Narcissistic Music Disorder Podcast #164 with Miles Nielsen
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In episode 164 of the Narcissistic Music Disorder podcast, hosts Scott and John welcome Miles Nielsen of Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts for a deeply personal and musically rich conversation. Miles shares the band’s journey from obscurity to international recognition, crediting pivotal mentors like Roger Klein and Kevin Kinney for opening doors and fostering a loyal fanbase. He candidly discusses the band’s recent challenges, including the cancer diagnosis of longtime guitarist Dan and the resulting lineup changes, which led to a new configuration with his wife and friend Jim joining the band. Despite the emotional and logistical strain, Miles emphasizes resilience, creativity, and the importance of community in sustaining a music career. The hosts dive into a 'Pick 5' segment, exploring rock, pop, rap, blues, and country records, with Miles favoring Rage Against the Machine and Material Issue, while Scott highlights Soccer Mommy and Elvis Costello’s rare demo album Nashville and More. The episode is a celebration of music as both emotional refuge and professional lifeline, underscored by the hosts’ shared passion for obscure, heartfelt, and genre-blurring artistry.
Mentorship and fan loyalty are critical to a band’s longevity—Roger Klein and Kevin Kinney opened doors that changed Miles Nielsen’s career.
Resilience in the face of personal and professional setbacks (like illness and lineup changes) defines a band’s true character.
Music is a powerful emotional tool—used to elevate, heal, and connect, even in the most difficult times.
The 'NMD' philosophy embraces deep dives into obscure, mood-driven music that transcends genre and speaks to the soul.
Adapting creatively—like shifting from acoustic to electric guitar duties or embracing new band dynamics—is essential for survival in modern music.
Welcome & Introducing Miles Nielsen
The hosts welcome Miles Nielsen, the frontman of Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, setting the tone for a heartfelt and music-obsessed conversation. They express their deep admiration for the band and set the stage for a candid discussion about music, legacy, and resilience.
The Power of Mentorship & Fan Loyalty
“They were just super gracious about it. And we've been super lucky to have guys like that in our corner. And, I mean, it's grown our fan base and it's grown our listeners, you know, just by those guys being sweet.”
Band Resilience Through Crisis
“I'm thrust into all the lead guitar parts. You know, I don't even bring my acoustic on stage anymore. I leave it in the green room, you know, just for warming up and writing purposes.”
The 'Pick 5' Segment: Rock & Pop Picks
The hosts and guest dive into their favorite rock and power pop records. Miles champions Rage Against the Machine’s 'Bulls on Parade' for its youthful energy and 'Material Issue – International Pop Overthrow' for its timeless poppy joy. Scott shares his love for No Use for a Name and Soccer Mommy’s 'Evergreen'.
Jazz, Blues & Country Deep Dives
Miles shares his love for John Scofield’s 'Go-Go' and Danielle Nicole’s 'Cry No More', while Scott highlights Eric Johansson’s 'The Deep and the Dirty' and Alex Williams’ metal-country fusion album 'Space Brain'. The conversation reveals a deep appreciation for sonic texture and emotional depth.
“If you quit that you're just like you're quitting everything you're quitting right the whole deal.”
“Anything Eric Koskinen to me is like... It's just got a vibe. Scott, I think this is something that rabbit hole that you would venture down pretty well.”
“They were just super gracious about it. And we've been super lucky to have guys like that in our corner. And, I mean, it's grown our fan base and it's grown our listeners, you know, just by those guys being sweet.”
Hosts
Guest
Miles Nielsen
person
Narcissistic Music Disorder
media
Roger Klein
person
Rage Against the Machine
other
Elvis Costello
person
Eric Koskinen
person
Kevin Kinney
person
The Jayhawks
other
Material Issue
other
Circus Mexicus
other
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