The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu


JC Miller releases "Tombstone Junction"

originally published: 09/01/2024

JC Miller releases "Tombstone Junction"

Photo by Ava Doré

Seasoned country-rock artist JC Miller presents his new single "Tombstone Junction", following the path of a true-grit American songwriter. Released via American indie imprint Tilt Records, JC Miller once again takes us on a captivating journey across the American landscape.

In a world that's constantly moving forward, leaving behind a trail of fading memories, Miller's new piece delves into the profound sense of loss that accompanies the erosion of the past. 'Tombstone Junction' is a poignant exploration of the yearning for connection to our roots and the wisdom that can be gleaned from the echoes of our ancestors.

JC Miller's music takes form through the music alchemy enjoyed with celebrated musician-producer Marty Rifkin, who is known for his work with Tom Petty, Glen Campbell and Jewel, in addition to playing pedal steel guitar in Bruce Springsteen's The Sessions Band.

"Tombstone Junction is a kind of stand-in metaphor for the tremendous sense of loss we feel when we are disconnected from the past. When that continuity breaks, as it is pretty much nowadays, we lose our way. The future’s not here yet, what’s there to say about that? The past has so many answers to recurring questions and there are so many different threads to trace down and revisit. We can learn so much from that which came before. That repeating sense of yearning for something that no longer exists is something I feel mostly all the time - memories from childhood, favorite places, road trips," says JC Miller.

"I love smaller intimate moments and places, more than the famous or grandiose ones. Tombstone Junction was a theme park that burned down twice and was mismanaged, but it was also a place where Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, and a ton of others played live concerts. That venue is gone but echoes of the music and the ghostly memories of the concert goers remain. Those performances were shared experiences with these masters of a craft I admire, study, and look to".



 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



Now based in Los Angeles, this prolific Detroit-born guitarist and songwriter weaves stories through the prism of sonic archaeology, unearthing the spirit of Americana and giving it voice through resonant melodies and via geographic landmarks discovered on his own personal journeys. Miller crafts relatable songs that are rooted in the fabric of America, his work infused in deep affection for its Southern realms.

Back with his unique blend of southern rock, second-line funk, woodsy blues and outlaw country balladry, this latest offering follows a hearty string of singles that include 'Dead Horse Ranch', 'Sundown Slim','Wayward Son' and 'Before Nightfall'.

Evoking a grounded sense of place through his music, Miller's sound has a Southern-fried edge and a transportive authenticity. He makes songs that feel at home in neon-lit diners, long highway drives, desert expanses, and sun-soaked small towns. Miller pays homage to his guitar and songwriting heroes, inspired by timeless artists like Neil Young, Leon Russell and The Band as much as the unfussy yet potent prose of writers like Larry McMurtry, Ernest Hemingway and Cormac McCarthy.

Music is a labor of love for JC Miller, having spent years as a sideman and composing for corporate titans like Levi's, Coca-Cola and Nike. Now he's ditched the boardroom for the pleasure of creating his own music.

Imbued with an intentional sense of timelessness, JC Miller crafts anthems that resonate with the soul of America, inspired by the gradual rediscovery of history - of his own family’ and America at large. Tastefully blending classic Americana and rock echoes from history, woven through his masterful guitar work, each song is like a map, charting the path to self-discovery.

As of August 30, 'Tombstone Junction' is available everywhere online, including SpotifyApple Music and elsewhere, where his latest series of stunning singles may also be found.



 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

COLUMNS


Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/19/24

They come from all walks of life and music genres but the most important thing is; they've come together to form a Blues band that is original, solid and different from the rest and what makes them so unique is a combination of experience and backgrounds.




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 17-24, 2024




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 12/16/24




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Maybe Next Christmas" by Carolyn Marosy






 

MORE NEWS

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Sad news for the Jersey Music Community. Southside Johnny has announced he has retired from touring immediately, leading to the cancellation of this year's annual New Year's Eve performance at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank.


26th Annual Makin Waves Awards




The Newton Theatre presents Jorma Kaukonen on June 22nd




Celebrating 40 Years of Service, Women In Music presents 2025 Virtual Summit in January




Keith Roth Releases Single from First Solo Album






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Outpost in the Burbs presents Robyn Hitchcock

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Robyn Hitchcock on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at First Congregational Church of Montclair. Imogen Clark will open the night. Doors are at 7:30pm, showtime is 8:00pm.


Jesse Malin to Perform A Featured Set at Light of Day WinterFest 2025




State Theatre New Jersey presents Salute to Vienna




Celebrate the Holiday Season with New Jersey Festival Orchestra!






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info


The Penguin Rocks

© 2024 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates