Music from the Hill: Welcoming the soulful, sound of Erin Milliken

This September 21st, we are delighted to present Erin Milliken (stage name Erin Doriah) in concert at Java City on the WKU campus.  Erin has an impressive background in music and dance and her performance is sure to be a hit with the folks at Java City.

Erin, I see you are from Bowling Green and working on your Masters at WKU.  Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

 I am a graduate from Transylvania University in which I attained my BA in Biology. I was a dancer and tennis player all four years. Now I am extending my education as I pursue my master’s in public health at WKU. I hope to one day in the near future be a Physician’s Assistant. I would also love to be able to pursue music as a career, but it is always good to have a back-up plan!!!:)

 How did you two get started in music?

I began taking piano lessons as a child. I had always been interested in music and my parents looked into piano teachers. I trained under Mrs. Ruth Brown for about 8 years. It is history from there…

Who has been an influence for you as a musician?

I don’t know who has really influenced me. When it comes to music, it is something that comes from within. So no outside influence really makes me continue to write, sing and play. But, if I had to pin-point an artist in the industry, perhaps India Arie. She has a great message of empowerment!

I love your strong vocal style.   How do you define your particular sound?

I definitely sing from the soul! I love to sing and I sing all the time! I know it probably gets on everyone’s nerves when I can’t even drive my car without singing with the radio! lol

I know you write a lot of your music, where to you get the ideas for your songs?

I get ideas for my songs from other songs, my friends, family and just daily life! Ideas come from everywhere and anywhere! But, I do love to write great lyrics! Lyrics to me can make or break a song.

You did your undergrad at Transylvania University and were a part of the dance team.  Do you aspire to include dancing into your music?

 Sure… I would love to include dancing in my music! I would love to have an up-beat song and video on MTV and me and my back-up dancers breakin it down!!! But, honestly just like music comes from my soul, dancing is the same. I can’t hear a good song without tapping my foot or moving my shoulders. It just happens. I absolutely love to dance just as much as I love my music. The two are hand-in-hand.

Where do you want go with your music? Are you looking to sign with a major label?

With my music, I would love to go all the way. I would love to sign with a major label and be recognized firstly for being a good songwriter. It would be an absolute dream to one day be on stage accepting a Grammy!! That’s the ultimate goal.

Are you working on a CD?

Currently, I am not working on a CD.

Thanks so much for taking time to talk to me!  Is there anything else you’d like to add?

This is great. Thanks.

About the author: Jack Montgomery is a librarian, author and associate professor at Western Kentucky University where he handles bookings for musical acts in University Libraries, Java City coffeehouse. Jack has also been a professional musician since 1969 and performs with a celtic quartet called Watersprite. Visit him at MySpace/shadowdancerjack or on Facebook.