WHITNEY MILLER

“Diamond Country” Behind-the-Scenes Video – with Web-Exclusive Interview

Musician:  WHITNEY MILLER

Video:  Behind the Scenes “Diamond Country”

COUNTRY NEWCOMER WHITNEY MILLER GIVES BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK OF NEW SINGLE “DIAMOND COUNTRY”

Country music newcomer Whitney Miller kicks the dust off her boots and puts on some rhinestones, showing her new single “Diamond Country” is ready for country music. With a roaring banjo, rocking fiddle and a heart-thumping beat, Miller offers a modern sound, that’s familiar like Shania, unique like Miranda, and in your face, as only she can do. “Diamond Country” was written by Miller and co-writer Pennie Painter and is currently heard on the radio across the United States.

In the ever-changing world of country music, many have found it hard to find a style or sound that makes them stand out among the others. From the first note of the banjo, you know “Diamond Country” is unique. With lyrics like “So I’m a little extra, but I caught your eye I bet ya” and “I like the finer things, man they look good on me,” there is no denying the confidence it takes to pull off this single.

Armed with the next dance anthem of 2022, Whitney Miller takes fans along every step of this journey while recording the upcoming music video—pulling back the curtain to show the work and preparation that goes into each single and video, from start to finish. Once the song is completed, the plan to create a high-quality video takes a full crew, from hair and makeup to cameramen, producer, locations, designs and wardrobe. That’s what this Behind the Scenes Video is all about. All can see the preparation, the backup dancers and the raw nature and vulnerability it takes to expose her creative energy and talent.

Whitney Miller’s “Diamond Country” draws inspiration from Glen Campbell’s Rhinestone Cowboy. While growing up in Corpus Christi, Texas, Miller went to Texas State University and after 10 years in Austin, made her move to Nashville to pursue music full time. No stranger to change, she has pursued several interesting careers that span from Podcast Host to Miss United States to Glory Kickboxing commentator. Competitive in nature, Miller has what it takes to make it in the music industry, while never taking no for an answer, keeping her chin up, her head high and her eye on the ball—every beat of the way.

Whitney Miller knows that hard work, discipline and focus—help you reach your goals. It’s evident in the new single “Diamond Country”—which she has written from all the emotions and experiences that have brought her this far on her journey.

WHITNEY MILLER Interview

with M Music & Musicians magazine publisher, Merlin David

What is one main thing you learned about yourself after recording “Diamond Country”?
That I can do it! I can show up even when I am scared or doubting myself. I know how to stay the course and understand how important following this through is for me. When I was 10, someone close to me told me I couldn’t sing. I took that to heart in a very deep way, to the point that I completely shut down my voice. I would never sing for anyone. If I was asked, I would completely shut down. It was heartbreaking and something that plagued me every day. Even today, I still have to navigate this fear but now, I don’t let it hold me back. We have one life to live, and I am certainly not going to live it wishing I had a different life or wondering ‘what if.’

Seems like this song has deeper meaning for you and your journey.
Being able to write and record “Diamond Country” is so important because it’s more than a song. It’s more than the lyrics in the song. It’s a representation of pushing through my deepest fear and proving to me—that I deserve the life I always dreamed of as a kid. Ultimately, it is about not playing it safe. Living life however you want to—and owning it. Not only was writing and recording this song so much fun, but it encouraged me to keep having fun with the entire process. Sometimes the process of creating a song can be stressful because you want it to be perfect—which can be a trap because perfection doesn’t really exist. So it was a great lesson in keeping the fun going and enjoying every moment of it.

How did the idea of this song come to you and Pennie Painter?
I had two routes for writing that day. Either fun over the top dancing song or break your heart and cry all night. Clearly, we went with the playful party song. I pulled up a picture of Miley Cyrus and Madonna drenched in diamond and rhinestones. How they were portrayed in that picture was the inspiration of the song. They just looked like they were having a good time.

What do you want this song to convey?
When people hear it, I want them to laugh, dance, boot stomp and have an unapologetically good time. Pennie knows me so well, so she was able to bring out the very playful, fun side of me that is woven into this song. We tried not to worry about what most country music is about. We wanted to break the rules a bit and not play it safe.

Who originally inspired you to write songs?
I am not sure if there was one specific person who inspired me to write my own music. It was in my blood from a young age. I just had to believe that I was good enough to do it. I used to write songs in my dreams but could never get them out onto paper. Now, I can’t seem to put the pen down. I have so many songs ready to release.

Whitney Miller knows that hard work, discipline and focus—help you reach your goals. It’s evident in the new single “Diamond Country”—which she has written from all the emotions and experiences that have brought her this far on her journey.

Is there a songwriting tip you’d like to offer?
Until I started writing my own music, my entire life—I have always been one to shy away from emotions. My songs are pretty much a compilation of all the things I never said out loud. I believe in being as open and authentic as possible. My advice would be, don’t be afraid to go to the areas that scare you or feel too vulnerable to share. More people than you know will resonate with your story.

What instruments/equipment can you not live without?
My white Gibson Dove guitar—I think we make a great duo.

Which Top 5 Musicians inspired you to become a musician?
Gretchen Wilson
Miranda Lambert
Susan Tedeschi
Bonnie Raitt
Patsy Cline

Tell us a “pinch me” moment when you thought “Wow, this is really happening to me!”
I recently moved to Nashville which was a big move from my home state of Texas. So, every day I feel like I have a pinch me moment. I do my best to remember this is an adventure that will be filled with ups and downs, but it’s all a part of the ride. To name a few: moving. Recording my very first song in the studio called “Go Ahead & Make It”—which will be released next year. Performing in multiple writers round in Nashville. The final scene of the “Diamond Country” music video—as soon as we wrapped I completely broke down in happy (and some exhausted) tears. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the best night of my life. My best friend designed my cover art. We used to talk about when we would get the chance to do that and boom, we did it. Even doing this interview—it’s my first interview specifically for my debut single. How cool? The list goes on and on.

Tell us a little about any of the other songs on this album.
I have so many songs in the works that are directly from the heart. From heartbreak, to finding love, to healing, to self-love—it’s all a window into who I am and how I live my life. “Diamond Country” shows my over the top, fun loving side.

In this unique socio-political climate, how do you remain hopeful?
I try to remember that a lot of this life is out of my control but what I can control is how I make the people I come in contact with feel. It may be complete chaos in our world but if I can inspire people to go for what they want in life, I’m happy.

What is the best advice you’d give to your teenage self?
Don’t let the fear of potential judgment of others keep you from pursuing your dreams. Easier said than done, I know, but living that way will be a hell of a lot more fun.

How did being a professional athlete influence your songwriting and music?
Being in athletics my entire life, gave me resilience that is necessary to pursue something like music. It’s going to be hard, I am going to hear ‘no.’ Not everyone is going to like me or my music, but that is not a reason to quit. If I am happy and love what I am doing, keep going. Cross the finish line.

Where can new fans get more info and stay updated
Website: https://www.whitneymillermusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Miss2Jits
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitnlove/
Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/whitnlove/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WhitneyMillerNLove