Godhead's Jason Miller Along the Great Wall

By Jenna Bensoussan

Why Godhead as the name of your band and how did that particular name come about?

Well it was just a name that I really thought was powerful when I was growing up, so I thought it would be a great name for a band. Also godhead means the highest embodiment you can be next to God, and for us it’s our music.

When drawing inspiration for your songs, do you find that personal or social experiences have the bigger impact on your music?

I’d say it’s about equal for both. Social events can turn into personal experiences for people as well.

Where is your favorite place to create your music? Why?

I don’t really have a favorite place. I’m always in different places when I’m creating music, but I think that’s good. It helps me be comfortable in different situations with different people, and not have to have a set group of rules to be able to create. Right now I’m on a plane and I’m writing lyrics, so you never know when inspiration is going to hit.

What has been the strangest place an idea for a song has hit?

When I was walking along the Great Wall of China.

You’ve performed with so many artists, and in so many venues, both here and in Europe. Have you performed with your dream artist? If so, explain the experience. If not, who would that be and what would it mean to you?

Well Robert Smith has been a huge influence and hero to me. I’ve never met him, but we DID sing on the same track (just at different times). SO just having the opportunity to harmonize with him was awesome. This was on a track for a Reeves Gabrels solo album a few years ago called “Yesterday’s Gone". When I wrote a song for Tsunami relief a few years ago, I got to work with a lot of artists that I admired like Brian McKnight, Josh Freese, Stephen Perkins, Mya, Jacoby Shaddix, Nate Dogg and Sonny Sandoval to name a few.

Of all the places you’ve performed, which has been the most rewarding and why?

I’d say the most rewarding was headlining the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC because I had aspired to play there for SO long. Also playing the Patriot Center Arena in Fairfax , VA because I used to work there, so coming back and playing there as an artist was going full circle for me.

USA performances vs. Europe performances, is there a huge difference in the fans’ reactions and reception? Explain.

It seems the European audiences are more receptive and get more excited about American bands, since in America we’re all so commonplace now. Ha ha.

Describe the most shocking “fan action” that you have encountered during your tours.

When people get our signatures tattooed on them it’s pretty crazy, also when they cry or scream upon meeting us, that can still be pretty shocking.

What did finally breaking into the US market mean to you?

It was certainly gratifying and exciting!

Your new label, Cement Shoes, has elicited extremely favorable remarks from you. What has becoming part of this label meant to you?

It makes us feel that we have a great, supportive label that really knows what it takes to break bands.

The Shadow Line  is out now. What you have created is a wonderful blend of bass, percussion, lyrics and vocals. So, where did it all start for you?

Every song starts a different way, depending upon who created it first. Sometimes we’ll all create together and other times one of us will present a certain idea and we’ll just roll with it.

Did you ever imagine you’d come this far?

Oh yes I can imagine quite a bit. Ha ha.

What is next on the horizon for Godhead?

Hopefully many months of touring to support this record!