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
A reminder that when conversations flag tmrw at the dinner table, or discussions turn to "hey, ICE isn't THAT bad..." you can always listen to this podcast. Guaranteed to diffuse any uncomfortable family gathering.*
*(Guarantee in no way legally binding)
@chicagohistorypod.bsky.social
*(Guarantee in no way legally binding)
@chicagohistorypod.bsky.social
Author Rob Miller and I discuss his new book "The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low: A Curious Life in Independent Music" on the latest episode.
Listen here - bit.ly/4ruVuL0 or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
@millerscave.bsky.social
@illinoispress.bsky.social
Listen here - bit.ly/4ruVuL0 or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
@millerscave.bsky.social
@illinoispress.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 9:45 PM
A reminder that when conversations flag tmrw at the dinner table, or discussions turn to "hey, ICE isn't THAT bad..." you can always listen to this podcast. Guaranteed to diffuse any uncomfortable family gathering.*
*(Guarantee in no way legally binding)
@chicagohistorypod.bsky.social
*(Guarantee in no way legally binding)
@chicagohistorypod.bsky.social
Really excellent piece by @robertloerzel.bsky.social about a song I now find myself obsessed by.
@chicagomag.com
It's usually not wise to cover Tom Waits, but it's Mavis.
So there it is.
@chicagomag.com
It's usually not wise to cover Tom Waits, but it's Mavis.
So there it is.
When Tom Waits released ”Chicago” on his record ‘Bad as Me’, he said the album’s songs included “music for immigrants.”
Maybe Things Will Be Better in Chicago
A spirited Mavis Staples cover of Tom Waits‘s “Chicago” gives us reason to muse on music, migration, and our city.
buff.ly
November 26, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Really excellent piece by @robertloerzel.bsky.social about a song I now find myself obsessed by.
@chicagomag.com
It's usually not wise to cover Tom Waits, but it's Mavis.
So there it is.
@chicagomag.com
It's usually not wise to cover Tom Waits, but it's Mavis.
So there it is.
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
For all you thrifty folks who do crazy things like plan ahead for holiday shopping (I'm still picking bits of Milk Duds from my teeth from Halloween---Xmas is MILES away, right?)
Pick up a copy or two of "The Hours are Long But The Pay is Low" for the music dork in your life....
#booksky
Pick up a copy or two of "The Hours are Long But The Pay is Low" for the music dork in your life....
#booksky
NOW ANNOUNCING our Black Friday Sale!
Take 50% off all (ALL! Including preorders!) books with code FRIDAY50 at checkout!
go.illinois.edu/UIPBlackFrid...
#Thanksgiving #BlackFriday #CyberMonday #Sale #Books
Take 50% off all (ALL! Including preorders!) books with code FRIDAY50 at checkout!
go.illinois.edu/UIPBlackFrid...
#Thanksgiving #BlackFriday #CyberMonday #Sale #Books
November 26, 2025 at 3:30 PM
For all you thrifty folks who do crazy things like plan ahead for holiday shopping (I'm still picking bits of Milk Duds from my teeth from Halloween---Xmas is MILES away, right?)
Pick up a copy or two of "The Hours are Long But The Pay is Low" for the music dork in your life....
#booksky
Pick up a copy or two of "The Hours are Long But The Pay is Low" for the music dork in your life....
#booksky
Reposted by Rob Miller
My contribution to the discourse around "should writers be paid or should you steal their work" is: Yes, we should be paid.
ALSO! I'm very proud of my book. If you buy it, I do not mind what format you buy it in, where you get it or if you get it from a library 💚 bookshop.org/p/books/burn...
ALSO! I'm very proud of my book. If you buy it, I do not mind what format you buy it in, where you get it or if you get it from a library 💚 bookshop.org/p/books/burn...
November 25, 2025 at 11:12 PM
My contribution to the discourse around "should writers be paid or should you steal their work" is: Yes, we should be paid.
ALSO! I'm very proud of my book. If you buy it, I do not mind what format you buy it in, where you get it or if you get it from a library 💚 bookshop.org/p/books/burn...
ALSO! I'm very proud of my book. If you buy it, I do not mind what format you buy it in, where you get it or if you get it from a library 💚 bookshop.org/p/books/burn...
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
November 25, 2025 at 10:36 PM
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 this episode of Four Corners Arts Forum, @millerscave.bsky.social talks about his newly released book, THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/g...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/g...
Guest host Bryant Liggett talks with Rob Miller, co-founder of Bloodshot Records about his newly released book.
Podcast Episode · Four Corners Arts Forum · 11/24/2025 · 29m
podcasts.apple.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:15 PM
In this episode of Four Corners Arts Forum, @millerscave.bsky.social talks about his newly released book, THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/g...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/g...
I appreciate the suggestion by @illinoispress.bsky.social that I am, perhaps, capable of skateboarding.
#booksky #musicbooks #insurgentcountry #altcountry #chicagomusichistory
#booksky #musicbooks #insurgentcountry #altcountry #chicagomusichistory
Happy Pub Date to THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW: A Curious Life in Independent Music by @millerscave.bsky.social!
www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p0...
#Biography #Chicago #Music #ThreeFieldsBooks
www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p0...
#Biography #Chicago #Music #ThreeFieldsBooks
November 25, 2025 at 6:53 PM
I appreciate the suggestion by @illinoispress.bsky.social that I am, perhaps, capable of skateboarding.
#booksky #musicbooks #insurgentcountry #altcountry #chicagomusichistory
#booksky #musicbooks #insurgentcountry #altcountry #chicagomusichistory
Reposted by Rob Miller
Another book about a beautiful life lived in dedication to music and art, out today. I laughed, snickered and cried while reading it.
A rollicking good review from "Americana Highways":
"...told with enthusiasm & nostalgia with an inspired delivery."
"Miller never holds back, & that’s what makes the entire effort delightful. It’s like he’s talking to you. "
#booksky #robmillerwriting
americanahighways.org/2025/11/24/b...
"...told with enthusiasm & nostalgia with an inspired delivery."
"Miller never holds back, & that’s what makes the entire effort delightful. It’s like he’s talking to you. "
#booksky #robmillerwriting
americanahighways.org/2025/11/24/b...
Book Review: “The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low: A Curious Life In Independent Music – Rob Miller” • Americana Highways
We review the new book by Bloodshot Records founder Rob Miller "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low – A Curious Life In Independent Music."
americanahighways.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Another book about a beautiful life lived in dedication to music and art, out today. I laughed, snickered and cried while reading it.
Reposted by Rob Miller
@millerscave.bsky.social's THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW mentioned in New City's Today in Culture
Today In Culture, Friday, November 21, 2025: Joe Flamm’s Euro-Style Bar Tutto | The Bloodshot Records Story | Why Arts Groups Decline NEA Grants | Newcity
Get Chicago & Great Lakes culture news sent to your inbox every weekday morning. Subscribe to Newcity Today here. ART $50,000 "Anonymous Was a Woman" Grant To Candida Alvarez "Anonymous Was a Woman,…
www.newcity.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
@millerscave.bsky.social's THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW mentioned in New City's Today in Culture
Reposted by Rob Miller
Happy pub day to @millerscave.bsky.social & THE HOURS ARE LONG! Rob & I have been working together on this book for 4 years. It is a labor of love, fueled by joy, and a celebration of the gloriously weird, undersung stuff found in the crevices of the music biz and in cities like Chicago.
A rollicking good review from "Americana Highways":
"...told with enthusiasm & nostalgia with an inspired delivery."
"Miller never holds back, & that’s what makes the entire effort delightful. It’s like he’s talking to you. "
#booksky #robmillerwriting
americanahighways.org/2025/11/24/b...
"...told with enthusiasm & nostalgia with an inspired delivery."
"Miller never holds back, & that’s what makes the entire effort delightful. It’s like he’s talking to you. "
#booksky #robmillerwriting
americanahighways.org/2025/11/24/b...
Book Review: “The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low: A Curious Life In Independent Music – Rob Miller” • Americana Highways
We review the new book by Bloodshot Records founder Rob Miller "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low – A Curious Life In Independent Music."
americanahighways.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Happy pub day to @millerscave.bsky.social & THE HOURS ARE LONG! Rob & I have been working together on this book for 4 years. It is a labor of love, fueled by joy, and a celebration of the gloriously weird, undersung stuff found in the crevices of the music biz and in cities like Chicago.
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
A rollicking good review from "Americana Highways":
"...told with enthusiasm & nostalgia with an inspired delivery."
"Miller never holds back, & that’s what makes the entire effort delightful. It’s like he’s talking to you. "
#booksky #robmillerwriting
americanahighways.org/2025/11/24/b...
"...told with enthusiasm & nostalgia with an inspired delivery."
"Miller never holds back, & that’s what makes the entire effort delightful. It’s like he’s talking to you. "
#booksky #robmillerwriting
americanahighways.org/2025/11/24/b...
Book Review: “The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low: A Curious Life In Independent Music – Rob Miller” • Americana Highways
We review the new book by Bloodshot Records founder Rob Miller "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low – A Curious Life In Independent Music."
americanahighways.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:56 AM
A rollicking good review from "Americana Highways":
"...told with enthusiasm & nostalgia with an inspired delivery."
"Miller never holds back, & that’s what makes the entire effort delightful. It’s like he’s talking to you. "
#booksky #robmillerwriting
americanahighways.org/2025/11/24/b...
"...told with enthusiasm & nostalgia with an inspired delivery."
"Miller never holds back, & that’s what makes the entire effort delightful. It’s like he’s talking to you. "
#booksky #robmillerwriting
americanahighways.org/2025/11/24/b...
Reposted by Rob Miller
BOOK REVIEW: Editor @rachelcholst.bsky.social reviews The Hours Are Long But the Pay is Low, the memoir of Bloodshot Records co-founder @Millerscave.bsky.social Miller impresses on us a devotion to authenticity, independence, and community.
rainbowrodeomag.com/...
rainbowrodeomag.com/...
November 24, 2025 at 10:45 PM
BOOK REVIEW: Editor @rachelcholst.bsky.social reviews The Hours Are Long But the Pay is Low, the memoir of Bloodshot Records co-founder @Millerscave.bsky.social Miller impresses on us a devotion to authenticity, independence, and community.
rainbowrodeomag.com/...
rainbowrodeomag.com/...
Reposted by Rob Miller
In 1995, The Old 97's signed with Bloodshot Records, which released their album Wreck Your Life. This partnership helped launch the band into the burgeoning alt-country scene.
Ep. 817 - Chicago's Bloodshot Records with author Rob Miller
@millerscave.bsky.social
@officialold97s.bsky.social
Ep. 817 - Chicago's Bloodshot Records with author Rob Miller
@millerscave.bsky.social
@officialold97s.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 8:52 PM
In 1995, The Old 97's signed with Bloodshot Records, which released their album Wreck Your Life. This partnership helped launch the band into the burgeoning alt-country scene.
Ep. 817 - Chicago's Bloodshot Records with author Rob Miller
@millerscave.bsky.social
@officialold97s.bsky.social
Ep. 817 - Chicago's Bloodshot Records with author Rob Miller
@millerscave.bsky.social
@officialold97s.bsky.social
Reposted by Rob Miller
Excellent playlist for Rob's excellent book (out soon - I got a review copy).
See if this works. A friend in London figured it out. If it does, spread the word!
youtube.com/playlist?lis...
youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Songs from "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" by Rob Miller - YouTube
Playlist featuring songs and artists that make appearances as influences and inspirations within the book "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low." This is a ...
youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Excellent playlist for Rob's excellent book (out soon - I got a review copy).
I wrote about the impact of seeing "The Harder They Come" in my new book:
"The spirituality and street-level urgency were an extension of what I was beginning to understand as “punk rock.” There were outsiders everywhere, and there was an uphill search for affirmation everywhere."
#jimmycliff
"The spirituality and street-level urgency were an extension of what I was beginning to understand as “punk rock.” There were outsiders everywhere, and there was an uphill search for affirmation everywhere."
#jimmycliff
November 24, 2025 at 3:21 PM
I wrote about the impact of seeing "The Harder They Come" in my new book:
"The spirituality and street-level urgency were an extension of what I was beginning to understand as “punk rock.” There were outsiders everywhere, and there was an uphill search for affirmation everywhere."
#jimmycliff
"The spirituality and street-level urgency were an extension of what I was beginning to understand as “punk rock.” There were outsiders everywhere, and there was an uphill search for affirmation everywhere."
#jimmycliff
After a fun-filled weekend of good weather in Chicago, it's time to dig around my vinyl collection and settle down to the smooth, Sunday night disco stylings of (***checks notes***) BENSON...aka Bob "Don't Call Me Robert" Guillaume.
#vinylcommunity #vinyl #weirdvinyl
#vinylcommunity #vinyl #weirdvinyl
November 24, 2025 at 3:56 AM
After a fun-filled weekend of good weather in Chicago, it's time to dig around my vinyl collection and settle down to the smooth, Sunday night disco stylings of (***checks notes***) BENSON...aka Bob "Don't Call Me Robert" Guillaume.
#vinylcommunity #vinyl #weirdvinyl
#vinylcommunity #vinyl #weirdvinyl
Have a listen! We had some fun! Maybe you'll do better than me on the "Chicago" quiz at the end.
@chicagohistorypod.bsky.social
@chicagohistorypod.bsky.social
"That Robbie Fulks is not in the top tier of the pantheon of great American songwriters is a crime." - Rob Miller, co-founder of Bloodshot Records.
Ep. 817 - Chicago's Bloodshot Records with author Rob Miller
Clipping - Chicago Tribune July 17, 1998
@millerscave.bsky.social
Ep. 817 - Chicago's Bloodshot Records with author Rob Miller
Clipping - Chicago Tribune July 17, 1998
@millerscave.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Have a listen! We had some fun! Maybe you'll do better than me on the "Chicago" quiz at the end.
@chicagohistorypod.bsky.social
@chicagohistorypod.bsky.social
Absolutely. I write in my book--"The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low"--- about coming across this song (via the @thecramps.bsky.social ) and how it opened my mind to the WORLD of weirdness that existed in the underbelly of American music long before "punk rock" had been dreamt up and codified.
Before Bob Mould, Paul Westerberg, or Shannon Selberg ever learned how to sing, Steve Wahrer proved that Minnesotans could be punk rock as fuck. November 21, 1941 - January 21, 1989.
youtu.be/9Gc4QTqslN4?...
youtu.be/9Gc4QTqslN4?...
The Trashmen - Surfin Bird - Bird is the Word 1963 (ALT End with Andre Van Duin) (UNOFFICIAL VIDEO)
YouTube video by VDJ MikeyMike
youtu.be
November 22, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Absolutely. I write in my book--"The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low"--- about coming across this song (via the @thecramps.bsky.social ) and how it opened my mind to the WORLD of weirdness that existed in the underbelly of American music long before "punk rock" had been dreamt up and codified.
Reposted by Rob Miller
Author Rob Miller and I discuss his new book "The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low: A Curious Life in Independent Music" on the latest episode.
Listen here - bit.ly/4ruVuL0 or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
@millerscave.bsky.social
@illinoispress.bsky.social
Listen here - bit.ly/4ruVuL0 or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
@millerscave.bsky.social
@illinoispress.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Author Rob Miller and I discuss his new book "The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low: A Curious Life in Independent Music" on the latest episode.
Listen here - bit.ly/4ruVuL0 or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
@millerscave.bsky.social
@illinoispress.bsky.social
Listen here - bit.ly/4ruVuL0 or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
@millerscave.bsky.social
@illinoispress.bsky.social
Have a listen. It was a fun one. Come for the convo, stay for my answer to "who do I want to hear LESS: Lynryd Skynyrd or Led Zeppelin?"
#robmillerwriting #altcountry #musicbooks
@illinoispress.bsky.social #insurgentcountry #indielabels
#booksky #chicagomusic #americana
#robmillerwriting #altcountry #musicbooks
@illinoispress.bsky.social #insurgentcountry #indielabels
#booksky #chicagomusic #americana
Author Rob Miller and I discuss his new book "The Hours Are Long, But the Pay Is Low: A Curious Life in Independent Music" on the latest episode.
Listen here - bit.ly/4ruVuL0 or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
@millerscave.bsky.social
@illinoispress.bsky.social
Listen here - bit.ly/4ruVuL0 or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
@millerscave.bsky.social
@illinoispress.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Have a listen. It was a fun one. Come for the convo, stay for my answer to "who do I want to hear LESS: Lynryd Skynyrd or Led Zeppelin?"
#robmillerwriting #altcountry #musicbooks
@illinoispress.bsky.social #insurgentcountry #indielabels
#booksky #chicagomusic #americana
#robmillerwriting #altcountry #musicbooks
@illinoispress.bsky.social #insurgentcountry #indielabels
#booksky #chicagomusic #americana
Wow. What a crowd of smiling goofballs at my book launch party/reading/conversation at the #bookcellar in #lincolnsquare!
They surprised me with a cake in the shape of the book (it tastes much better), and a fine time was had by all. Eternal thanks to my interviewer @marthabayne.bsky.social
They surprised me with a cake in the shape of the book (it tastes much better), and a fine time was had by all. Eternal thanks to my interviewer @marthabayne.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Wow. What a crowd of smiling goofballs at my book launch party/reading/conversation at the #bookcellar in #lincolnsquare!
They surprised me with a cake in the shape of the book (it tastes much better), and a fine time was had by all. Eternal thanks to my interviewer @marthabayne.bsky.social
They surprised me with a cake in the shape of the book (it tastes much better), and a fine time was had by all. Eternal thanks to my interviewer @marthabayne.bsky.social
Can confirm!
There are few things in life as thrilling as a book-cover cake 😍
Pre-order THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW by @millerscave.bsky.social today, and avoid the crowds when it releases next Tuesday!
www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p0...
Pre-order THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW by @millerscave.bsky.social today, and avoid the crowds when it releases next Tuesday!
www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p0...
November 21, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Can confirm!
I am very good at state capitols and vice presidents...so Martha's work is cut out for her.
See you tonight Chicago! I try to ask @millerscave.bsky.social unexpected questions tonight @ 6:30 pm at the Book Cellar.
November 20, 2025 at 2:45 PM
I am very good at state capitols and vice presidents...so Martha's work is cut out for her.