Zakary Miller - I'm New Here (2020)

"I'm New Here" by Zakary Miller is a record to make you smile, giddy with glee and warm your heart. Inspired by a century of serious musicians who didn't take themselves seriously, Zakary Miller has carried on the tradition by yodeling, hooting and hollering his unique brand of 'Canadiana Swing'. Combining his love for Jugband, Western Swing, Jazz and Folk. Zakary plays songs of nonsensical cheer and odd observation, delivered with joy and pure excitement for the music. Zakary created the wild atmosphere of “I’m New Here” by encouraging his fellow musicians to improvise and not be afraid to “be silly”.

The wonderful songwriter Kim Barlow said:
"Listening to Zakary Miller’s new album on headphones is like a party in your head, with jubilant horns and gang vocals all around! Lots of fine musicianship on these songs, and a fantastic homage to Zakary's many influences, from Wilf Carter to Bob Wills. It’s a musical time-travel to a sweet, more innocent time, with great songwriting that is current and relatable, too. Really glad Zakary is part of our rich Valley music scene!"

The sincere and sharply witted CBC host Jeff Douglas said:
"Zakary Miller’s album "I'm New Here" gave me a jolt of authentic, old time, jug and horns spring-time just when I needed it most. This record could not have dropped at a more perfect time. The world needed some light. Zakary delivered. Just sayin’."

The wildly talented songwriter Mike T. Kerr said:
"I’m New Here sits right down the middle between the 1930 session that found Jimmie Rodgers and Louis Armstrong sitting across from each other, and the infamous, collaborative super-sessions of 1971 when the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band recorded Will The Circle be Unbroken. This album is inviting you to a jam. There’s one more cushion to squat on, a banjo that needs dusting, and you can watch Zakary for the changes. I’m New Here makes you feel like you’re participating, and like you’re both on a two-way street. Whatever this album gives to you, you’re giving back, I promise."

And, last but not least, Zakary Miller was called a "local phenom" by The Deep Roots Festival, where he opened for The Sadies in 2018.