Country singer Carolyn Miller has revealed how a chance shoutout from pop sensation Meghan Trainor in 2018 dramatically altered the course of her life and career. Originally pursuing an acting career, Miller’s journey to music was unexpected yet transformative, as she shared during a recent episode of The Dory Jackson Interview series.
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At 37 years old, Miller has always had a passion for the performing arts. While she graduated college with aspirations of becoming an actress, it was her casual foray into music that led her down an entirely different path. The New York native recalled feeling a sense of emptiness in her daily routine after graduating, as striping away school left her with periods of downtime that lacked direction.
During this period of uncertainty, Miller began uploading cover songs to YouTube, seeking a way to fill her spare time while auditioning for acting roles. The platform offered her a rare opportunity for artistic control, one that she often found absent in her acting pursuits. In her own words, Miller described her surprise at the organic fan base she began to build, prompting questions from her audience about when she would release original music. “I’m just an actress from New York! People give me scripts!” she quipped, illustrating her initial reluctance to embrace a music career.
Despite her reservations, Miller continued to immerse herself in the world of music, ultimately leading to the moment that would change everything. In 2018, she uploaded a cover of one of Trainor’s songs and tagged the singer on social media. What happened next took her by surprise; Trainor reshared Miller’s post with encouraging words, stating, “Everyone, follow Carolyn Miller — this girl can sing.” Overnight, Miller gained an additional 3,000 followers on Facebook and suddenly found herself thrust into the spotlight.
As the recognition continued to grow, Miller embraced the burgeoning opportunities, saying, “I’m loving what this world is. I don’t know a damn thing about it, but like, let’s see what’s behind door number three.” The burst of attention galvanized her to delve deeper into the music industry, particularly the genre of country music, which had long been her favourite.
Determined to take her new career seriously, Miller started making frequent trips to Nashville to immerse herself in the music scene. She attended events and networked, often sitting alone at bars to observe performances and take notes. “Did they open with a tempo? Did they go to a ballad? Where in the set do they start talking?” she recounted, showcasing her meticulous approach to learning the nuances of live performances.
Building her music career became her focus, and Miller described the process as one that was constructed “brick by brick” and “month by month.” Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude towards Trainor for igniting her passion for music and for helping establish her fan base, referring to the 2018 shoutout as a significant “wink” from the universe.
Fast forward to today, Miller has achieved notable recognition in the country music industry, being named a “Next Up Now” artist by CMT and recognised as “One to Watch” by the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Her single “When I Say I Do Today” has garnered attention and demonstrates her growth as an artist.
Miller’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the unpredictability of career paths and the importance of being open to new opportunities. As she continues to navigate the music landscape, she embodies the idea that taking a chance can lead to rewarding journeys filled with unexpected success.