CHIP MILLIGAN
Role at ROC Star Academy:
Coach
Hometown:
Perinton, New York
Your musical focus/instruments you play:
Vocals, Synthesizers/Keys, Songwriting, Guitar
When did you start pursuing music?
15 or 16. I snuck into a bar in Ithaca, saw a cover band and I was hooked. I joined my first band in high school and was playing local bars by 17.
What is your musical education?
A little piano and voice, but mostly self taught.
What are your musical influences/favorite bands?
A broad mix: Peter Gabriel, YES, Crowded House, Pat Metheny, Thomas Dolby, U2, Classic Rock.
What is your “deserted island” album?
Yessongs by Yes—the live double album from the early `70s.
What is your favorite venue or event that you’ve performed?
Fairport Music Festival. My band Northside Johnny has closed the festival several times and the huge crowd is just delicious.
What’s the craziest thing that ever happened to you on-stage?
Duo gig at an arts festival. The speaker stand fell over mid-song and broke a mirror at the booth next to us.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve received in your career thus far?
Really listen to what your bandmates or collaborators are playing or saying. Listen more than you play.
Repetition—keep playing that part or that song until it soaks into you. If you know it by heart it will be easier to get it right at the gig!
What is your favorite part of coaching at ROC Star Academy?
Watching their hard work pay off. Watching the band on stage responding to their friends and family's excitement .