Ben Miller

Painting

Ben Miller — 2022-02-17T17:47:49Z


Detroit: acrylic, 11" x 14" 2025


Sky & Landscape: watercolor, 2023


Horse-Bird Catches on Fire (SOLD): acrylic and ink 12' x 9" 2022


Beings (SOLD): arcylic, 10" x 7" 2021

The Eleven Interval Method

Ben Miller — 2020-11-30T21:17:33Z

Miller devised THE ELEVEN INTERVAL METHOD in order to compose music which does not adhere to a fixed tonality. A manuscript on this composition technique is now available. Below is the basic construct of the method.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Eleven Interval Method is based on the 11 unique intervals between the Unison and the Octave. This is expressed in tonal terms as m2, M2, m3, M3, P4, Tritone, P5, m6, M6, m7, M7 (where m = minor and M = Major) or in their serial terms as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Much like the 12-Tone Method, these eleven Intervals are chosen one by one to create a meaningful shape/phrase.
Like the Prime row is to 12-Tone, this is the Initial sequence.

Neither the Unison nor the Octave is part of this essential source material. The Unison owns a frequency with a 1:1 ratio. In a purely intonated relationship, that of a sine wave, there is zero distance between the two pitches. While the Unison — as it is heard naturally with its slight imperfections of intonation — is magnificent, it is not included as part of the Eleven Interval Sequence. Octaves possess a 2:1 ratio, signifying the repetition of another cycle. They hold a formal position, that of the beginning and end of a wholly significant cycle of Intervals.

Partials (i.e. m2/1 becoming b9/13) are of a different Octave cycle and clearly sound different from each other in relation to their base root. Although they are used in this interval-based music (as with Unisons and Octaves), they are not part of the initial source material on which this Method is based: a repeating sequence of eleven intervals between the root and its octave.

The 11-Interval Sequence contains 12 pitches. It is called a sequence rather than a row since there are often two or three notes that are identical. Sequences are never called scales. Likewise, no key signatures exist. All 11 Intervals are treated equally as all 12 pitches are in 12-Tone Music. In theory, pitch is secondary – this being the basis behind the term Intervallic Hierarchy.

Techniques in transposition and modulation manage the music intervallically. All-Interval Harmony offers a complete disfigurement of any tonal center, yet that which appears as harmonic anarchy does possess a concise order — as peculiar as it may sound to the common ear.

The 12th note of the sequence - the second pitch of the 11th chosen Interval - is the 1st note of the following sequence's 1st Interval, whether the sequence is being repeated or otherwise. This is a crucial aspect of the Method and governs the direction of the entire composition.

Sound Art Workshops

JandB — 2020-01-23T15:03:24Z

FOUND SOUND & GRAPHIC SCORES
MUSIC & MOVEMENT (Painting or Poetry)
SPONTANEOUS ENSEMBLE IMPROVISATION
PREPARED GUITAR EXPLORATION
1 on 1 MUSIC LESSONS

Artist in Residence 1992 – present

Columbia College Chicago IL
UMASS Lowell MA
119 Gallery Lowell MA
Arts in the Armory Somerville MA
Maryland Institute College of Arts Baltimore MD
Megapolis Festival Baltimore MD
The Millenium Brooklyn NYC
Capital Area School for the Arts Harrisburg PA
Harrisburg University, PA
The Rotunda Philadelphia PA
Fuse Factory Columbus OH
University of MI Art Dept

Musical Training
Boston Contemporary School of Music, Thomas Jefferson College, Columbia College Chicago

Porcelain Hammer

Ben Miller — 2018-07-03T13:35:29Z

Ben Miller: vocal, stereo baritone guitar
Mike Khoury: violin
Mike List: drum kit, tablas, dumbec

PORCELAIN HAMMER produces an ethnic, no wave sound with a hint of psychedelia. Record Release Parties are in motion for Detroit, Kalamazoo and Chicago. Stay detuned.

Born of Years was just released (July 2025) and is now available as a download on Bandcamp and (better yet!) a physical LP.

The Dreamer's Wheel is available on Bandcamp and was also released as a Cassette in 2018, which is still available.

Press & Critique

JandB — 2016-10-07T20:03:01Z

Ben Miller-multiphonic guitar/IN THE MOMENT on Detroit's Two Rooms Records.

"As tasty as stereo prepared guitar improvisation gets. Detailed sonic manipulation in the style of early AMM. Minimal and engaging."
__ Dan Burke/Illusion of Safety, 2023

"A rich vein of solo ideas and styles; an unhinged sonic palate."
_ Cary Loren, 2022

"This LP collects various multiphonic guitar works by Ben Miller, dating from the mid-'80s to three decades later, and including a few previously released tracks and live performances. The intention of these recordings is to push the instrument as far as it can go, using it as a rhythmic or textural device rather than playing clear melodies or mapping out traditional song structures. His very physical playing embraces all aspects of the instrument, pulling and smacking more sounds out of it than most people would think of. He playfully injects animal sound effects into “The Zoo”, then takes us on a patient avant-pop journey with the 11-minute “In the Skies and in the Stars”. The second side is heavy on electronics but more minimal overall, constructing drones instead of rhythms. Live piece “Glass Worms of the Fourth Stone” is the most alien one, using crackling radio transmissions and shorted electronics (and a Casio SK-1) to project towards another mode of perception."
_ The Answer is in the Beat, May 2022

"There are a whole lot of interesting guitar oddities on IN THE MOMENT and I'm loving every second of it. Repetitious sonic globules weaving through tape glop and elephant trumpeting run headfirst into a minimalist brick wall. Voids appear, scratch out a few steel-cut melodies and saunter back into the luminous divide. Miller can play it all. Sprawling explorations dissipate into hazy webs. Whatever gets left behind is consumed by the woozy plucks stuck between two ghosts fighting for the last seat on the boat. Rhythmic spillage bleeds into an echo chamber that's being eaten alive by howling scratches. In the Moment is one hell of a trip."
_ Foxy Digitalis April 2022

"In the Moment is a retrospective of the solo, multi-phonic guitar work of underground rock and experimental musician Benjamin Miller. Utilizing extended techniques, prepared objects and implements, and an array of processing, his approach to the electric guitar on In the Moment is almost like a polyphonic sound generator, fully apart from the tradition of Chuck Berry, Clapton and company. Alien tongues, ambient soundscapes, the sounds of mechanization and technology breaking down all emerge in the masterful manipulation of sound by Miller.

There is a lot for fans of traditional electric guitar to appreciate as well. With the wild technique and complex strand of sounds in the opener, "Statue of Digression," and the pop-song hook of the record's only vocal performance, "In the Skies and the Stars,"In the Moment is a perfect gateway into experimental guitar music.
A member of significant art rock bands like Destroy All Monsters and The Glenn Branca Ensemble, his first recording was in 1969 as a teenage member of Sproton Layer, with his older brother Roger (later of Mission of Burma) and his identical twin Laurence. Languishing in obscurity until being properly released in 2011, their record With Magnetic Fields Disrupted displayed a guitar sound and overall sonic sensibility that presaged the edgiest rock of the following decade. Miller also recorded with both brothers in M3 and with Roger in M2, and has releases with groups including Nonfiction, GKW and Third Border, in addition to numerous records under Ben Miller/Degeneration."
_ Squid Co, 2021

Early Compositions 1973-76 / Miller Twins
_ Jon Davis December 2023

Interview on music by Ben, Laurence and Roger Miller.
_ Christopher Porter / Ann Arbor Pulp December 2022

THE FOURTH WORLD QUARTET / 1975
“This CD documents the band formed by the Miller brothers, Benjamin (guitar and alto sax), Laurence (bass clarinet), and Roger (piano, cornet, percussion), with Jack Waterstone (alto sax), a union that existed long enough for two performances followed by this recording, made in the band room of Grand Valley College in Grand Valley, MI in the titular year. Old enough to have first-hand experience with rock's late '60s breakthroughs (and in close proximity to burgeoning Detroit), the Miller brothers lost interest in the (rock) genre as it took a creative nosedive in the years before punk's upheaval. Rather than rocking out, the focus is on experimentation, incorporating elements of avant-jazz (the influence of Anthony Braxton and Cecil Taylor is audible) and Contemporary Classical/ New Music (curious minds enlivened by the possibilities of Stockhausen; notably, all four members are credited as composers) with free improvisation part of the scheme. Similar to the belatedly released work of Sproton Layer (the Millers' late '60s-early '70s psych-rock band), it's striking how legitimately worthwhile (as opposed to just retrospectively interesting) The Fourth World Quartet's music is. 45 years later, The Fourth World Quartet remains at the forefront. A-"
_ Cuneiform, June 2021

more Fourth World Quartet Reviews!

Regarding 2020's In C(ovid) virtual performance by the Miller-Morton Ensemble of Detroit: all tracks were recorded separately from the musicians' own homes. Post-production mixdown for audio by Ben Miller and video by John D Morton.

In C[OVID] Ensemble: John D Morton electric Guitar Pulse, Ben Miller acoustic-electric-bass guitars, Mike Khoury violin, Molly Jones flute, Kevin Gosa alto-soprano saxophones, Roger Clark Miller jaymar toy piano, Mike List marimba, Thom Monks vibraphone, John Keith wurlitzer, and Clem Fortuna accordion.

Video: https://youtu.be/0SldkN0Mg8Q

EMPOOL was a whacked-out prog-noise combo, that would eventually merge into the rock-band-era Destroy All Monsters. Empool only played three live shows, but they recorded everything. Guitarist Laurence Miller was a constant throughout. Organist Andre Cynkin was generally on hand as well. Laurence's brothers, Ben and Roger, showed up now and then, as did pianist Rick Scott. The tracks on this album were recorded between December 1976 and September 1977. Structurally, the stuff is far away from No wave, but it has a lot of the same rough structural textures and jumbled sonics, although there's also crazy tape noise. And stun guitar stirred into the mix. The fact that it's mostly instrumental gives things a certain prog/experimental thrust that feels a bit parallel to the bands on the Random Radar label, but it runs wildly against the grain of anything else you'd hear in that era – a magnificent head scratcher."
_ Feeding Tube Records, July 2018

"Like a journey through bodies and landscapes living on borrowed time, the story of (Franck Vigroux's) RUINES is experienced as a sensory odyssey. Inside, very high frequency algorithms collide with hallucinatory experiences in some no man's lands around Detroit, with body mutations in a spoiled nature, as well as with the aging of objects and landscapes, ... Unlike the ancient ruins painted by Caspar David Friedrich, and however fascinating, our ruins verge on the point of no return."
_ Césaré, 2016 (translation)

Regarding Anne Carson's live performance of NOX
“... the electric surges in Benjamin Miller's score threaten to push past séance into horror-movie territory. Yet the way that a chaotic force seems to break through the classicism of the dancers' Cunningham training is a fit analogue for the way that grief breaks through Ms. (Anne) Carson's erudite attempt to contain it.”
NY Times 2012

"Miller leaves no stone unturned in his investigations into what sounds his instrument can be coaxed, seduced or pummeled into making, like an airliner coming in for a landing or a tree being dismembered by a gang of chainsaws - think robot Gort's eye opening menacingly in The Day the Earth Stood Still. Unlike most free improvisers, Miller's rhythmic vocabulary isn't restricted to combinations of fewer than five attacks; he can extend passages with no apparent repetition of grouping and no underlying, constant pulse. This is challenging, rewarding work."
Glenn Hall / Exclaim Magazine 2010 (review Live Performances & Radio Broadcasts, Tigerasylum)

"...resonant with the history created by Kieth Rowe, John Cage, and Glenn Branca; fused together with his own virtuosity and touch."
Jordon Schranz / Tigerasylum Records 2010

"...initiates a stark boldness pertaining to his meticulously modified instrument, forgoing easy novelty for a demanding and rousing execution of pleasantly cryptic resonance. An exceptionally obscure venture into immaculate and subtle clamor."
_ Paul Haney / Obsolete Units 2010

"This warped, questing music is sometimes like a game of blind man's bluff in a rotting warehouse: you feel that Miller has set things up so that he too doesn't quite know what's going on...he stays firmly in touch with the instrument's sound, so if spokes are being forced through strings, that's what you hear."
Clive Bell / WIRE Magazine 2008 (review Sirens of Phobos, Living Records)

"If new expressionists closed their eyes and painted what they saw then Ben Miller must be taping shut his ears and playing what he hears; blood thrashing through arteries, nerves popping, synapses burning,..doors knocking, feet bounding up echoed stairways...Formerly a part of the 'anti-rock band' Destroy All Monsters, Miller takes the 'anti' idea a step further."
Melissa Giannini / DET Metro Times 2001 (review Intercom, Living Records)

"...a genre-defying album (Intercom), no chord progressions or standard picking techniques are displayed here, a mesmerizing effort from one of the most progressive guitarists around."
Reckless Records, Chicago 2001

"...this mad scientist claws at a modified, tabletop Gibson. Its squeaks, croaks, frequency disruptions and energy fields assassinate Dirty Old Man River's compositions, knocking them sideways and diluting their cabaretish flair."
Jordan Mamone / NY Press 2000 (Ageless, Radiao)

"...Miller's chainsaw hum sputters almost subliminally, lurking in the shadows of the mix."
CMJ / 1998 (Dirty Old Man River, The Saddest Movie Screen, Radial)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Veteran experimental pop artist records faithful yet fresh-sounding covers of 2 of the trippiest Beatles songs backed by an ensemble of saxophone and percussion players lead by Ben Miller. You may think you never need to hear another Beatles cover in your life, and you may be right, but these covers are both truly fantastic. The songs themselves are both obviously masterpieces, but the saxophones are arranged creatively, with some backward effects and all manners of panning and dynamic control. And the thundering drums on “Strawberry Fields Forever”. And is she saying “I buried Paul” at the end? Awesome."
_ The Answer is in the Beat, 2015

"A wonderful saxophone orchestra." _ Terry Riley, 2013 (regarding Cloud 11 cdr)

"...fully embracing the spectral melodies and otherworldly timbres that emerge in multi-instrument settings...a haunting dissonant swoon like that of battling church organs, or a swarm of bugs." _ Christopher Weingarten / Village Voice 2009 (regarding Glow White)

"I'm sure this will be a first for saxophone orchestra." _ Ann Riley, 2009 (regarding SSO's version of "In C")

"...reminiscent of The Microscopic Sextet. An interesting piece of work with chamber proclivities and many happy associations."
_ Size Matters, WIRE 2007 (regarding "Every Room" 45 rpm)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ben Miller interview regarding his time in Destroy All Monsters.

"Ben Miller played alto sax for Ann Arbor legends Destroy All Monsters during the group's second incarnation with Niagara and Ron Asheton at the helm. As the driving force behind Third Border, however, Miller's talent as a writer and performer becomes clear, and what leaps out is not without its own quirky charm. Rather than simply replay Miller's art punk past, THIRD BORDER mix Prog with 60s UK psychedelic pop. Their timely version of Syd Barrett's Jugband Blues is a fine example of the latter, an eccentrically orchestrated tribute which goes out in fine style with a mad marching band of saxophones and kazoos."
WIRE magazine Oct. 2006

"While not as well known as the Stooges or the MC5, DESTROY ALL MONSTERS were another Ann Arbor band whose influence far outstretched its life as an active band. Combining art punk, free jazz, garge rock and lead singer Niagara's histrionics, Destroy All Monsters were the hidden link between the Velvet Underground and no-wave bands like Sonic Youth."
Josh Steichmann / Ann Arbor Current 2004

Releases

JandB — 2016-10-07T19:53:00Z

New Releases

Born for Years Porcelain Hammer
Ben Miller stereo baritone guitar. Mike Khoury violin. Deanna McMullen cello. Mike List drum kit, tablas.
Produced by Jeff Meir. Released July 2025 on 2182 Record Company
https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/born-for-years

Twenty-FIve Hours Six Minutes to Think
Ben Miller guitar, vocals. Laurence Miller drums, vocals. Tim Delaney bass guitar, vocals.
Recorded on 1/2" tape 1991, released digitally on Living Records, June, 2025
https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/twenty-five-hours

Bâton pour Tortue The Sensorium Chamber Ensemble
Recordings from 2019 when the ensemble formed in Detroit.
Living Records, released November, 2024
Benjamin Miller: c-tenor saxophone, guitar, composition.
Mike Khoury: violin
Alycia Wilder: viola
Jenny Miller: double bass
Piotr Michalowski: bass & contra-alto clarinets
Ken Korzora: cornet
Baptiste Joalland: trombone
Joashua Cook: drums
https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/b-ton-pour-tortue

Recent Releases

Polar Shifts Ben Miller / solo multiphonic guitar.
A chaotic sound portraying past and future events from Living Records, originally released in 2010 as a cassette on Obsolete Units.

"Five distinct pieces of prepared guitar from this veteran erupt impulsively on Polar Shifts, each digging out its own medium in ranges from subliminally minimal silence and sustainment to off-kilter "songs" comparable to the more entrancingly sparse and industrial ventures of This Heat. Miller, who's appeared in projects ranging from the infamous Destroy All Monsters to M3 to GKW to Dirty Old Man River, initiates a stark boldness pertaining to his meticulously modified instrument, forgoing easy novelty for a demanding and rousing execution of pleasantly cryptic resonance. An exceptionally obscure venture into immaculate and subtle clamor." _Obsolete Units, 2010
https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/polar-shifts

Under the Wire is The 11th Hour's first release; a collection of recordings from 2023. Dig in.
Living Records, released Dec. 1, 2023
https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-wire

Early Compositions 1973-76
Miller Twins / Early Compositions:
Laurence Miller Bb, Alto, Bass and Contrabass Clarinettes, bass guitar, drum kit, vocal.
Ben Miller alto and C-tenor saxophone, electric archtop guitar, bass guitar.
Guest musicians; Don Davis, Denman Maroney, Frank Pahl, Mike List.
Cuneiform Records, July 28, 2023

Sirens of Phobos Ben Miller / solo multiphonic guitar.
Living Records, released digitally May 31, 2023 (Originally released as a CDR in 2007)
Motoko Shimizu sings on "Sirens of Phobos" and "Her Atmosphere."
Ed Chang plays reeds and electronics on "Commuters from Demos," and live electronic sampling/looping on "Pandora's Box."
https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sirens-of-phobos

Cloud Eleven by The Sensorium Saxophone Orchestra.
Living Records, May 1, 2023 (Originally released as a CDR in 2013)
https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/cloud-eleven
Benjamin Miller; Composer/Conductor/Alto sax
Soprano sax: Kevin Gosa, Gerald Thomas, Terrell Reese.
Alto sax: David Schnug, Justin Wood, Lethan Hardy, Adam Ramsay.
Tenor sax: Gerald Thomas, Jonathan Mortiz, Bryan Benninghove, James Elmore III, Chris Diasparra, A.J. Kluth, Joe Wilson.
Baritone sax: Josh Sinton, Kristin Olson, Kyle Saulnier, Chris Diasparra, Stefan Zenuik, Gabriel Yonkler.
Bass sax: Brian Landrus, Stefan Zenuik.
Drum Kit: Hiroyuki Matsuura, Tim Kuhl, Jarrod Ruby, David Tedeschi.

Layer by Ben Miller (solo multiphonic guitar). Picture Music according to Roger Miller's frottage drawings.
https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/layer
Living Records, March 3, 2023 (Originally released as a CDR in 2005)

Sun of Water, Sea of Light by THIRD BORDER
originally released on Radial Records (2006), now digitally available on Living Records - February 2023
https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sun-of-water-sea-of-light
"Ben Miller played alto sax for Ann Arbor legends Destroy All Monsters during the group's second incarnation, with Niagara and Ron Asheton at the helm. As the driving force behind Third Border, however, Miller's talent as a writer and performer becomes clear, and what leaps out is not without its own quirky charm. Rather than simply replay Miller's art punk past, THIRD BORDER mix Prog with 60s UK psychedelic pop. Their timely version of Syd Barrett's Jugband Blues is a fine example of the latter, an eccentrically orchestrated tribute which goes out in fine style with a mad marching band of saxophones and kazoos."
_WIRE magazine Oct. 2006

Traveling in the Dark explores an effects-driven Alto & C-Tenor Saxophone with tape deck, Casio SK1 and analog synth. The sound is heavy on the cerebral, free from back-beats, chords, or melody – a shadowy combo of electronic and ambient directions. One of Miller's main interests was the use of Feedback by plugging a microphone into a fuzz face with the microphone stuffed inside the bell of the saxophone. Pitch was determined by using different fingerings on the horn. A trumpet mouthpiece was often used rather than a saxophone mouthpiece adding to the chaotic texture. Miller toured France and US east-coast with this project and premiered at the Sonic Circuits Festival in 2008. Traveling in the Dark was originally released in 2009 as a CDR and is now available for digital download.
Living Records, (2009) November 14, 2022

Grand Bland Vapid Rapids
THE FOURTH WORLD QUARTET
Denman Maroney: piano, Laurence Milller: bass clarinette,
Benjamin Miller: alto sax and e. guitar, and Jack Waterstone alto sax. Rec'd June 1975.
Cuneiform Records, September 16, 2022

Who's Running the World? is a number of demos that Nonfiction recorded in 1982/83. The band played the Ann Arbor/Detroit area from 1982-1985. They were one of 12 local bands showcased in the 1st Ann Arbor Music Project "live" compilation LP in 1982. Their first release, "Walking Sideways, Talking Backwards," was stated as "...Best local release of the year...” by the Detroit Metro Times / December 1984. Laurence Miller: guitar, bass, vocal. Ben Miller: guitar, bass, vocal. Bill Frank: drums.
Living Records, August 16, 2022

Mariana Trench is an audio depiction of traveling down into The Mariana Trench 36,000 feet below sea level. Orin Buck created a video to accompany earlier performances in NYC. The audio was recorded in 2009 - long before James Cameron decided to visit said location! Ben Miller: multiphonic guitar (two tracks) with 4 pickups in stereo, casio sk1 8-bit sampling, transistor radio, various preparations, violin bow, eBow, foot pedals. Recorded on a Tascam 38 1/2” analog 8-track deck by Orin Buck. Recorded @ IBeam Studios, Brooklyn NY in 2009. Originally released as a CDR in 2017 it is now available as a download.
Living Records, June 30, 2022

The Dreamer's Wheel was recorded during a transition period between solo multiphonic guitar work and the forming of a full band — Porcelain Hammer. Originally released as a cassette in 2018, it is now available as a download.
Ben Miller: stereo baritone guitar, vocal. Mike Khoury: violin. Deanna Lee: cello. Mike List: drum kit and tablas.
Living Records, released April 1, 2022

In the Moment is a retrospective of Ben Miller's multiphonic guitar work.
Mastered by Warren Defever
Two Rooms Records, March 4, 2022

Every Room
This composition was originally released by Abaton Book Company in 2007 as a lathe cut (sold out).
"...reminiscent of The Microscopic Sextet. An interesting piece of work with chamber proclivities and many happy associations."
Size Matters, WIRE 2007
Ben Miller: Soprano, Alto, C-Tenor, Baritone and simulated C-Bass saxophones
Living Records, March 4, 2022

Going Places is a 4-song release, noir jazz.
Ben Miller; composer, archtop hollow body electric guitar, alto saxophone, simulated bass guitar, cymbal
Living Records, February 20, 2022

Unidentified
is a composed soundscape originally designed to be a sound & dance performance. It was recorded during a 2016 residency at Anis Gras just outside of Paris. This piece was inspired to unfold as a UFO encounter using my multiphonic Zoo-guitar setup with dancer extraordinaire Azusa Takeuchi. While it was not possible to finish the project, the recorded soundscape stands on its own.
Ben Miller: multiphonic guitar, foot pedals, casio sk1, cassette loops, scored violin and sax ensemble.
special thanks to Anis Gras, Arcueil, FR
Living Records, January 19, 2022

ThoughtCrime
By Miller-Ruby. Mastered by Warren Defever at Third Man records. This is an art-rock collaboration recorded in 2020 between New Haven and Detroit. 14 Songs on mind-management.
Ben Miller: vocal, various guitars, bass, recorders, keyboard, percussion.
Jarrod Ruby: drum kit, synthesizers.
Living Records, July 9, 2021

1975
The Fourth World Quartet 1975
Roger Miller: piano, Laurence Milller: bass clarinette, Benjamin Miller: alto sax and e. guitar, and Jack Waterstone tenor sax. Rec'd March 1975.
Cuneiform Records, June 25, 2021

Ben Miller's Room a 3-CDR box set w/2 hours of material
This was a monthly podcast throughout 2020, 12 podcasts altogether, reading from Miller's novels: On the Brink, Cody, and Mystery of the Useless Clues.
Ben Miller: narrative, instruments, foley, sound design, soundtrack.
Living Records, December 18, 2020

Transposing Time
Exploded View: All instruments and vocal: Benjamin Miller and Laurence Miller
Living Records, August 1, 2020

Hello Doctor Mesmer b/o Paraphernalia

(https://lightcone.org/en/film-10253-hello-doctor-mesmer)
Ben Miller: sound design for films by Raphael Maze
Raphael: noise
Bye Bye Records, March 7, 2020

Battle Axe

Ben Miller stereo baritone guitar & devices (https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/)
Living Records, January 3, 2020
first solo release in 6 years

The Dreamer's Wheel

PORCELAIN HAMMER
Ben Miller stereo baritone guitar, loops, tapes, vocal
Mike Khoury violin
Deanna McMullen Lee cello
Mike List drum kit, tablas.
cass, Living Records, August 19, 2018 release

Empool Does Do Did Done

EMPOOL; mid-70's psych noise from Ann Arbor MI - LP, Feeding Tube Records, released July 27, 2018

Mariana Trench

Ben Miller multiphonic guitarscape / Orin Buck video
dvd/flash drive and cass/cdr, Living Records November 2017
Miller's intense inspiration to depict submerging to the lowest most depths of the planet conjoined with Buck's visually psychedelic representation of said journey. Collaboration took many years providing a variety of presentations; Live, Installation and Film.

Blackhole LP

XANADU/DESTROY ALL MONSTERS

A reissue of two EPs originally recorded in 1979. "A split release between legendary art rockers Destroy All Monsters and one-off punks Xanadu." Third Man Records March 2017

The Horde

TRANSISTOR (Franck Vigroux/Ben Miller) EP, Entr'acte March 2017

Transistor formed in 2009 when Franck Vigroux was performing in NYC
where Ben Miller led several projects. Vigroux was in a creative transition
suggesting a stripped down electro-industrial sound with the latter as
lead singer. Miller had sung in many bands before but never solely as a
lead singer. The new challenge was intriguing. Shows were set up with
Vigroux's sub-bass and extreme frequencies blowing more than one PA
system. They struck up an overseas collaboration releasing a self-titled
EP. While sporadically performing in NYC and Europe, Transistor returned
to the studio for their full length LP Din of Eons released in 2013. All the
while, French filmmaker Gregory Robin had been shooting a documentary
of the duo's goings-on, which premiered in Paris 2016 to a full audience.
(vimeo — 144867206)

Biography

JandB — 2016-10-07T19:52:43Z

OVERVIEW
Sproton Layer 1969-71 (2013 reunion), Empool 1976-78 / 2018-2021, Destroy All Monsters 1977-78, Nonfiction 1982-85, GKW 1982-94 / 2015-16, Dirty Old Man River 1997-2000, Ben Miller / Solo Multiphonic Guitar 2000-present, Third Border 2003-2010, recorded in Glenn Branca's 100-Guitar Orchestra for Symphony #13/#15: 2004/06/11, toured with The Glenn Branca Ensemble 2011-13, provided live sound design for Anne Carson's NOX 2010-12, performed in Franck Vigroux's Ruines 2015-18.

Collaboration in duo settings as Exophilia with hyperpianist Denman Maroney, M2 with prepared pianist Roger Miller and Transistor with electronic musician Franck Vigroux.

Miller has produced Sound Design for;
poets Anne Carson, Carol Novack, and Hum.
filmmakers Orin & Sanae Buck, Raphael Maze, Ofer Mizra Chi, Sascha Just, and Mehrnaz Saeed Va Fa.
former Merce Cunningham dancers Rashaun Mitchell and Silas Riener, The Laurie Eisenhower Dance Company, Whitley Setrakian's People Dancing and Aimee McDonald's Terpsichore Collective.
created and managed NYC's Full Moon Audio Visual Series

CURRENT PROJECTS

THE SENSORIUM CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Benjamin Miller ... Guitar, Alto Saxophone, Conductor
Ralph Katz ... Soprano & Alto Clarinet
Don Henig ... Soprano & Bass Clarinet
Tim Holmes ... F Mezzo Saxophone, Alto Flute
Mike Khoury ... Violin
Matt Campbell ... Double Bass
Eric Bernreuter ... Trombone
Scott Lockard ... Guitar
Martin Schiller ... 5-str. Bass Guitar
Josh Cook ... Vibraphone, Percussion
Jon Jackson ... Drums, Marimba

MULTIPHONIC GUITAR
solo Multiphonic Guitarscape. In the Moment is a retrospective release on Detroit's Two Rooms Records.

PORCELAIN HAMMER
Ben Miller; vocal, stereo baritone guitar - Mike Khoury; violin - Mike List; drum kit, tablas.
The Dreamer's Wheel, their 2018 cassette release, is now on Bandcamp as a digital download.
Born for Years was released in 2025 on 2182 Recording Company as an LP and on bandcamp via Living Records.

REGENERATION
Ben Miller: guitar, voice. Chris Peters: bass. Dave Hurley: drums
Brian McFarlane: sound processing & synthesis

THE ELEVENTH HOUR
Ben Miller: alto saxophone, guitar, composition
Joel Peterson: double bass
Jonathan Taylor: drums
Under the Wire is their first release. Their second release, 11:59 will be released soon.

PAST WORK

EMPOOL 1976-78 / 2018-2021
Laurence Miller: vocal, guitar w/electronics, prerecorded soundtrack, visual projection. Ben Miller: guitar w/electronics and vocal.
Psych-noise resurrection from the mid-'70s. Their first-ever release, Does Do Did Done, is Sold Out on Feeding Tube records.

Glenn Branca Ensembles 2004-2012
Performed and recorded with Glenn's 100 Guitar Orchestra and toured internationally with The Glenn Branca Ensemble.

"NOX" by Anne Carson 2010-12
Anne Carson, Robert Currie, and former members of The Merce Cunningham Dance Co. Rashaun Mitchell and Silas Riener. Boston, Miami, NYC. "NOX" received a Bessie Award @ The Apollo, NYC 2013

Transistor 2009-2018
Ben Miller: voix and Franck Vigroux: électronique
Three releases; self-titled, Din of Eons, 212

Exophilia 2009-10
Ben Miller: multiphonic guitar w/treatment
Denman Maroney: hyperpiano

M2 2009-10
Ben Miller: multiphonic guitar w/treatment
Roger Miller: prepared piano

Third Border 2003-10
Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist "Sun of Water, Sea of Light“ was 1 of 48 albums selected to be nominated for the Grammies best Alternative Album of 2006

Dirty Old Man River 1997-2000
multiphonic guitar underneath Julian Mill's songwriting

M3 1989-2001
Roger, Laurence and Ben Miller various instruments and vocal

Nonfiction 1982-85
Ben Miller guitar, bass, vocal. Laurence Miller guitar, bass, vocal. Bill Frank drums
Ann Arbor avant power trio.

Destroy All Monsters 1976-78
Art Punk band including Stooge's Ron Asheton and Michael Davis of the MC5

Sproton Layer 1969-71
Psychedelic Rock with brothers Roger and Laurence

EMPLOYMENT

Sound Art Workshops
Columbia College Chicago IL; M.I.C.A. Baltimore MD; UMASS Lowell MA; Megapolis Festival Baltimore MD; C.A.S.A. Harrisburg PA; 119 Gallery Lowell MA; Arts in the Armory Somerville MA; The Rotunda Philadelphia PA, Fuse Factory Columbus OH, University of Michigan Art Dept., Anis Gras FR

Music Teacher
Guitar, Bass, Saxophone, Piano, Drums, Vocal, Theory, Technique, Ear Training, Songwriting, Composition, Improvisation. All Ages

Producer
Engineered - Mastered analog/digital. Releases on Bulb, New Alliance, Living, Tiger Asylum, Obsolete Units, and Gulcher Records

EDUCATION

Columbia College Chicago, BA in Music Composition and English, 2002

Saxophone Instruction w/Ari Brown and Ken Vandermark, Chicago 1995

New Music Workshop, Ann Arbor MI, 1976
Guitar in large ensemble guided by saxophone extraordinaire Anthony Braxton

Thomas Jefferson College, Allendale MI, 1974
20th Century Composition, Music for Dance

Boston School of Contemporary Music, 1973
Music Theory, Guitar Technique, Group Improvisation Techniques

Future Performance

JandB — 2016-10-07T19:51:37Z

2026:

Wednesday, June 24 $20
The Sensorium Chamber Ensemble returns for their annual performance of Terry Riley's minimalist classic "In C" on Terry's birthday. Dancers from Terpsichore Collective will join us this year - a most memorable experience. Come celebrate Terry's birthday with us. He will be 91!

Sunday, July 26 7:00 pm $10+
ReGeneration @ Robinwood Concert House, 2564 Robinwood Ave, Toledo, OH, 43610
Ben Miller; guitar. Chris Peters; bass. Dave Hurley; drums. Brian McFarlane; sound processing & synthesis

Friday, August 9 TBA, possibly 7:00 pm $10+
ReGeneration @ Trinosophes, 1464 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207 ·
Ben Miller; guitar, vocal. Chris Peters; bass. Dave Hurley; drums. Brian McFarlane; sound processing & synthesis

October thru December 2026 @ Ann Arbor Senior Art Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.
Authentic Psychedelic Art Exhibit featuring psychedelic/abstract paintings by Ben Miller, Laurence Miller and Paul Kazurin.
TBA 2-hr. Art Opening

PAST PERFORMANCE:

April 16 through May 16
Ben Miller's Art Exhibit abstract realism, acrylic & watercolor
@ Sweetwater's Cafe 735 W Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
https://www.benmiller.info/spip.php?page=article&id_article=21

Tuesday, May 12 8:00 pm $10+
ReGeneration @ Ziggy's, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Rainbow Varmints open up

Friday, May 1 FREE
@ Hello Records https://hellorecordsdetroit.com/
Doors 6 pm , music 7-8 pm

John Raleeh- trombone ... -* Dominic Bierenga - sax / flute
David Hurley - Drums ... -* Ben Miller - Guitar

Monday, April 13 Doors 7:00 pm. Music 8:00 pm
ReGeneration @ Moondog Cafe, 8045 Linwood St, Detroit, MI

Tuesday, November 18
ReGeneration @ Ziggy's, Ypsilanti MI
RED FLAGS CD release party

Thursday, November 6
The Sensorium Chamber Ensemble @ Zal Gaz Grotto Club, Ann Arbor

Wednesday, October 15
Roger Miller's Dream Interpretation solo guitar
Ben Miller's multiphonic guitarscape
@ Ziggy's, Ypsilanti MI

Thursday, October 9th
The Eleventh Hour @ Edgefest 2025, Kerrytown Concert House https://kerrytownconcerthouse.com/event/edgefest-29/

Tuesday, September 30
The Sensorium Chamber Orchestra premieres Terry Riley's minimalist masterpiece "In C" alongside Aimee McDonald's highly acclaimed dance troupe Terpsichore Collective as well as Eric Satie's Gnossiennes No. 1 (Sister Table) and After After (solo dance).
@ Riverside Art Center, 76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Saturday, September 27
ReGeneration
@ Wyrd Byrd, 9 S. Washington St., Ypsilanti MI

Friday, September 19
The Sensorium Chamber Orchestra @ Entropy Stereo, Redford, MI

Saturday August 30 4:00 pm FREE!
The Matthew Smith Group @ Hamtramck Music Festival - Detroit, MI.

Tuesday, June 24 @ Trinosophes, 1464 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
The Sensorium Chamber Orchestra performs Terry's minimalist masterpiece "In C." Terry Riley turns 90!

Saturday, May 17th
Over the Pavement II: The New Detroit Chamber Music
Benjamin Miller's Sensorium Chamber Orchestra and many others!
@ Trinosophes, 1464 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI

Sunday, April 20 @ Moondog Cafe, 8045 Linwood St, Detroit, MI
Regeneration

Thursday, April 3rd
Regeneration's debut concert!
@ Ziggy's, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197

2024

Saturday, December 7th
The Eleventh Hour @ Moondog Cafe, 8045 Linwood St, Detroit, MI

Friday, November 15th
The Sensorium Chamber Ensemble @ Entropy Stereo, Redford, MI

Friday, November 8th
The Sensorium Chamber Ensemble @ Trinosophes. Detroit, MI

Thursday, November 7th
Tinn Parrow & his Clapfold Platune
@ The Zal Gaz Grotto Club, 2070 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Doors 7:00 pm Music 7:30 pm

Thursda,y October 24th
The Eleventh Hour
@ The Zal Gaz Grotto Club, 2070 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Doors: 7:00 pm Music: 8:00 pm $10+
Ben Miller; alto saxophone & guitar
Joel Peterson; bass
Jonathan Taylor; drums
...also The Jonathan Barahal Taylor Electro AcousticTrio

Wednesday, October 16th
Tinn Parrow & his Clapfold Platune
opening up for Sami Calamity
@ ZIGGY's, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
8:00 pm $10

October 10-12 mini-tour;
Ben Miller / solo Multiphonic Guitarscape & Laurence Miller/ solo Bb Clarinet w/electronics
Thursday October 10th @ Water Bottom Stage - Norwalk, OH
[opening for Robert Wheeler's Upside Down Trees!]
Friday October 11th @ The Avant Garde A Clue Festival - Rochester, NY
[also Roger Miller / Dream-Interpretation Guitar]
Saturday, October 12th The Robinwood Concert House - Toledo, OH

Sunday, September 8th
Feedback Loop: A Performance and Q&A Series
Ben Miller...Grace Scheele...Chien-An Yuan
@ Moondog Cafe, 8045 Linwood St, Detroit, MI

Tuesday, September 3rd. 7:00 pm FREE
@ Canterbury House, 721 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, MI
Ben Miller: Solo Multiphonic Guitarscape

Sunday, September 1st FREE @ 7:00 pm
The Matthew Smith Group (I play C-Tenor sax)
@ The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival

Wednesday, July 17 7:30 pm
@ ZIGGY's, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Tinn Parrow & his Clapfold Platune

Wednesday, July 10 8:00 pm $10
@ ZIGGY's, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
THE ELEVENTH HOUR with speical appearance by Deanna Relyea.

@ Makeshift Gallery 407 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor
Benjamin and Laurence Miller's acrylic and watercolor paintings show.

Friday, June 28 Doors 7 pm. Music 8 pm. $10
@ Entropy Stereo, Redford MI.
THE ELEVENTH HOUR
Opening up the evening will be Tinn Parrow & his Clapfold Platune!

Monday, June 24 8:00 pm $10-$20 Happy Birthday Terry Riley!
@ Trinosophes, Detroit.
Ben Miller's SENSORIUM CHAMBER ENSEMBLE performs Terry Riley's minimalist classic "In C"

Monday, May 13 8:00 pm
@ Trinosophes, Detroit.
Playing multiphonic guitar with PANTO CALLAPSER.

April 8-21 Ben Miller - Solo Multiphonic Guitar Tour
Monday April 8 Rochester NY @ Psychic Garden - also Aliya Ultan/cello
Tuesday April 9 Ithaca NY @ The Downstairs
Thursday April 10-11 Family Visit!
Friday April 12 Somerville MA @ The Armory: Graphic Score & Found Sound Workshop 7:00 - 9:00 pm $15
Saturday April 13 Brooklyn, NY @ The Millenium, 167 Wilson Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Graphic Score & Found Sound Workshop 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Sunday April 14 Brooklyn, NY @ Main Drag Music - 6:00 pm doors.
6:30 pm Ben Miller. 7:30 pm Norman Westburg (x-Swans) $20
Monday April 15 Philadelphia, PA @ Abyssinia
Tuesday April 16 Washington, DC @ Rhizome
Thursday April 18 @ Harrisburg University = Graphic Score & Found Sound Workshop 11:00 am -1:00 pm
Friday April 19 @ Family Visit!
Saturday April 20 Norwalk OH @ Water Bottom Stage
Sunday April 21 Toledo OH @ Robinwood Concerthouse

Art Show: February 25 to April 13 @ Sweetwater's Cafe
735 W Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Tuesday April 2 WFMU Ben Miller interview by Austin Rich
6:00 pm PST / 9:00 pm EST:
https://wfmu.org/playlists/shows/138378

Wednesday, March 27th 8:00 pm
@ ZIGGY's, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Ben Miller solo multiphonic guitar
...special guests Frank Pahl

Tuesday, March 26th Ben Miller interview by JAV about his multiphonic guitar work.
WCBN 88.3FM Ann Arbor
https://soundcloud.com/wcbnlms/2024-03-26-ben-miller-artist-feature-and-interview-by-jav?fbclid=IwAR1BF5q0NnYOxdI0pEqHTP9xawC9DCLt6A2ycFiUEJOrngcGEdo8SXS3bqk_aem_AZpo1gjNpoHp-gpTBtjzHhKMOMTQfbv6eZdnn1H-xbySacX6MIenk14C4x6yWEE6MxNSjc0tYIcESb7p8_GaYF9k

Wednesday, March 6th 8:00 pm $10
@ ZIGGY's, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
The Eleventh Hour;
Ben Miller; alto saxophone, guitar
Marlena Boedigheimer; tenor & soprano saxophone
Martin Shiller; fretless bass
Cameron Wilson; drum kit
...special guests Tinn Parrow and his Clapfold Platune;
Laurence Miller as Band Leader for clarinets, saxophones, trombone, euphonium and drums.

Friday, February 2nd 7:00 pm
@ The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
The Regenerate Orchestra

Thursday, February 1st
@ Ziggys, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
The Eleventh Hour;
Ben Miller; alto saxophone, guitar
Marlena Boedigheimer; soprano saxophone
Joel Peterson; double bass
Cameron; drum kit
...plus special guests The Rainbow Vomit Family Band

Sunday, January 28 3:00-4:30 pm Eastern Standard Time
https://www.youtube.com/@improbablywrongabouteveryt6781/streams
an esoteric interview presented by Gerry Fialka

2023

Thursday, December 7th 8:00 - 10:00 pm $10-$20
@ The Zal Gaz Grotto Club, 2070 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
BEN MILLER'S SENSORIUM CHAMBER ORCHESTRA performs Terry Riley's minimalist classic "In C."
THE ELEVENTH HOUR opens the evening.

Friday, November 17th 8:00 pm $10-$20
@ Trinosophes, 1464 Gratiot Ave. Detroit MI (parking lot in back)
BEN MILLER'S SENSORIUM CHAMBER ORCHESTRA plays Terry Riley's minimalist classic "In C"

Wednesday, November 1st 8:00 pm
@ Ziggys, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
THE ELEVENTH HOUR
Ben Miller; alto & c-tenor saxophone, compositions
Marlena Boedigheimer; tenor & soprano saxophone
Joel Peterson; double bass
Jonathan Taylor; drums and glockenspiel

Wednesday, October 25th 8:00 pm
@ Ziggys, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
BEN MILLER / solo multiphonic guitar.

Monday, October 9th 8:00 pm
@ Ziggys, 206 W Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
THE ELEVENTH HOUR
Ben Miller; alto & c-tenor saxophone, compositions
Marlena Boedigheimer; tenor & soprano saxophone
Joel Peterson; double bass
Dave Hurley; drums and glockenspiel

Friday, September 29th: Trinosophes Projects First Annual Fundraiser on Ornette Coleman Day!
@ Trinosophes, 1464 Gratiot Ave. Detroit MI (parking lot in back) Doors 6:00 pm
Ben Miller solo multiphonic guitar.

Friday, September 15th
@ Entropy Stereo, 25908 Six Mile Rd., Redford, MI, 48240 7:00 pm
THE ELEVENTH HOUR
Ben Miller; alto saxophone, compositions
Marlena Boedigheimer; tenor saxophone
Martin Schiller; elec. bass
Dave Hurley; drums

Thursday, September 7th
@ The Zal Gaz Grotto Club 8:00 pm
2070 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
THE ELEVENTH HOUR
Ben Miller; alto saxophone, compositions
Marlena Boedigheimer; tenor saxophone
Martin Schiller; elec. bass
Jonathan Taylor; drums

Monday, September 4th @ The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
I will be playing C-Tenor Saxophone with THE MATHEW SMITH GROUP.

Friday, August 4th @ Blind Pig's FUZZ FESTIVAL
NONFICTION performs 9:15 pm
1980s post-punk reunion!

Friday, July 14th @ Trinosophes, Detroit MI, 1464 Gratiot Ave. Detroit MI
THE ELEVENTH HOUR
Ben Miller; alto saxophone, compositions
Laurence Miller; alto clarinette
Joel Peterson; double bass
Dave Hurley; drums, glockenspiel

Thursday, June 29th @ Zal Gaz Grotto Club, 2070 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 8:00 - 9:30 pm
THE ELEVENTH HOUR
Ben Miller; alto sax, compositions
Laurence Miller; alto clarinette
Joel Peterson; double bass
Dave Hurley; drums, percussion

Wednesday, April 12th
Ken Kozora presents "Weird Wednesdays" @ OZ's Music, 1920 Packard, Ann Arbor MI 7:30 pm
Ben Miller; 15 brief compositions [written over the past three decades for alto saxophone]

April 7th 6:00-8:00 pm.
@ the Ann Arbor Senior Center 1320 Baldwin Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
This is an art opening for a watercolor class I partook in. Artwork will be up for the months of April and May.
Ben Miller: 15 brief compositions [written over the past three decades for alto saxophone]

2022:

Friday June 24th
Doors 8:15 pm. Performance promptly at 9:00 pm.
Ben Miller's Ensemble performs Terry Riley's minimalist masterpiece "In C" @ Trinosophes, Detroit (https://trinosophes.com/)

Benjamin Miller Alto Sax
Laurence Miller Bb Clarinet
Mike Khoury Violin
Baptiste Jolland Trombone
Ken Kozora Cornet
Joel Peterson Upright
Mike List Kick Drum, Marimba

Friday July 22nd
Ben Miller / Multiphonic Guitarscape
@ Entropy Stereo, 25908 Six Mile, Redford, MI 48167
Doors 7:00 pm. Music promptly @ 8:00 pm.

Friday June 3rd 7:00 pm
The DAAC, 1553 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids
Ben Miller / Multiphonic Guitarscape

Friday May 6th 7:30 pm
Ben Miller / Multiphonic Guitar record release concert @ Trinosophes, Detroit MI
In support of "In the Moment" on Detroit's Two Rooms Records.

The Sensorium Chamber Ensemble

JandB — 2016-10-07T19:50:03Z

THE SENSORIUM CHAMBER ENSEMBLE performs works by Benjamin Miller, Erik Satie, Josef Hauer, and Terry Riley.

Benjamin Miller ... Guitar, Alto & C Tenor Saxophone, Conductor
Ralph Katz ... Soprano & Alto Clarinet
Don Henig ... Soprano & Bass Clarinet
Tim Holmes ... F Mezzo Saxophone, Alto Flute
Mike Khoury ... Violin
Matt Campbell ... Double Bass
Eric Bernreuter ... trombone
Scott Lockard ... guitar
Martin Schiller ... 5-str. Bass Guitar
Josh Cook ... Vibraphone
Jon Jackson ... Drums, Marimba

FaceBook SCE page:
SCE Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584412246993

Bâton pour Tortue: https://livingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/b-ton-pour-tortue

“Miller leads his chamber ensemble with 'In C', Terry Riley's alternately mesmerizing and haunted, at times almost humorous, hour-long minimalist masterpiece."
— The Ann Arbor Observer, John Hinchey 2023

Multiphonic Guitarscape

JandB — 2016-10-07T19:49:02Z

Miller's deconstructed Gibson Kalamazoo is equipped with 4 pickups panned Left/Right;
1 humbucker in standard bridge position, 1 humbucker inverted above the first fret, 1 Piezo at the headstock, and 1 Piezo on the guitar body behind the bridge. This provides a sonic physicality to the instrument's sound.

Springs, screws, slides, binder clips, silverware, restaurant salt shaker, antique surgical tools, and other found objects are used to provoke texture and shape rather than chords and melody. Baritone strings are tuned randomly approximately a tritone below standard pitch.

Miller adds a score of FX pedals, Casio SK1 8-bit sampling, transistor radio, OGM cassette tape loops, and the extreme use of a Bigsby tailpiece enhancing the instrument's erratic microtonal sound. The mixed stereo output runs through two guitar amps or a large PA system.

Submerged attention and trusting the unknown is Miller's modus operandi.

IN THE MOMENT: Ben Miller - Two Rooms Records (vinyl/CD) March 2022
"There are a whole lot of interesting guitar oddities on IN THE MOMENT and I'm loving every second of it. Repetitious sonic globules weaving through tape glop and elephant trumpeting run headfirst into a minimalist brick wall. Voids appear, scratch out a few steel-cut melodies and saunter back into the luminous divide. Miller can play it all. Sprawling explorations dissipate into hazy webs. Whatever gets left behind is consumed by the woozy plucks stuck between two ghosts fighting for the last seat on the boat. Rhythmic spillage bleeds into an echo chamber that's being eaten alive by howling scratches. In the Moment is one hell of a trip."
Foxy Digitalis April 2022

Live in Brooklyn, NY April 2024

April 2024 interview by Austin Rich

May 2022 interview by Cary Loren/BookBeat

June 2014 interview by Miguel Copón

Detroit Metro Times 2014 review by Bill Brown