#PhillyPresents - Johnny Miles by Chris Kasper

Band Name: Chris Kasper

Style: Singer/Songwriter - Roots/ Blues/ Americana

Years on the Scene: I moved here from West Virginia in 2004 and put out FlyingBoy in 2006.

Current projects and/or members: In Sept 2013, I released the 4th Chris Kasper record entitled Bagabones The band included Kiley Ryan, Phil D'Agostino, and Daniel Bower. Kiley and I also released a collaborative record of original songs titled Foxhound in June 2013. This coming year we have a Daytrotter session in March as well as a film idea we're pursuing.

Most unique show: Most unique show was probably Sunrise Set at The Frendly Gathering Festival in Windsor, VT.  It's a summer fest run by professional snowboarders Jack Matrini and Danny Davis. It's held at a defunct ski resort and they invited us to play at the top of the mountain during sunrise. At 4AM Jack and Danny met us at the bottom with an ATV Mule Gator thing. We held on for dear life and they gunned it straight up the slope. When we got to the top, there was an awesome crowd and we played and they danced and sun came up behind us over the Green Mountains.

Most exciting show: Most exciting is a very tough call. I'm always excited to play. I've even had exciting sets at random open mics. I think I'll give "most" exciting to the Aladdin Theater in Portland, OR, 2007 opening for Amos Lee. It was the first time I was on stage alone in front of a sold out theater. It was pretty surreal.

Philly music hero: Freddie Berman. Besides being a great friend and drummer, he's the single greatest resource for all things musical. He is a master in his craft and has unsurpassed knowledge of his trade as well as the history of those who came before him. He's also got the best memory of anyone I've ever known. If it is possible for any red blooded American westerner to possess an open heart chakra, I think Freddie may have done it.

Music info/source for Philly music: Freddie Berman ...and The Swollen Fox is my usual go to. It's a pretty complete guide to all things music in Philly. And of course Root Down in the Shadow along with One Fan at a Time.

Favorite venue to play in Philly: Dawson St Pub for the looseness, World Cafe Live for the tightness, Union Transfer for the size and sound.

Favorite venue to see music in Philly: Most are great! Academy of Music is the most impressive, Johnny Brenda’s is always a good time, Unitarian Church is cool too. There are a lot of great venues in Philly, hard to say one.

Any sessions in the works: Currently we are rehearsing our live show for March tour with Amos Lee.   Also just released by Kettle Pot Tracks is our On The Hill Session


Random thoughts: Well, after writing these answers down and reminiscing like this I find myself thinking about things I don't think of on a regular basis, I guess I have to say, wow, hey life you random fellow you. Hey there 10 years in Philly, thanks for being a cool tough town you sick SOB. I came here randomly and I randomly met beautiful and real people and in random fashion I hear sounds and try to copy things and think about what songs are in my blood and how do they live once they are born and are they good eggs, bad apples, late bloomers, attention hogs, for the gods, for the dogs and who cares now and who's going to care later and who's going to hear it, one day, randomly.

*********************************
After three great dates in a row with the Musicians On Call Benefit at World Cafe Live, The Prince Theater, and Boot & Saddle playing Nirvana Unplugged with Foxhound, Chris Kasper is ready to hit the road.  First Chris heads out on tour with Wood Brothers for a few dates, then jumping ship bus to switch on tour with Amos Lee.  Be sure to check tour dates here!

Introducing: Johnny Miles

Johnny Miles: I've known him for a long time and he's always put out solid, understated records. I just heard the new stuff he's gearing up to release and it blew my mind. Everyone should keep an eye out.

The new album called Everything Is Contagious was recorded with co-producer/performer Ross Bellenoit and Johnny Miles on a laptop in a living room.  It went to press earlier this month.  Fans should keep an eye out for the follow-up to the 21012 release Lost Treasure Found to be officially released this summer 2014.

Stay tuned to www.johnnymilesmusic.com for more information & show dates as they unfold.