Texas-born country singer-songwriter Whitney Miller chatted about “15 Minutes of Fame,” her inspirations, and she shared her dream collaboration choices in music.
Miller is a former professional MMA athlete and she was crowned “Miss United States”; moreover, she is a kickboxing commentator, and podcaster, and she lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
How did “15 Minutes of Fame” come about?
It was at my first Nashville writing retreat with Kelly Seidel, Hailey Verhaalen & Chelsey Satterlee. Kelly tossed out the title of “15 Minutes of Fame” and our first thought was to write it about an ex who does the same thing over and over again, just with a different girl.
It’s a personal and vulnerable story for me because a lot of it was inspired by one of my biggest heartbreaks. This song gave me the chance to say a lot of the things I was too afraid to admit out loud.
How did the music video for the song come about?
Since it was such a personal song that a lot of people seem to relate to when I play it live, I knew creating a lyric video was the way to go! We went back to the house where we shot the cover and filmed most of it with an old school camcorder. In fact, we almost decided to shoot the entire video that way. Rachel Deeb who works with Maren Morris directed and shot the video.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
I’m all about diving into personal experience. If there is something I have been too afraid to say out loud, I try to find a way to put it into lyrics with the hope that it resonates with someone and what they are experiencing. I also try to find inspiration in everything, from TV shows, to books, to my dreams at night. Everything can become a story which is what songs do.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age? (Now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
There is now so much opportunity for artists which is exciting but also can be a bit overwhelming trying to navigate the new technologies. Sometimes I feel like I have to be a streaming and social media expert on top of an artist.
What is your advice for young and aspiring artists?
Go for it! Find what makes you, you and celebrate that. Use the world to inspire you and know that whatever makes you unique is your superpower. People will tell you a lot of things, whether it be positive or negative, remember why you want to do music and allow that to anchor you when the waters get rough.
Which artists would you like to do a dream duet with and why?
Elle King, Miranda Lambert, Shania Twain…the list can go on! I absolutely love their unapologetic spirit about them. I know we would have a hell of time!
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
When I lay my head on my pillow at night and feel proud of who I am, the woman I am becoming and how I make others feel, it’s a win. I can have all the awards, and don’t get me wrong, I want a wall full of accolades, but if I am not happy with myself then I don’t see that as a true success.
What would you like to tell our readers about “15 Minutes of Fame”?
Ultimately, it’s a sassy truth teller that I hope will help people heal through a break up in a fun way and cuts some of the competition we feel when our ex moves on. We have all been there and can learn from each other.
“15 Minutes of Fame” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about country singer-songwriter Whitney Miller, follow her on Instagram.
