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
Rob Miller
@millerscave.bsky.social
· Nov 25
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
Re-upping this piece because 1) it was really fun to think about and write and 2) maybe you missed it because of all that holiday nonsense.
#booksky #peterguralnick #greilmarcus ##nicktosches #americana #robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social
#booksky #peterguralnick #greilmarcus ##nicktosches #americana #robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social
Took part in a fun exercise at The Shepherd. Wrote about 4 books that shaped my worldview in regards to underground music---and why it's much more interesting than the mainstream.
#greilmarcus #peterguralnick #richcohen #nicktosches @michaelazerrad.bsky.social #booksky #americana #losthighway
#greilmarcus #peterguralnick #richcohen #nicktosches @michaelazerrad.bsky.social #booksky #americana #losthighway
The best books about why the weird underbelly of American music is more interesting and important than pop music
Rob Miller shares the 5 best books on why the weird underbelly of American music is more interesting and important than pop music. Have you read Our Band Could Be Your Life?
shepherd.com
January 17, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Re-upping this piece because 1) it was really fun to think about and write and 2) maybe you missed it because of all that holiday nonsense.
#booksky #peterguralnick #greilmarcus ##nicktosches #americana #robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social
#booksky #peterguralnick #greilmarcus ##nicktosches #americana #robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social
Another genuine pleasure of putting my book out there (link in bio) on @illinoispress.bsky.social has been people telling me how they have to put the book down and go listen to the music I'm talking about, either to revisit old faves, or discover something new. Love, love, love it!
#booksky
#booksky
January 17, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Another genuine pleasure of putting my book out there (link in bio) on @illinoispress.bsky.social has been people telling me how they have to put the book down and go listen to the music I'm talking about, either to revisit old faves, or discover something new. Love, love, love it!
#booksky
#booksky
Reposted by Rob Miller
Tune into Miller's Cave Sat at 4pm eastern. www.radioharborcountry.org
You'll hear #bottlerockets, Lefty Frizzell, #irmathomas, #davealvin #magicsam and more!
The cure for the common radio!
Replayed Sun night 9pm
#robmillerwriting #harborcountry #rootsradio #indieradio #altcountryradio
You'll hear #bottlerockets, Lefty Frizzell, #irmathomas, #davealvin #magicsam and more!
The cure for the common radio!
Replayed Sun night 9pm
#robmillerwriting #harborcountry #rootsradio #indieradio #altcountryradio
January 16, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Tune into Miller's Cave Sat at 4pm eastern. www.radioharborcountry.org
You'll hear #bottlerockets, Lefty Frizzell, #irmathomas, #davealvin #magicsam and more!
The cure for the common radio!
Replayed Sun night 9pm
#robmillerwriting #harborcountry #rootsradio #indieradio #altcountryradio
You'll hear #bottlerockets, Lefty Frizzell, #irmathomas, #davealvin #magicsam and more!
The cure for the common radio!
Replayed Sun night 9pm
#robmillerwriting #harborcountry #rootsradio #indieradio #altcountryradio
Reposted by Rob Miller
Jonathan Bernstein’s authorized biography of Justin Townes Earle paints a vivid portrait of the late, great roots musician.
Authorized Justin Townes Earle Biography Paints a Vivid Portrait
Jonathan Bernstein’s ‘What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome’ excavates the legacy of a late, great songwriter
www.nashvillescene.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Jonathan Bernstein’s authorized biography of Justin Townes Earle paints a vivid portrait of the late, great roots musician.
Tune into Miller's Cave Sat at 4pm eastern. www.radioharborcountry.org
You'll hear #bottlerockets, Lefty Frizzell, #irmathomas, #davealvin #magicsam and more!
The cure for the common radio!
Replayed Sun night 9pm
#robmillerwriting #harborcountry #rootsradio #indieradio #altcountryradio
You'll hear #bottlerockets, Lefty Frizzell, #irmathomas, #davealvin #magicsam and more!
The cure for the common radio!
Replayed Sun night 9pm
#robmillerwriting #harborcountry #rootsradio #indieradio #altcountryradio
January 16, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Tune into Miller's Cave Sat at 4pm eastern. www.radioharborcountry.org
You'll hear #bottlerockets, Lefty Frizzell, #irmathomas, #davealvin #magicsam and more!
The cure for the common radio!
Replayed Sun night 9pm
#robmillerwriting #harborcountry #rootsradio #indieradio #altcountryradio
You'll hear #bottlerockets, Lefty Frizzell, #irmathomas, #davealvin #magicsam and more!
The cure for the common radio!
Replayed Sun night 9pm
#robmillerwriting #harborcountry #rootsradio #indieradio #altcountryradio
In the madness of the holidays, I forgot to pass along that my @illinoispress.bsky.social book "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" was named one of the BEST MUSIC BOOKS OF 2025 by @rollingstone.com
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Check it out! Me, #ozzy, and some bum named McCartney
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Check it out! Me, #ozzy, and some bum named McCartney
January 15, 2026 at 10:19 PM
In the madness of the holidays, I forgot to pass along that my @illinoispress.bsky.social book "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" was named one of the BEST MUSIC BOOKS OF 2025 by @rollingstone.com
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Check it out! Me, #ozzy, and some bum named McCartney
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Check it out! Me, #ozzy, and some bum named McCartney
Reposted by Rob Miller
Join Bloodshot Records co-founder, @millerscave.bsky.social to celebrate his memoir, THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW, @citylit_books on Thurs, Feb 5, 2026 at 6:30pm CST.
This *free* evening will include a convo w/ editor @marthabayne.bsky.social. RSVP below.
citylitbooks.com/events/43247...
This *free* evening will include a convo w/ editor @marthabayne.bsky.social. RSVP below.
citylitbooks.com/events/43247...
Author Event: Rob Miller with Martha Bayne | City Lit Books
This cozy bookstore features staff-curated selections, book clubs, and author events for all ages.
citylitbooks.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Join Bloodshot Records co-founder, @millerscave.bsky.social to celebrate his memoir, THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW, @citylit_books on Thurs, Feb 5, 2026 at 6:30pm CST.
This *free* evening will include a convo w/ editor @marthabayne.bsky.social. RSVP below.
citylitbooks.com/events/43247...
This *free* evening will include a convo w/ editor @marthabayne.bsky.social. RSVP below.
citylitbooks.com/events/43247...
Attn: Oak Parkers! Oak Parkians? The book release tour for "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" hits yer town 2/15 at 4pm. My sparring partner will be @marthabayne.bsky.social so you know it will be good.
@illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky📚 #robmillerwriting #chicagomusichistory #oakpark
@illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky📚 #robmillerwriting #chicagomusichistory #oakpark
January 14, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Attn: Oak Parkers! Oak Parkians? The book release tour for "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" hits yer town 2/15 at 4pm. My sparring partner will be @marthabayne.bsky.social so you know it will be good.
@illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky📚 #robmillerwriting #chicagomusichistory #oakpark
@illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky📚 #robmillerwriting #chicagomusichistory #oakpark
Don't know where you are, but today is a very good day to stay in and read...
@illinoispress.bsky.social
#booksky📚
#whiteout
@illinoispress.bsky.social
#booksky📚
#whiteout
Mail call from the University of Illinois Press, including the work of @millerscave.bsky.social.
January 14, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Don't know where you are, but today is a very good day to stay in and read...
@illinoispress.bsky.social
#booksky📚
#whiteout
@illinoispress.bsky.social
#booksky📚
#whiteout
Reposted by Rob Miller
Hey ho, Chicago, "The Hours Are Long But The Is Low" book release tour continues at City Lit in Logan Square. C'mon by as the fabulous and cruel @marthabayne.bsky.social grills me on a variety of topics until I weep.
#robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky
#chicagomusichistory
#robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky
#chicagomusichistory
January 7, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Hey ho, Chicago, "The Hours Are Long But The Is Low" book release tour continues at City Lit in Logan Square. C'mon by as the fabulous and cruel @marthabayne.bsky.social grills me on a variety of topics until I weep.
#robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky
#chicagomusichistory
#robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky
#chicagomusichistory
Holy cow! "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" is a January staff pick at the @americanwritersmuseum.org !!!
These people know their writing. It's not like when I was the staff pick at the American Sour Pickle Museum. I thank them mightily.
@illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky📚 #chicagomusic
These people know their writing. It's not like when I was the staff pick at the American Sour Pickle Museum. I thank them mightily.
@illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky📚 #chicagomusic
January 13, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Holy cow! "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low" is a January staff pick at the @americanwritersmuseum.org !!!
These people know their writing. It's not like when I was the staff pick at the American Sour Pickle Museum. I thank them mightily.
@illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky📚 #chicagomusic
These people know their writing. It's not like when I was the staff pick at the American Sour Pickle Museum. I thank them mightily.
@illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky📚 #chicagomusic
True then, truer now.
"The main problem in any democracy is that crowd-pleasers are generally brainless swine who can go out on a stage & whup their supporters into an orgiastic frenzy—then go back to the office & sell every one of the poor bastards down the tube for a nickel apiece."
Hunter S. Thompson - '72
Hunter S. Thompson - '72
January 13, 2026 at 5:20 PM
True then, truer now.
Read "Stoner" in 2024. Bought it at #exileinbookville in Chicago. Never heard of it, or the author. Something about the cover grabbed me. I swear, and I have no idea why and I can't put a finger on it, but it was one of the best fiction reads I've had in years. Elegant, elegiac, elemental.
January 13, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Read "Stoner" in 2024. Bought it at #exileinbookville in Chicago. Never heard of it, or the author. Something about the cover grabbed me. I swear, and I have no idea why and I can't put a finger on it, but it was one of the best fiction reads I've had in years. Elegant, elegiac, elemental.
Do you have an artist, an LP, that, no matter what, elevates your mood? I believe every music fan does--and, dang, we need that record more than ever.
For me, it's #Irmathomas , the Soul Queen of New Orleans.
#vinylcommunity #booksky📚💙 #robmillerwriting #musicbooks @illinoispress.bsky.social
For me, it's #Irmathomas , the Soul Queen of New Orleans.
#vinylcommunity #booksky📚💙 #robmillerwriting #musicbooks @illinoispress.bsky.social
January 13, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Do you have an artist, an LP, that, no matter what, elevates your mood? I believe every music fan does--and, dang, we need that record more than ever.
For me, it's #Irmathomas , the Soul Queen of New Orleans.
#vinylcommunity #booksky📚💙 #robmillerwriting #musicbooks @illinoispress.bsky.social
For me, it's #Irmathomas , the Soul Queen of New Orleans.
#vinylcommunity #booksky📚💙 #robmillerwriting #musicbooks @illinoispress.bsky.social
Reposted by Rob Miller
At No Fences Review, @charleshughes2.bsky.social talks with @jonbern.bsky.social about his new critical biography of Justin Townes Earle, What Do You Do When You're Lonesome. Great talk here.
Remembering Justin Townes Earle: A conversation with Jonathan Bernstein
Charles talks to the author of a new biography of the late artist
open.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:11 PM
At No Fences Review, @charleshughes2.bsky.social talks with @jonbern.bsky.social about his new critical biography of Justin Townes Earle, What Do You Do When You're Lonesome. Great talk here.
I partook in the fab podcast "Hooks And Runs." It's about baseball and music, so we gabbed about my new @illinoispress.bsky.social book "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low," Disco Demolition night & why #louwhitaker is not in the dang Hall of Fame.
hooksandruns.buzzsprout.com/875794/episo...
hooksandruns.buzzsprout.com/875794/episo...
276 - Long Hours, Low Pay and Legendary Music w/ Rob Miller, co-founder of Bloodshot Records - Hooks & Runs
In this episode, we talk with Rob Miller, co-founder of Bloodshot Records and author of The Hours Were Long, but the Pay Was Low (3 Fields Books, 2025). Rob shares stories from the early da...
hooksandruns.buzzsprout.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:15 PM
I partook in the fab podcast "Hooks And Runs." It's about baseball and music, so we gabbed about my new @illinoispress.bsky.social book "The Hours Are Long But The Pay Is Low," Disco Demolition night & why #louwhitaker is not in the dang Hall of Fame.
hooksandruns.buzzsprout.com/875794/episo...
hooksandruns.buzzsprout.com/875794/episo...
Reposted by Rob Miller
I don’t like it.
And I also think that anyone who is forcing Rahm Emanuel on us should be fired unceremoniously into the fucking sun.
And I also think that anyone who is forcing Rahm Emanuel on us should be fired unceremoniously into the fucking sun.
Rahm Emanuel is coming — whether Democrats like it or not.
Rahm Emanuel targets GOP and Dems as he tests 2028 campaign for president
The former Chicago mayor wants to lead a post-Trump "renewal wing" of the Democratic Party.
www.axios.com
January 11, 2026 at 11:35 PM
I don’t like it.
And I also think that anyone who is forcing Rahm Emanuel on us should be fired unceremoniously into the fucking sun.
And I also think that anyone who is forcing Rahm Emanuel on us should be fired unceremoniously into the fucking sun.
Reposted by Rob Miller
Join Bloodshot Records co-founder, @millerscave.bsky.social to celebrate his memoir, THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW, @citylit_books on Thurs, Feb 5, 2026 at 6:30pm CST.
This *free* evening will include a convo w/ editor @marthabayne.bsky.social. RSVP below.
citylitbooks.com/events/43247...
This *free* evening will include a convo w/ editor @marthabayne.bsky.social. RSVP below.
citylitbooks.com/events/43247...
Author Event: Rob Miller with Martha Bayne | City Lit Books
This cozy bookstore features staff-curated selections, book clubs, and author events for all ages.
citylitbooks.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Join Bloodshot Records co-founder, @millerscave.bsky.social to celebrate his memoir, THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW, @citylit_books on Thurs, Feb 5, 2026 at 6:30pm CST.
This *free* evening will include a convo w/ editor @marthabayne.bsky.social. RSVP below.
citylitbooks.com/events/43247...
This *free* evening will include a convo w/ editor @marthabayne.bsky.social. RSVP below.
citylitbooks.com/events/43247...
Can't help yourself, can you @durbin.senate.gov ?
Is this more of your antiquated senatorial comity you cling onto with your bony fingers?
If I send you $20, will you retire early?
(I'll goup to $40, but I won't tell him in the beginning---he seems to be a really bad negotiator)
#dumpdurbin
Is this more of your antiquated senatorial comity you cling onto with your bony fingers?
If I send you $20, will you retire early?
(I'll goup to $40, but I won't tell him in the beginning---he seems to be a really bad negotiator)
#dumpdurbin
Alexander Van Hook is confirmed 53-40 to be a District Judge of Western Louisiana. According to @senatepress.bsky.social, the Dems yeas are Dick Durbin (IL), Maggie Hassan (NH), Tim Kaine (VA), Amy Klobuchar (MN), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Peter Welch (VT). Angus King (I-ME) was also a yea.
January 8, 2026 at 11:16 PM
Can't help yourself, can you @durbin.senate.gov ?
Is this more of your antiquated senatorial comity you cling onto with your bony fingers?
If I send you $20, will you retire early?
(I'll goup to $40, but I won't tell him in the beginning---he seems to be a really bad negotiator)
#dumpdurbin
Is this more of your antiquated senatorial comity you cling onto with your bony fingers?
If I send you $20, will you retire early?
(I'll goup to $40, but I won't tell him in the beginning---he seems to be a really bad negotiator)
#dumpdurbin
Reposted by Rob Miller
If you’re in Minneapolis and need a place to just BE right now, Big Hill Books and Birchbark Books & Native Arts are both open and ready to welcome you with open arms.
January 8, 2026 at 6:47 PM
If you’re in Minneapolis and need a place to just BE right now, Big Hill Books and Birchbark Books & Native Arts are both open and ready to welcome you with open arms.
Apropos of nothing that happened today
"Some people might get some pleasure out of hate
Me, I've enough already on my plate"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE1c...
#thejam @quigley.house.gov #sotired #standwithminneapolis #impeachnoem
"Some people might get some pleasure out of hate
Me, I've enough already on my plate"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE1c...
#thejam @quigley.house.gov #sotired #standwithminneapolis #impeachnoem
The Jam - Going Underground
YouTube video by TheJamVEVO
www.youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:20 AM
Apropos of nothing that happened today
"Some people might get some pleasure out of hate
Me, I've enough already on my plate"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE1c...
#thejam @quigley.house.gov #sotired #standwithminneapolis #impeachnoem
"Some people might get some pleasure out of hate
Me, I've enough already on my plate"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE1c...
#thejam @quigley.house.gov #sotired #standwithminneapolis #impeachnoem
Hey ho, Chicago, "The Hours Are Long But The Is Low" book release tour continues at City Lit in Logan Square. C'mon by as the fabulous and cruel @marthabayne.bsky.social grills me on a variety of topics until I weep.
#robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky
#chicagomusichistory
#robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky
#chicagomusichistory
January 7, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Hey ho, Chicago, "The Hours Are Long But The Is Low" book release tour continues at City Lit in Logan Square. C'mon by as the fabulous and cruel @marthabayne.bsky.social grills me on a variety of topics until I weep.
#robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky
#chicagomusichistory
#robmillerwriting @illinoispress.bsky.social #booksky
#chicagomusichistory
Someone today asked me today if they minded that they were marking up my book on @illinoispress.bsky.social with a highlighter. No way! Go for it! Books are meant to be lived in. My shelves are filled with highlighted, underlined, dog-eared, coffee-stained ones.
#booksky #authors #writing
#booksky #authors #writing
January 6, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Someone today asked me today if they minded that they were marking up my book on @illinoispress.bsky.social with a highlighter. No way! Go for it! Books are meant to be lived in. My shelves are filled with highlighted, underlined, dog-eared, coffee-stained ones.
#booksky #authors #writing
#booksky #authors #writing
Reposted by Rob Miller
@millerscave.bsky.social's THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW was @npr.org's Book of the Day on December 19, 2025!
www.npr.org/2025/12/19/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/19/n...
Paul McCartney on his band 'Wings,' plus the story of indie label Bloodshot Records : NPR's Book of the Day
Two new memoirs zoom in on important moments in music history. First, Paul McCartney’s new book Wings reflects on the life of his post-Beatles band, which he formed in London in 1971. In today’s…
www.npr.org
January 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM
@millerscave.bsky.social's THE HOURS ARE LONG, BUT THE PAY IS LOW was @npr.org's Book of the Day on December 19, 2025!
www.npr.org/2025/12/19/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/19/n...
Reposted by Rob Miller
In less than a year, Authors Against Book Bans has made an impact on the fight for the freedom to read by helping to transform individual passion, talent, hard work, and money into collective action. On top of some big election wins, here are some highlights from the year!
January 5, 2026 at 2:38 PM
In less than a year, Authors Against Book Bans has made an impact on the fight for the freedom to read by helping to transform individual passion, talent, hard work, and money into collective action. On top of some big election wins, here are some highlights from the year!