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6 Questions with Multi-Platinum Music Producer, CEO, and SAE Institute Nashville Alumni, Shalom “J.Storm” Miller

Here at SAE Institute, we’re always excited to shine a spotlight on one of our remarkable alumni who has turned their educational experience into a thriving career.

Nashville campus graduate, Shalom Miller, is not only doing great things in the industry musically, but is also sharing his passion and empowering the next generation of music industry professionals. Follow along as he shares more about his background, his journey into the music industry, and the advice he has for current SAE Institute students.

1. Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I was about 16 and trying to figure out my life, right? I had gotten into some trouble, but thanks to my high school friend I was introduced to the Youth Entertainment Academy (Y.E.A) in Plainfield, New Jersey. This faith-based program, funded by the George Bush administration, was a game-changer for me. It helped me refocus my energy and develop my skills in music production. Growing up in a musical household, I already had a solid foundation – my pops was a gospel musician and producer, and my mom was a gospel singer, so music was basically in my blood. But Y.E.A. took me to the next level. I met my production partner, and we started grinding every day after school. Our skills started to pop up, and industry professionals began to take notice. One of the counselors connected me with someone in the music industry, and my demo tape made its way into the right hands. The next thing I knew, I was working as an in-house producer for a record label, and from there, my network expanded rapidly. I eventually signed with Missy Elliott’s record label, which was a dream come true. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m grateful for that program and the opportunities that came from it. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one chance, one connection, to change the trajectory of your life.

2. You’ve worked on many records for major artists such as Fantasia, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, and more. In your opinion, what do you think makes a great producer?

The role of a producer has become a hot topic of conversation lately, and for good reason. Some people see a producer as the person who creates the track or music for songwriters or artists to work with, while others view them as the overseer of the entire song creation process. Honestly, I think a producer is all of the above – and more. To me, a producer is a project development specialist, or what some might call a ‘fixer.’ My approach is intentionally versatile, and I’ve always sought to be useful in every situation. If there are multiple producers or trackmakers in the room, I’ll take on the role of songwriter. If there are too many songwriters, I’ll focus on creating the track or composition. And if all those roles are covered, I can step in as the engineer, vocal arranger, or even just help facilitate the creative flow. At this point in my career, I wear many hats. I’m often the liaison between the creators and the record label or benefactor, and I’m responsible for delivering a finished product. So, I oversee every step of the process, from inception to mastering. To me, that’s what a producer should be – someone who can navigate the entire creative process, adapt to any situation, and ultimately bring a vision to life. I believe that, as producers, we should strive to grow into this multifaceted role, where we can bring value to every aspect of the creative process. That’s what I aim to do, and I think that’s what a great producer should be.

3. Why is it important to you to bring music education to underserved youth through your nonprofit?

For me, it’s simple. I look back at my own journey from ages 14 to 17, and I see a path that was headed in a dangerous direction. I lacked guidance, and my trajectory was veering off course. But then I found the Youth Entertainment Academy, and everything changed. That place not only helped me discover my musical talents, but it also gave me a sense of self and social awareness that has stuck with me to this day. Those lessons were instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today, and I firmly believe that they’re essential for adolescent and early adult development. Now that I’ve grown and gained some wisdom, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to give back. I want to be the mentor, teacher, and protector that I needed when I was younger. That’s why I’m committed to bringing music education to underserved youth through my nonprofit. I believe it’s vital for their growth, and for my own growth as well. By stepping into this role, I’m not only helping to shape the next generation of talented youth, but I’m also continuing my own journey of self-discovery and purpose. For me, it’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment. I want to help marginalized and underserved youth find their voice, their passion, and their purpose. And I know that music education can be a powerful tool in achieving that.

4. What was your time like at SAE Institute Nashville?

My time at SAE Institute Nashville was like the cushion that broke my fall. I was in freefall, trying to reestablish myself after the recession had pulled the rug out from under me. I was mentally drained from the hustle and bustle of the music industry, and I wasn’t sure what my next steps were. Nashville wasn’t even on my radar until a friend convinced me to take a leap of faith and move there. I was burnt out, but I knew I needed to keep pushing forward. I’ve always considered myself somewhat of a scholar and an intellectual, so when I discovered SAE Institute, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to continue working on my music skills, build connections, and showcase my talents. Plus, with my then-girlfriend pregnant with my son, I needed to upgrade my résumé and get my life together. SAE Institute was a humbling experience, to say the least. I thought I knew it all, having used Pro Tools for years, but one encounter with Chris Dilday in the Neve room changed everything. He showed me how to use elastic audio, and it completely transformed my production style. It was a wake-up call, reminding me to always stay humble and open to learning. That experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my life: no matter how much you think you know, there’s always room to grow and learn. SAE Institute Nashville was more than just a school – It helped me find my footing, re-establish my momentum, and set me on a path to establish myself in Nashville.

5. What advice do you have for current students looking to follow a similar path?

When I had the privilege of speaking to the SAE Institute graduating class of 2022 as their Keynote speaker, I shared a message that has become my mantra: live in between your dreams. I learned this lesson the hard way, after years of exhausting myself trying to keep up with the music industry’s frantic pace. I was just 19 when I started out, and I was woefully unprepared to navigate the competitive and often manipulative landscape. I made the same mistakes that many young producers do – I blew my money on all of the stereotypical things jewelry, tattoos, clothes, clubs, showing off for friends, trying to keep up with my more established counterparts. But I never took the time to establish myself, to figure out who I was and what I wanted to achieve. Man, to be honest, I don’t even think I had a good bank account set up. It wasn’t until the recession hit in 2007, and I was forced to slow down, that I began to re-evaluate my approach. I realized that I didn’t want to be constantly anxious, jumping from one opportunity to the next, sacrificing my sleep and my character just to keep up. I wanted to do things on my own terms, to create quality over quantity, and to focus on building meaningful relationships. So, I made a conscious decision to slow down, to live in between my dreams. From 2010 to 2017, I focused on building a life, not just a career. I became a father, a husband, and a member of a new community. I took the time to reflect on who I was, as a man, a friend, and a father. And I learned that true success isn’t about achieving some external goal, but about living a life that’s true to who you are. My advice to aspiring producers, songwriters, and musicians is to take the time to establish yourself, to figure out who you are and what you want to achieve. Don’t get caught up in the hype, don’t sacrifice your values and your relationships for the sake of success. Live in between your dreams, and focus on building a life that’s authentic, meaningful, and true to who you are.

6. What are you excited about next that you can tell us about?

I’m really excited about what’s happening in the music education space. My experience is turning out to be really valuable, and I’m getting to partner with some amazing organizations and companies. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to team up with the Music Business Association, the Recording Academy, and Propel Center and Apple, which has been fantastic. Additionally, I’ve secured new sponsorships with Waves Audio, KALI Audio, and other companies are reaching out to me for partnerships. It’s all about finding the right opportunities that align with my goals. But even with all that, I’m still active in the creative space. Recently, I had the opportunity to share the stage with 2’live Bre at the Analog at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville for the final show of his tour. We cut up on that stage! And I still love the opportunity to work with up-and-coming artists like M.C. D, Georgia Starnes, and others, helping them develop into solid artists and well-balanced people. There’s nothing like seeing the light bulb go off when they try something new and it works. I’ve got a lot going on right now, but I’m finally finding that balance I’ve always wanted. I like to call it ‘spinning all my plates’ – keeping everything moving smoothly. It’s a great feeling. 

To connect with Shalom, follow him on Instagram at @powermove_mg. For more information about the Nashville campus or our Audio and Entertainment Business programs, visit us online or get in touch by phone at 615-244-5848.

 

Check out Shalom’s Commencement Speech for the SAE Institute Nashville graduating class of 2022.