Atlanta-based project Blueburst is a new band created by Craig Douglas Miller. I recently had the chance to review their latest release, Supernova, and I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to hear more from Blueburst in the future – for now, check out the interview here!
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Supernova. What can you tell us about the track?
Supernova was a result of me trying to write some unapologetically upbeat music, which isn’t something I normally do. Of course, then I ended up making the lyrics about death, which is kind of a mind @#%. But it’s actually a very positive message about making the most of our lives. I just turned 50, and resolved that it was time to get moving and do the things I want to do while I still can.
How has the reception to Supernova been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
It’s been great. Really positive reviews all around, and lots of listens. It’s available on pretty much every streaming platform. But if you really want to help the band, you can purchase it on Bandcamp or iTunes.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes, we just released two more on May 19, and we have more planned for June, July and August, before a full album release in September.
What can you tell us about the album?
Full album is due for release Sept 23, 2023.
Your music has a new wave sound mixed in with rock and roll. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Yeah, I love new wave and post-punk. One of the visions of this project was to take the quick pace of post-punk and new wave and meld it with a more lush guitar sound, bordering on prog at times. I hear songs like the Police’s Synchronicity I, B-52’s Private Idaho or Romeo Void’s Never Say Never from that era, and love how fast they are, and how much they get the heart pumping with that quick pace.
However, my biggest influences are R.E.M. I grew up in Georgia in the 80s after all. The Church, Marty’s band were a huge influence. The Cure. The La’s. New Order, The Cars, The Pretenders. And I gotta say Rush, since I pretty much learned to play guitar with a Rush songbook.
Blueburst is the project of Craig Douglas Miller, as a collaboration with Marty Willson-Piper. How did you start working together?
I met Marty at a Church show back around 2010, and kept up with him via email. But we started working together 3-4 years ago through his Songwriting and Guitar Guidance sessions which he does via Skype. The relationship just gradually expanded from instruction to mentorship and finally collaboration. It’s been a dream come true honestly. Without Marty I don’t’ know that I’d ever have gotten myself unstuck after 20 years of not releasing any music.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
I’m working on getting a live act together, as at the moment, Blueburst is just a recording project.
You’re from Atlanta. How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
I think it’s continuing to thrive. The hip-hop scene is massive. But the rock and singer/songwriter scenes continue to churn out some great acts. And lots of people are moving here. For instance, I just met Lawrence Katz from The Mighty Mighty Bosstones who just moved here.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
No tour dates anywhere as of yet. But I’d LOVE to play in the UK. I lived in London for about a year back in 2012, and I love the UK.
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you for the support! It’s not easy doing this, and getting messages and support from listeners is amazingly gratifying and motivating!