Leroy (musician)

Leroy Miller ( born February 19, 1965 in Spokane, Washington) is an American singer, guitarist and songwriter. In Germany he received a larger audience by appearing on the soundtracks to the comedy series Scrubs for the first time - The Beginners and Arrested Development.

Childhood and youth

Very early Miller had the desire to be either motorcycle racer, or a musician. So he took at the age of ten years, the first time guitar lessons and showed his teacher just one week after four of his own compositions. The guitar teacher, overwhelmed by Miller's talent, sat down with Miller's parents in touch and told them about the talent of the boy. Therefore, his parents took her to many different concerts and bought him many albums by Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miles and Elton John.

Hog

In school, he played from the 6th grade in different bands, after high school graduation, he moved to Hollywood, founded the punk band Hog and gets his first record deal with her. The album " Nothing Sacred ", however, was not a great success, and the trio broke up after a short time.

Solo artist

First, Miller had to keep up with odd jobs as a cable layer, gas station attendant and small gigs financially afloat. Soon, however, record companies were aware of him and in 1999 he got his first solo record deal with Hollywood Records and recorded the album " Leroy ". Even before the official release of the album wanted five different film and advertising productions use the material for their purposes:

• Scrubs: "Good Time," " Away"
• The Job: " Good Time "
• Inter alia, Chain of Fools: "Make it Hot "
• Joyride - joyride: "Make it Hot "
• 10 Things I Hate About You: " New World"

Even otherwise, the album was very financially successful. Because Miller but the type did not like how Hollywood Records wanted to market him, he soon founded his own label " TML Records" and in 2005 published " squish" and 2007 " Walla Walla ". Both albums numerous songs were used for TV productions again and both were successful again. As a release date for its fourth album, " Do not Make Me Beg " the summer was given in 2010, but the album not yet appeared. Is also foreseen a best of album, which will contain the most famous songs of the four albums, as well as his fans have become famous among acoustic version of " Good Time ". 2008 Miller was briefly lead guitarist for the band Smash Mouth and replaced so that Greg Camp, who, however, soon returned again to the band.

Private

Little is known about Miller's private life, but he lives in California, which is also mentioned in many songs, such as " I'm From Cali " ( Squish ), and "My Way" ( Walla Walla ).

Features

Miller is not committed to a music style but instead always trying out new things. Generally one can say his music is a mixture of pop, soul, rock, funk and country music. However, all albums have some similarities:

• Miller's distinctive voice and dialect are characteristic
• The guitar is almost always with the drums in the foreground
• Often Scratch elements are included.
• In almost every song, a guitar solo is included

Leroy

On his first album, the punk elements from his time at " Hog " still visible, but also the country music has great influence on many of the songs. In the song "The Way We Carry On" is a verse of chant which is sung by Damani Washington. Basis of the songs is almost always the heavily distorted electric guitar.

Squish

Leroy's music moves further away from punk and approaches the Funk-/Popgenre. The electric guitar is no longer the main component of all the songs, but it is still very important for songs such as "Satisfied " or " Bluebird". In the song " I'm from Cali " is also reggae elements are included.

Walla Walla

The music is very country and folk -heavy and the previously characteristic electric guitar takes a back seat. Instead, the sound is influenced by the acoustic guitar and the drums. The texts of the songs express Millers from optimistic lifestyle.

Do not Make Me Beg

According to Miller's own words, the album is back as " Leroy " are, as marked by heavy riffs and the electric guitar.

Others

• Miller is a convinced user of Fendergitarren and is also on the list of " Fenderartists " listed on the website of the company. Usually he is seen with the Fender Stratocaster or Fender Telecaster.
• Miller can do most of the instruments can be heard on his albums, even play well, his guitar playing remains always faithful. Nevertheless, he can be heard on the albums as a keyboard player, beat producer and DJ.
• Miller writes in part, for, or with other artists. So he wrote with Ken Coomer the song " Why" and sang and wrote some songs for David Martinez. Example of this is "Hey Mary ".
• About Miller's family, relationships and his friends is not known. The only certainty is that he lives in California.
• In the song "Error of my Ways" built Miller recordings of his father's old high school orchestra.

Discography

• Leroy (2001)
• Squish (2005)
• Walla Walla (2007)
• Do not Make Me Beg (2010)
• Temple ( 2013)