A Dirty Dozen with STEVEN MILLER from DARK REMEDY – October 2023

According to a recent press release: “Dark Remedy is a formidable force in the world of melodic hard rock, delivering powerful and impactful music that resonates with audiences. The band was conceived amidst the chaos of the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic by the talented songwriting duo of Vocalist / Lead Guitarist Steven Miller and Rhythm Guitarist/Vocalist Cary Parsons (also known to wrestling fans as Mister Sinister). In their quest to find solace during these dark times, Dark Remedy emerged as the ultimate remedy. Driven by an unwavering determination to share their music and vision on the grandest stages, Dark Remedy has spared no effort in their creative pursuits. Despite the challenges, they tirelessly worked together, utilizing remote collaboration and embarking on long journeys to record and produce their groundbreaking songs and captivating music videos. Dark Remedy is known for their mastery of the expansive arena sound, featuring roaring guitars, infectious hooks, tastefully mesmerizing synths, and thunderous drums. Their music goes beyond mere entertainment, evoking contemplation and addressing the highs and lows of everyday life.” We get Steven to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

For the complete experience, we really encourage people to check out the music video on our YouTube channel @DarkRemedy. The video was directed by Thomas Crane with KillDevilFilms and he did a fantastic job bringing the vision to life. We are very proud of the message and vibe we were able to create with this song and the visual aspect puts everything into the right context to tell the story we were aiming for.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I started out like most kids do playing in the school band. But what really stuck with me was around age 13 when someone in the friend group got an electric guitar. He let me hold it while he turned the knobs on the amp all the way up. Once I hit that low E string and shook the windows in the room I was hooked! I knew that this was something I wanted to do.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

I spent a lot of time listening to Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf. Growing up, we had a record player in the living room where I’d do my homework. I was always drawn to that one because it had the coolest album art. All those songs are masterpieces to me. What really got me hooked on live shows was around the same time I started to learn guitar, my dad got tickets to take me to see Billy Idol. That was my first big rock show. We managed to get to the front row and I’ll never forget the fist bump Billy gave me from the stage.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Devin Townsend, Meat Loaf, Prince, Brian Wilson, and Mutt Lange.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Unfortunately this individual is no longer with us but it would have truly been an honor to meet and collaborate with Jim Steinman. His approach to songwriting, arranging, and production is so unique to him. I think I would learn a lot from that opportunity.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Big arena rock with the modern wall of sound. Dark Remedy is all about being as big and over the top as possible. As far as the comparisons go, Cary and I have a very broad range of what we like to listen to so I love it when we get an odd comment.

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

The wisest thing anyone has ever said to me… “never stop learning”. In music there is no shortage of new things to discover.

8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Being in different states it’s hard for all of us to get together. But Cary and I both enjoy video games. We don’t get as much time to do that any more because we are so busy with the band but we look forward to all the road shenanigans!

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

Watching Steve Stevens perform with Billy Idol. I can honestly say it was the first time I’ve ever had my mind completely blown. I was very new to guitar at the time and he had my jaw on the floor the whole night.

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

All the jobs I’ve had working outside with my hands I’ve really enjoyed. Lately I’ve found pressure washing very satisfying. Maybe I’d be doing that. Who knows? I’m glad right now I’m a musician. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

When I was attending college I had the opportunity to intern with Dave Matthews. The last week of the internship I got really sick. I always wondered what would have happened if I had been there those last two days I was scheduled to be in the studio because we were about to start shifting focus on a new project.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I can’t pick just one? For me it has to be a Mutt Lange production. He’s hands down my favorite producer. What fascinates me about him is he was doing all the crazy things we do now on computers but on tape before anything like a DAW existed. For someone with a brain like that to work with such amazing artists, he was really pushing the boundaries of what was possible for recorded music.

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Category: Interviews