Ben Miller

"It became a very mythic, important thing to me to never forget that every song you write, every record you make, ultimately is for that kid in Wisconsin. Or that weirdo in Alabama, or the banker in Kansas, the young couple starting out in California, the kid in the ghetto in Oakland, it doesn't matter. It just always ends up being some kid under the covers with headphones on. And I honestly don't know of any other business where you can so majestically reach so many people on such a vast scale, but also so intimately, urgently, and passionately get into the bloodstream of their lives. And I have to say that all this award means, ultimately, is that it's for the kid in Wisconsin. And he's the one I'm always working for. So, kid, this award is for you. And I really have to say, without being sentimental, that it's a great honor to be a part of the soundtrack of your life every time I write a song and every time you get a chance to hear it."  ( excerpt

So I wrote these words, and I hope they last For the years have come, and the years have passed Think of all they gave, think of all the debt But can't find a way, to repay them yet For the days still come, and the debts still mount And do words unsaid, ever really count But sometimes still, in the dead of night I can see them there, in the pale moonlight I am trying And I don't know how And I don't know when But I'll have to tell them someday ("Someday", lyrics by Paul O'Neill) Going to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has been somewhat of an annual Christmas tradition for me. I saw them in Raleigh in 2008, 2009, and 2010; and in Atlanta in 2011. Each of these shows revolved around TSO's first album Christmas Eve and Other Stories . In 2012, however, TSO decided to change up their live show and focus on a different album, The Lost Christmas Eve . I was psyched because that is my favorite album in their Christmas trilo