Igniting the Flame: Alex Miller’s “Secondhand Smoke” Keeps Classic Country Burning
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In a musical landscape often chasing the next trend, Alex Miller stands as a steadfast torchbearer for traditional Country. With the release of his latest single, “Secondhand Smoke,” via Billy Jam Records, Miller isn’t just releasing a song; he’s delivering a twangy, heartfelt homage to the genre’s roots, co-written by none other than Country music titan Alan Jackson and hitmaker Jim McBride.
“Secondhand Smoke” tells a classic tale of heartbreak on the horizon, with signs as obvious and undeniable as a five-alarm blaze. The genius of the song lies in its ability to convey this impending emotional fallout with a deceptively simple yet potent metaphor. Jim McBride, one of the song’s original writers, expresses his excitement, stating that he loves Miller’s version and feels “one of my favorite ‘children’ has finally found a great home.” This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of what Miller brings to the track – a natural fit that respects its origins while giving it fresh life.
For Miller, recording a song penned by one of his heroes was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. As he puts it, “There’s not a Country singer alive today who doesn’t owe a tip of their hat to Alan Jackson.” The chance to cut a song from Jackson’s catalog, co-written with a legend like McBride, was an irresistible draw that underscores Miller’s deep reverence for Country music’s foundational artists.
Musically, “Secondhand Smoke” is an up-tempo, danceable dream. It kicks off with sizzling electric guitar licks and a “slippery steel guitar,” immediately setting a vibrant, honky-tonk atmosphere. Alex Miller’s energetic vocal performance then fans the flames, giving the song a live wire feel that’s sure to get boots tapping. It’s no surprise that the track is already a hit at Miller’s live shows, where his stage presence ranges from high-energy, reminiscent of early Garth Brooks, to a nuanced delivery of tender ballads. This 22-year-old, 6’6” entertainer from rural Lancaster, Kentucky, truly owns the spotlight and the hearts of his audience.
A Career Forged in Tradition and Dedication
Miller’s journey from American Idol Season 19 in 2021 to his current standing has been nothing short of remarkable. His debut album for Billy Jam Records, MILLER TIME (2022), spawned three impactful singles: “Don’t Let The Barn Door Hit Ya,” “Through With You,” and “I’m Over You, So Get Over Me.” His second release, COUNTRY (2023), continued the momentum with hits like “When God Made The South,” “Girl, I Know A Guy,” and the smash single, “Puttin’ Up Hay,” which spent three weeks at #1 on the CDX True Indie Chart and graced the Top 50 on the Mediabase Activator Chart.
Beyond the studio, Miller is a tireless performer, having toured extensively across the State and County Fair circuit and opened for an impressive roster of Country legends and contemporary stars, including Brooks & Dunn, Hank Jr., Josh Turner, Lee Brice, Alabama, and many more. He’s also dedicated time to his songwriting, collaborating with acclaimed hitmakers such as Kent Blazy, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, and Jerry Salley, among others. Capping off a spectacular 2023, he received the American FFA Degree for Excellence, the organization’s highest accolade, further solidifying his connection to his roots.
Miller’s current five-song EP, MY DADDY’S DAD (2024), produced by Jerry Salley, has continued his success, with the title track and “She Makes Dirt Look Good” becoming hits at Country radio. Since moving to Nashville in May, he made his Grand Ole Opry debut in June 2024. His most recent “honkin’ tonkin’ radio-active single” is “The Byrd,” featuring Country icon Tracy Byrd, with its companion music video premiering on the CMT Music Channel in May.
“Secondhand Smoke” is a potent reminder of Alex Miller’s commitment to keeping the classic Country flame alive. It’s a track that embodies tradition, showcases his evolving artistry, and promises an exciting continuation of his journey as a neo-traditionalist powerhouse.