Lisa Miller Australian singer and songwriter Country: Australia

1. Biography of Lisa Miller
2. Early Career
3. Breakthrough and Solo Career
4. Collaborations and Later Career
5. Recent Work

Biography of Lisa Miller

Lisa Miller is an Australian singer-songwriter known for her pure voice and poignant songs, often inspired by her own life experiences. She was born in the early 60s and grew up in Chadstone, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Her father, Peter Miller, is a realistic artist, and her older brother, Lewis Miller, is also an artist who won the prestigious Archibald Prize in 1998.

Early Career

Miller started writing songs at the age of 14 and formed a folk duo with her friend, where she played the flute while her friend sang and played the guitar. They performed in cafes, wearing long dresses and playing to people enjoying hot chocolate. In the 80s, Miller made her first appearance on the music scene as the lead vocalist of the rock band "The Hepeleptics" while also working as a school teacher. She later joined the band "The Whole Shebang" as the vocalist and rhythm guitarist.

Breakthrough and Solo Career

In 1989, Miller traveled to the United States to immerse herself in the music scene, visiting iconic places like Memphis, Nashville, Austin, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Upon her return to Melbourne, she formed the folk-rock band "The Trailblazers" with bass guitarist Mark Ferrie, formerly of 'Models' and 'Sacred Cowboys'. The band later changed their name to 'Truckasaurus' and performed their original material. Miller also sang in the trio 'The Everlovin' O'Sheas'. However, only 'The Whole Shebang' and 'Truckasaurus' have any surviving recordings from her early groups.

In 1995, Miller released two solo EP albums titled 'Do That For You' and 'All Worked Out' on the 'In'Law' label. Her debut album, 'Quiet Girl with a Credit Card', was released in 1996 on 'W.Minc' label and also in the UK on 'Demon Records'. It remains her only release outside of Australia. Three years later, she released her second album 'As Far as a Life Goes' on 'Festival Mushroom Records'. In 1999, Miller was nominated for the 'ARIA Award' for 'Best Female Artist', a significant achievement for an artist who had never received mainstream radio airplay.

Collaborations and Later Career

Miller collaborated with various Australian musicians, including Tim Rogers, Tex Perkins, Andy Baylor, and David Chesworth. She performed with Billy Bragg and toured Australia with Neil Young and Nick Cave. With her band, which included guitarist and producer Shane O'Mara, Miller performed concerts in Melbourne and on the east coast of Australia, including the renowned Byron Bay Blues Festival.

In 2002, Miller released the album 'Car Tape', which consisted of 13 cover versions in soul and country genres, on the young Melbourne label 'Raoul Records', owned by her husband Ben Lempriere. The album received critical acclaim, became one of the best-selling independent Australian releases of the year, and helped increase Miller's recognition beyond Melbourne. Her band, now composed of experienced session musicians, earned her several 'ARIA Award' nominations.

In 2004, she recorded her fourth album, 'Version Originale', which was well-received by critics and the public. She also released the EP 'Pushover', featuring five songs recorded during her tour with Neil Young. Miller was once again nominated for 'Best Female Artist' at the 'ARIA Awards', but she was unable to secure the award, losing to Kasey Chambers. In 2005, she recorded a cover version of 'I Hope I Never' by the New Zealand rock band 'Split Enz' for a tribute album dedicated to the works of Tim and Neil Finn. The album received a nomination for the 'ARIA Award 2006' in the category of 'Best Contemporary Artist'.

Recent Work

Miller's fifth album, 'Morning in the Bowl of Night', was released in March 2007 and many of its songs were a response to the death of her mother. Her latest album, 'Car Tape 2', was recorded in 2010. To date, Lisa Miller has released six studio albums, seven EPs and singles, and eight compilations, some in collaboration with other musicians. She has also worked on soundtracks for three films.