Joey Cape is one of my favorite people in the punk scene. Whether its what he does with Lagwagon, Bad Astronaut, Scorpios, Me First, or solo, he never ceases to amaze me. Even with that list of accomplishments, one of the coolest things Joey Cape is involved with is One Week Records. The story here is to work with an artist for a week to put out a ten track album. It’s just so organic and pure. Since its inception, One Week has released albums from folks like Zach Quinn, Walt Hamburger, Chad Price, and Chris Cresswell. The latest musician added to the One Week Records family is Brendan Miller.
As the story goes, the aforementioned Zach Quinn heard Miller’s music and immediately sent it over to Joey and the rest is history. But, since Miller’s album was completed in COVID times, he wasn’t able to record with the Caper, instead settling for recording the entire album in his driveway.
For the uninitiated, Miller came up in the loud, aggressive, and fast punk scene in Pennsylvania. Moving away from Pennsylvania forced him to shift gears. Being in a place where you can no longer just jam and play in bands with your friends, Brendan sold most of his gear and was left with some guitars, his computer, and a practice amp. It was with that gear that he recorded his One Week Records debut. The album is a stripped down and beautiful album about life, loss, and everything in between. If you’re a fan of Tim Barry, John K. Samson, and Chuck Ragan, Brendan Miller is right up your alley.
To celebrate the release of his album, Brendan took some time to answer some questions for us. Take a look at what he had to say below!
The whole premise behind One Week Records is that you work with Joey for a week and make an album. Doing that during COVID is challenging though. How close to the “typical” One Week Records experience were you able to have?
Far from. In fact, I’ve never met Joey in person. Zach Quinn put us in touch and he responded immediately with interest. We did the whole thing remotely. Compared to Joey’s studio (or any studio for that matter), I have next-to-no gear. I recorded the album in my car without using any external microphones…just my computer.
What are the challenges with writing and finishing an album in a week?
That’s one of the only advantages of recording a One Week Record in such an unconventional way. I recorded almost every day until I had 10 songs that we were both proud of. I was able to take my time. It’s more of a ‘Few Months Record.’
What did you learn about yourself as a musician and as a person working on this album?
Everything. Above all, I learned that I’m one of the lucky ones and I’m forever grateful for that. Not everyone gets to work with idols. The One Week team is incredibly supportive. Brian Wahlstrom is proudly grinning from across a hotel room in Orlando, where we are wrapping up a Bandaid Brigade tour as I answer these questions. The people in my life are also incredibly supportive. I mostly felt fortunate and grateful the whole time.
I also realized that if it feels right and serves a purpose, go for it. Give it a shot. Get over yourself. You don’t have to play heavy, fast, and loud in your mid 30s to prove that you’re a punk.
This experience forced me to hone in on stepping outside of my comfort zone and really embracing the supportive people in my life.
“Good Ones” is absolutely beautiful, but also pretty heart-wrenching. Was that song about anyone in particular, or just more of a commentary on the overall fragility of life?
Thank you so much for saying that. I think equal parts. I’ve seen young, smart, loving, wonderful people pass away too soon from totally avoidable causes. I made it and they didn’t. Whatever may or may not be the case, I feel a lot of guilt about that. It’s just hard to feel left behind under any circumstances. It’s an expression of that feeling.
While I know you didn’t get the traditional One Week experience, what was it like working with Joey Cape?
It was painless. I’d send a song and he’d give me feedback. I was almost 10 for 10. We ended up changing the structure of one song. He was great and supportive the whole time.
I’m a big fan of the acoustic folk punk genre, but I was never able to see the Revival Tour. Here’s the scenario: you just talked Chuck Ragan into starting it up again. What musicians are you booking?
I’m actually not familiar with too many folk punk artists. I’ve been a Chuck Ragan fan since Caution blew my mind when I was 17. I trust him.
Speaking of touring, what sort of plans do you have to support the new album?
We’re working on it.
With things still being weird out there, what’s the best way for fans to show support for you and your music?
A lot of people bought the album through One Week and that is definitely the best way. They’re really good people and I see results through the One Week website. Other than that, I’d ask that people stay updated on all streaming platforms and social media. This is going to be a day-by-day process.
We’re two months from 2022. What are you hoping that year brings to you as a person and as a musician?
I really want to get a good crew together to help me play these songs. I’m always writing and I’d love to get another collection released before the end of the year.
Are there any bands or musicians that excite you lately?
SHEER MAG!!!
Any last words?
I really appreciate this opportunity, so thank you. I’m overwhelmed and super appreciative of everyone who bought or listened to the album. Take care of each other.