Ryan Miller of Guster settles into a casual groove with Kyle Meredith for a deep-dive conversation. Over the course of their chat, Miller reflects on the band’s evolution, fan loyalty, and their album, Evermotion.
For a band 25 years into their career, staying relevant while maintaining artistic integrity is no small feat. “We’re just interested in staying curious,” Miller explains. He likens Guster’s early days to the pivotal moment when Dylan plugged in, saying their decision to move away from bongos and acoustic guitars was a seismic shift. “We lost purist fans back then, but we gained people who were in it for the adventure.”
That sense of adventure is evident in Evermotion. Tracks like “Simple Machine” showcase the band’s willingness to play with new textures while staying rooted in their melodic sensibilities. But the deeper appeal lies in the layered, introspective lyrics—a hallmark of Miller’s writing process. “I don’t set out to write about a theme,” he admits, “but sometimes you look back and realize the songs are all talking to each other.”
Kyle pushes him on whether the album is a political record, referencing lyrics like “presidents and thieves on thrones.” Miller shrugs off the label but acknowledges that real-life emotions inevitably seep in. “If it’s not cynical, and it’s something we believe in, then it feels right,” he says. It’s this authenticity that keeps fans coming back, even as the band evolves.
Of course, not everyone’s onboard with Guster’s journey. Miller laughs about a fan tweet complaining about their “God songs.” “It’s hilarious because the three founding members are Jewish,” he says. Still, he welcomes interpretation. “If you think we’re a Christian band, that’s fine. If you don’t, that’s fine too.”
The interview closes with a live performance of “Lightning Rod,” a fan favorite that encapsulates Guster’s unique blend of earnestness and experimentation. As Miller sings, “Standing on a building, I am a lightning rod,” it’s clear the band’s willingness to take risks has kept their spark alive.
After all, as Miller says, “We’re still a band because we refuse to make the same record over and over.” With Evermotion, they prove that taking chances is not just worth it—it’s essential.
This video was shot with virtual reality cameras (just for fun). It works best on your phone, but you can also move around the camera from your desktop. If you are on your phone, the camera will move with your motion. There is a performance at the end, so stay tuned after the quick blackout.
