Jason Charles Miller has come full circle. Formerly the lead singer and front man for the metal band, Godhead, Miller returned to Southern Rock and Americana roots. The transition was years in the making, yet Miller confesses that he feels good about his current style. “I feel at home writing and performing Southern Rock and Americana tunes.”

Jason Charles Miller is set to release his newest project, “From The Wreckage,” in late March of 2021 (Joshua Thomas/2020)

When the Clifton, Virginia native was expanding his songwriting chops, he hooked up with great Nashville-based writers such as the late Randall Clay. One of their songs, “Uncountry,” describes Miller’s individual outlaw heritage. It’s Miller’s musical history that’s so interesting

“Our closest neighbor was a half-mile away through the woods,” explained Jason. “They say my hometown is full of rich people today. It wasn’t that way when I grew up.”

A four-year old Miller began his performing debut on the back of a train by singing a John Denver song. I suggested to Jason that he record a Southern Rock version of Denver’s tunes. Maybe “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” with a heavy dose of Rickey Medlocke style guitar licks.

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 “The first records my parents gave me were Beatles and John Denver. They gave me some Rolling Stones albums too but I didn’t learn to appreciate their music until much later in life.” Relocating to California came next, as did a record deal on Marilyn Manson’s label.

Jason’s first band commercially successful band was Blind, which changed to Godhead when he discovered others bands used the same name. “The success of Godhead helped define me and make me the artist I am today.” But the band’s success came a downside. “When we went on the road with Godhead, our music was so ‘mechanical and tethered.’ So much so that we couldn’t add four bars in a lead part. Godhead’s music was also way darker than my personality. When you’re in a band, there’s a certain expectation of how you’re supposed to look and sound. I found my true roots about 10 years later.”

Finding his Americana roots comes natural for Miller. “Using Denver’s ‘Country Road’ analogy, I rediscovered my inner, Southern Rock self. Johnny Cash cutting those tunes with Rick Ruben was a wakeup call for me. Those ‘stripped-down’ songs made me listen to the songwriting styles of Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings and others. That’s when I began going to Nashville and writing with some amazing people.”

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I asked Jason if songwriting is the ticket to success in today’s music business. “I think someone today that only writes songs is getting rare. You’re got to be a hybrid in today’s musical world. Music executives today want to fit you in to whatever their needs are, as opposed to promoting your natural talent. Americana pays tribute to original country music and infuses lots of rock. It’s basically what country isn’t. I’m just trying to be authentically me.”

Miller’s latest project, “From The Wreckage – Part One,” releases on March 26, featuring the single, “Better Late Than Never.” You can catch Jason every Monday on his show, Miller’s Music Mondays at Twitch.tv/jasoncharlesmiller. Jason Charles Miller has indeed rediscovered his soul and his Americana roots. Look for Jason and his band to resume their touring schedule in mid-2021. 

You can watch the video of my interview with Jason on the OneSouthernMan Youtube channel.