicians, especially those struggling to make a living wage but doing it anyway.

Which living person do you most admire?
Excluding family, Don Delillo.

If you could have one superpower what would that be?
Ego-less-ness.

Photo by Ebru Yildiz