Rob Miller
@millerscave.bsky.social
https://www.robmillerwriting.com/
Author. Cofounder Bloodshot Records. DJ at Miller’s Cave.
Exploring the murky recesses of roots music:
Streaming at radioharborcountry.org
Sat: 4 to 5 PM & Sun: 9 to 10pm (Eastern)
Chicago via Detroit
Author. Cofounder Bloodshot Records. DJ at Miller’s Cave.
Exploring the murky recesses of roots music:
Streaming at radioharborcountry.org
Sat: 4 to 5 PM & Sun: 9 to 10pm (Eastern)
Chicago via Detroit
Pinned
IT'S OUT!
Pick one up at @illinoispress.bsky.social or @bookshop.org or finer independent retailers near you.
"Every page a treasure"--No Depression
"Brilliantly written with a gonzo flavor to it"--Americana UK
"...a must read"--Glide Magazine
"It's not a squirrel"--my dog Gromit
#booksky #author
Pick one up at @illinoispress.bsky.social or @bookshop.org or finer independent retailers near you.
"Every page a treasure"--No Depression
"Brilliantly written with a gonzo flavor to it"--Americana UK
"...a must read"--Glide Magazine
"It's not a squirrel"--my dog Gromit
#booksky #author
Reposted by Rob Miller
In case you missed it, here's my interview with Scott Simon on NPR's Morning Edition from earlier today. We talk about my new book "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low', what made Chicago such a special place for labels and **checks notes** duct tape.
www.npr.org/2025/11/29/n...
#booksky #npr
www.npr.org/2025/11/29/n...
#booksky #npr
November 29, 2025 at 10:08 PM
In case you missed it, here's my interview with Scott Simon on NPR's Morning Edition from earlier today. We talk about my new book "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low', what made Chicago such a special place for labels and **checks notes** duct tape.
www.npr.org/2025/11/29/n...
#booksky #npr
www.npr.org/2025/11/29/n...
#booksky #npr
Reposted by Rob Miller
My review of @millerscave.bsky.social's new book. Scroll to the end for a link to a fab playlist.
Rob Miller, co-founder of Chicago-based indie label Bloodshot, has written a memoir that highlights the importance of independence and community both in music and in the wider culture.
"..insightful, idealistic and intelligent, written with love and humour."
louderthanwar.com/the-hours-ar...
"..insightful, idealistic and intelligent, written with love and humour."
louderthanwar.com/the-hours-ar...
The Hours Are Long, But The Pay Is Low by Rob Miller – Review
Rob Miller, co-founder of Chicago-based indie label Bloodshot, has written an insightful memoir that is full of love for music.
louderthanwar.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:39 PM
My review of @millerscave.bsky.social's new book. Scroll to the end for a link to a fab playlist.
Reposted by Rob Miller
I don't know about where you are, but it's COLD here. A perfect weekend to take care of the music lovers on your list. To help @illinoispress.bsky.social is offering a HOLIDAY SALE for the month of December. May I humbly suggest "The Hours Are Long But The Pay is Low?"
#robmillerwriting #booksky
#robmillerwriting #booksky
December 5, 2025 at 4:33 PM
I don't know about where you are, but it's COLD here. A perfect weekend to take care of the music lovers on your list. To help @illinoispress.bsky.social is offering a HOLIDAY SALE for the month of December. May I humbly suggest "The Hours Are Long But The Pay is Low?"
#robmillerwriting #booksky
#robmillerwriting #booksky
Reposted by Rob Miller
Jeff Kent got elected to the hall of fame?
Friendly reminder.
Jeff Kent’s WAR 55.4
Lou Whitaker’s WAR 75.1
Friendly reminder.
Jeff Kent’s WAR 55.4
Lou Whitaker’s WAR 75.1
December 8, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Jeff Kent got elected to the hall of fame?
Friendly reminder.
Jeff Kent’s WAR 55.4
Lou Whitaker’s WAR 75.1
Friendly reminder.
Jeff Kent’s WAR 55.4
Lou Whitaker’s WAR 75.1
It's that time of year, when I hang my #alantrammell Xmas ornament---even though it looks like a 2nd rate mob enforcer from an episode of Baretta. Maybe one day, I'll be able to hang a Hall of Fame Lou Whitaker one next to him. Jeff Kent? Really?
#detroittigers #baseball #halloffame #louwhitaker
#detroittigers #baseball #halloffame #louwhitaker
December 8, 2025 at 2:31 AM
It's that time of year, when I hang my #alantrammell Xmas ornament---even though it looks like a 2nd rate mob enforcer from an episode of Baretta. Maybe one day, I'll be able to hang a Hall of Fame Lou Whitaker one next to him. Jeff Kent? Really?
#detroittigers #baseball #halloffame #louwhitaker
#detroittigers #baseball #halloffame #louwhitaker
Reposted by Rob Miller
Tis the season
Listen to Miller's Cave today www.radioharborcountry.org at 4pm EST for the Holiday tunes that AREN'T played to death. No barking dogs, no McCartney synth crap, no Mariah. #rockabilly #soulmusic
#communityradio #radioharborcountry #harborcountry #indieradio #xmasmusic #rockabilly
Listen to Miller's Cave today www.radioharborcountry.org at 4pm EST for the Holiday tunes that AREN'T played to death. No barking dogs, no McCartney synth crap, no Mariah. #rockabilly #soulmusic
#communityradio #radioharborcountry #harborcountry #indieradio #xmasmusic #rockabilly
December 6, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Tis the season
Listen to Miller's Cave today www.radioharborcountry.org at 4pm EST for the Holiday tunes that AREN'T played to death. No barking dogs, no McCartney synth crap, no Mariah. #rockabilly #soulmusic
#communityradio #radioharborcountry #harborcountry #indieradio #xmasmusic #rockabilly
Listen to Miller's Cave today www.radioharborcountry.org at 4pm EST for the Holiday tunes that AREN'T played to death. No barking dogs, no McCartney synth crap, no Mariah. #rockabilly #soulmusic
#communityradio #radioharborcountry #harborcountry #indieradio #xmasmusic #rockabilly
This is quite awesome. Cool piled on top of cool,
In honor of the 105th anniversary of the birth of Dave Brubeck (d. 2012), here's Jamaican saxophonist Val Bennett taking on his most famous tune and improbably calling it "The Russians Are Coming."
#1001CoverSongs
Song # 39:
youtu.be/pzqoqzSZkPs?...
#1001CoverSongs
Song # 39:
youtu.be/pzqoqzSZkPs?...
VAL BENNETT - The Russians Are Coming [1968]
YouTube video by Bionic Dub
youtu.be
December 6, 2025 at 4:50 PM
This is quite awesome. Cool piled on top of cool,
Tis the season
Listen to Miller's Cave today www.radioharborcountry.org at 4pm EST for the Holiday tunes that AREN'T played to death. No barking dogs, no McCartney synth crap, no Mariah. #rockabilly #soulmusic
#communityradio #radioharborcountry #harborcountry #indieradio #xmasmusic #rockabilly
Listen to Miller's Cave today www.radioharborcountry.org at 4pm EST for the Holiday tunes that AREN'T played to death. No barking dogs, no McCartney synth crap, no Mariah. #rockabilly #soulmusic
#communityradio #radioharborcountry #harborcountry #indieradio #xmasmusic #rockabilly
December 6, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Tis the season
Listen to Miller's Cave today www.radioharborcountry.org at 4pm EST for the Holiday tunes that AREN'T played to death. No barking dogs, no McCartney synth crap, no Mariah. #rockabilly #soulmusic
#communityradio #radioharborcountry #harborcountry #indieradio #xmasmusic #rockabilly
Listen to Miller's Cave today www.radioharborcountry.org at 4pm EST for the Holiday tunes that AREN'T played to death. No barking dogs, no McCartney synth crap, no Mariah. #rockabilly #soulmusic
#communityradio #radioharborcountry #harborcountry #indieradio #xmasmusic #rockabilly
Reposted by Rob Miller
Join us on Tues, December 30th for an afternoon at @evanstonspace.bsky.social with @millerscave.bsky.social & @rhettmiller.bsky.social talking Punk, Country, & Chicago's Bloodshot Records. This is a FREE ticketed event with limited seating: first come, first served
www.eventbrite.com/e/rob-miller...
www.eventbrite.com/e/rob-miller...
Rob Miller, Rhett Miller Talk Country, Punk, and Bloodshot Records
Join us for a conversation with Rhett Miller and Rob about Rob's new book, The Hours are Long but the Pay is Low. Free. Limited capacity.
www.eventbrite.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Join us on Tues, December 30th for an afternoon at @evanstonspace.bsky.social with @millerscave.bsky.social & @rhettmiller.bsky.social talking Punk, Country, & Chicago's Bloodshot Records. This is a FREE ticketed event with limited seating: first come, first served
www.eventbrite.com/e/rob-miller...
www.eventbrite.com/e/rob-miller...
I don't know about where you are, but it's COLD here. A perfect weekend to take care of the music lovers on your list. To help @illinoispress.bsky.social is offering a HOLIDAY SALE for the month of December. May I humbly suggest "The Hours Are Long But The Pay is Low?"
#robmillerwriting #booksky
#robmillerwriting #booksky
December 5, 2025 at 4:33 PM
I don't know about where you are, but it's COLD here. A perfect weekend to take care of the music lovers on your list. To help @illinoispress.bsky.social is offering a HOLIDAY SALE for the month of December. May I humbly suggest "The Hours Are Long But The Pay is Low?"
#robmillerwriting #booksky
#robmillerwriting #booksky
And thus, though the world did not yet know it, punk rock was born...
December 5, 2025 at 4:28 PM
And thus, though the world did not yet know it, punk rock was born...
Couple of months ago, I answered a trivia question on @rboomhower.bsky.social feed, and he sent me this book! Just finished.
Good reporters try NOT to be part of the story, but that doesn't mean the stories aren't there. A great read about an overlooked aspect of WW2.
#booksky #authors
Good reporters try NOT to be part of the story, but that doesn't mean the stories aren't there. A great read about an overlooked aspect of WW2.
#booksky #authors
December 5, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Couple of months ago, I answered a trivia question on @rboomhower.bsky.social feed, and he sent me this book! Just finished.
Good reporters try NOT to be part of the story, but that doesn't mean the stories aren't there. A great read about an overlooked aspect of WW2.
#booksky #authors
Good reporters try NOT to be part of the story, but that doesn't mean the stories aren't there. A great read about an overlooked aspect of WW2.
#booksky #authors
Reposted by Rob Miller
Tomorrow is Bandcamp Friday (starting shortly at midnight)- this is their quarterly (I think) day when they give the entire sale amount to artists selling digital music or merch or physical albums. Go support your favorite artists now!
December 5, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Tomorrow is Bandcamp Friday (starting shortly at midnight)- this is their quarterly (I think) day when they give the entire sale amount to artists selling digital music or merch or physical albums. Go support your favorite artists now!
Reposted by Rob Miller
Less than two weeks to go. Get yr tickets now Chicago ❤️ www.etix.com/ticket/p/912...?
December 4, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Less than two weeks to go. Get yr tickets now Chicago ❤️ www.etix.com/ticket/p/912...?
Who says Bluesky is pointless? I lived my entire life w/o knowing of this song, until seeing this post. It is the best thing that has happened to me today. I regret that I spent so much of my life NOT listening to it. I will do my best to make up for lost time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4OC...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4OC...
December 4, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Who says Bluesky is pointless? I lived my entire life w/o knowing of this song, until seeing this post. It is the best thing that has happened to me today. I regret that I spent so much of my life NOT listening to it. I will do my best to make up for lost time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4OC...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4OC...
Solid agree. I hated this song for something like 20 years before I even knew it was McCartney. That somehow made it even worse, as I had assumed it was some synth-pop rubbish made by someone who got thrown out of Thomas Dolby's band for sucking too hard.
I put it to you that Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” is not merely the worst Christmas song but is also in fact the worst song in the history of recorded sound.
December 4, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Solid agree. I hated this song for something like 20 years before I even knew it was McCartney. That somehow made it even worse, as I had assumed it was some synth-pop rubbish made by someone who got thrown out of Thomas Dolby's band for sucking too hard.
View from my music room. Stax. Always and forever. Steve Cropper, many don't know his name, but EVERYONE knows his music. What ONE song do I say when asked? I can't. There are always another 40 on the the tip of my tongue and within reach of my turntable. A giant. RIP
#stax #stevecropper
#stax #stevecropper
December 4, 2025 at 1:44 AM
View from my music room. Stax. Always and forever. Steve Cropper, many don't know his name, but EVERYONE knows his music. What ONE song do I say when asked? I can't. There are always another 40 on the the tip of my tongue and within reach of my turntable. A giant. RIP
#stax #stevecropper
#stax #stevecropper
Reposted by Rob Miller
Here’s my Spotify Wrapped 🎵✨
December 3, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Here’s my Spotify Wrapped 🎵✨
Reposted by Rob Miller
A reminder for Chicagoans with holiday shopping left to do:
Fuck Amazon, Fuck Target, fuck fake deals on mass-produced bullshit. The One Of A Kind Show opens tomorrow and runs through the weekend at Merchandise Mart! Go buy from artisans!
oneofakindshowchicago.com
Fuck Amazon, Fuck Target, fuck fake deals on mass-produced bullshit. The One Of A Kind Show opens tomorrow and runs through the weekend at Merchandise Mart! Go buy from artisans!
oneofakindshowchicago.com
Holiday
The One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists, designers and makers with thousands of shoppers that love art and quality work. Now in its 23rd year, this is Chicago’s pre...
oneofakindshowchicago.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:17 PM
A reminder for Chicagoans with holiday shopping left to do:
Fuck Amazon, Fuck Target, fuck fake deals on mass-produced bullshit. The One Of A Kind Show opens tomorrow and runs through the weekend at Merchandise Mart! Go buy from artisans!
oneofakindshowchicago.com
Fuck Amazon, Fuck Target, fuck fake deals on mass-produced bullshit. The One Of A Kind Show opens tomorrow and runs through the weekend at Merchandise Mart! Go buy from artisans!
oneofakindshowchicago.com
This would be a day well-spent.
you could spend all day debating Steve Cropper's best songwriting credit but (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay (co-written with Otis Redding) is right up there. RIP.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTVj...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTVj...
Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by RHINO
www.youtube.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:40 PM
This would be a day well-spent.
www.allmusic.com/blog/post/fo...
Nice write-up in @allmusic.com today. Appreciate the shout-out to #blackflag 's Chuck Dukowski. It's a good story.
Pick up a copy now @illinoispress.bsky.social
#booksky #americana #altcountry #chicagomusichistory #detroitmusichistory
#robmillerwriting
Nice write-up in @allmusic.com today. Appreciate the shout-out to #blackflag 's Chuck Dukowski. It's a good story.
Pick up a copy now @illinoispress.bsky.social
#booksky #americana #altcountry #chicagomusichistory #detroitmusichistory
#robmillerwriting
For a Life of Sin: Rob Miller and the Making of Bloodshot Records
The beleaguered lead singer of Whiskeytown once crooned "So I started this damn country band/'cause punk rock was too hard to sing" which is an apt description of what was going…
www.allmusic.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:23 PM
www.allmusic.com/blog/post/fo...
Nice write-up in @allmusic.com today. Appreciate the shout-out to #blackflag 's Chuck Dukowski. It's a good story.
Pick up a copy now @illinoispress.bsky.social
#booksky #americana #altcountry #chicagomusichistory #detroitmusichistory
#robmillerwriting
Nice write-up in @allmusic.com today. Appreciate the shout-out to #blackflag 's Chuck Dukowski. It's a good story.
Pick up a copy now @illinoispress.bsky.social
#booksky #americana #altcountry #chicagomusichistory #detroitmusichistory
#robmillerwriting
Popped by Lincoln Square's THE BOOK CELLAR today to resupply them with signed copies of "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low."
Support your local bookstore, whoever they are, wherever you are!
#booksky #lincolnsquare #robmillerwriting #chicago
#musicbooks #americana #altcountry #indiebookstores
Support your local bookstore, whoever they are, wherever you are!
#booksky #lincolnsquare #robmillerwriting #chicago
#musicbooks #americana #altcountry #indiebookstores
December 2, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Popped by Lincoln Square's THE BOOK CELLAR today to resupply them with signed copies of "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low."
Support your local bookstore, whoever they are, wherever you are!
#booksky #lincolnsquare #robmillerwriting #chicago
#musicbooks #americana #altcountry #indiebookstores
Support your local bookstore, whoever they are, wherever you are!
#booksky #lincolnsquare #robmillerwriting #chicago
#musicbooks #americana #altcountry #indiebookstores
Hey!
Look what showed up in
@onmilwaukee.bsky.social 's 2025 Holiday Music Lovers Gift Guide! That's right! Yours truly's "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" on @illinoispress.bsky.social
"Like the best Bloodshot releases, it’s fiery, funny, intelligent, and fun" #booksky #americana #milwaukee
Look what showed up in
@onmilwaukee.bsky.social 's 2025 Holiday Music Lovers Gift Guide! That's right! Yours truly's "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" on @illinoispress.bsky.social
"Like the best Bloodshot releases, it’s fiery, funny, intelligent, and fun" #booksky #americana #milwaukee
December 1, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Hey!
Look what showed up in
@onmilwaukee.bsky.social 's 2025 Holiday Music Lovers Gift Guide! That's right! Yours truly's "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" on @illinoispress.bsky.social
"Like the best Bloodshot releases, it’s fiery, funny, intelligent, and fun" #booksky #americana #milwaukee
Look what showed up in
@onmilwaukee.bsky.social 's 2025 Holiday Music Lovers Gift Guide! That's right! Yours truly's "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" on @illinoispress.bsky.social
"Like the best Bloodshot releases, it’s fiery, funny, intelligent, and fun" #booksky #americana #milwaukee
Reposted by Rob Miller
Thanks @nodepression.bsky.social for the rave review.
"Every page a treasure"
Thru 11/30, get 50% off at @illinoispress.bsky.social using promo code FRIDAY50
#booksky #altcountry #insurgentcountry #americana #indiebooks #chicagomusichistory #indielabels
"Every page a treasure"
Thru 11/30, get 50% off at @illinoispress.bsky.social using promo code FRIDAY50
#booksky #altcountry #insurgentcountry #americana #indiebooks #chicagomusichistory #indielabels
November 26, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Thanks @nodepression.bsky.social for the rave review.
"Every page a treasure"
Thru 11/30, get 50% off at @illinoispress.bsky.social using promo code FRIDAY50
#booksky #altcountry #insurgentcountry #americana #indiebooks #chicagomusichistory #indielabels
"Every page a treasure"
Thru 11/30, get 50% off at @illinoispress.bsky.social using promo code FRIDAY50
#booksky #altcountry #insurgentcountry #americana #indiebooks #chicagomusichistory #indielabels
Reposted by Rob Miller
Took part in the "Page 99 Test", which was fun to write and an interesting angle for a blog to take.
Have a gander:
page99test.blogspot.com/2025/11/rob-...
#robmillerwriting #booksky #musicbooks
Have a gander:
page99test.blogspot.com/2025/11/rob-...
#robmillerwriting #booksky #musicbooks
Rob Miller's "The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low"
Rob Miller is the cofounder and former co-owner of Bloodshot Records. He applied the “ Page 99 Test ” to his new book, The Hours Are Long,...
page99test.blogspot.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Took part in the "Page 99 Test", which was fun to write and an interesting angle for a blog to take.
Have a gander:
page99test.blogspot.com/2025/11/rob-...
#robmillerwriting #booksky #musicbooks
Have a gander:
page99test.blogspot.com/2025/11/rob-...
#robmillerwriting #booksky #musicbooks