Prescott Now: How long have you guys been playing together?
Merri: Steve and I met a few years ago after I moved here but started playing music together at some open mics a while later after we realized we both enjoyed the complexity and beauty of harmony.
Positive response from audiences encouraged us.
Prescott Now: What genre or genres of music do you play? What about them inspires you?
Steve: I was raised on old time country, gospel and bluegrass music, but I loved Elvis.
I started singing harmony with my mom when I was about 6. She taught me how to how play guitar, actually just a few guitar chords, when I was 7. The first song I ever played was Folsom Prison, and mom loved it.
The harmonies or/and the lyrics always attract me and inspire me, no matter the genre. If it’s not my type of music I reshape it a bit.
Merri: I have a similar background with a mother who really encouraged my sisters and me to sing and to get accomplished on at least piano. I convinced her to let me learn guitar too and then started singing in the elementary school choir. All three musical pursuits continued throughout my college years and influenced me into getting college educated in voice studies, visual arts and performance, with teaching credentials, so I could teach what I loved doing.
Like Steve, the music we do is based on what we find interesting either in harmonic structure, melody or maybe lyrics. Our set lists can combine country, folk, old rock or jazz or even Celtic. It is the way a song can be interpreted between us that keeps it in our song list.
Prescott Now: What is the key to being a successful musical act in Prescott and Northern Arizona?
Steve: First, a love of what you’re doing. It takes a certain amount of originality, and whatever you’re playing has to come from the heart and a desire to connect with your audience.
Merri: I agree that it is so important to believe in the tunes you are playing; the message or maybe just the fun of the words and tune for bringing a smile to the audience.
Playing music can’t be just about ourselves.
Prescott Now: What’s the smallest audience you’ve ever played for; the biggest?
Merri McKee & Steve Miller: Smallest probably five people, largest around 1,500 maybe 2,000 plus. We’ve both played large shows and showrooms plus outdoor events in our pasts.
Prescott Now: Where do you find the inspiration for your songwriting or performances?
Steve: That’s easy! Life experience and moments of clarity of myself and others.
Merri: I spend a lot of time hiking or wandering away from towns. Those quiet places are needed for listening to myself.
Prescott NOW: What brought you to Prescott?
Steve: Even though I lived in Phoenix for 35 years, I always loved Prescott.
When I moved to Camp Verde I came more often, but it was Frank and Doug Ping and Sunday open mics at the Thumb Butte Distillery that made me fall in love with the musical community.
Merri: I first came to Prescott with family. This was a favorite vacation area. I moved here almost 20 years ago and played some music, mostly Celtic, with some of the members of the current Salt of the Earth band.
I had to leave after that year but kept visiting and then moved back for residency about five years ago. I, too, found the open mics a great way to meet other musicians.
