Flagstaff High School

Live at the Hive

Haven Carey

Flagstaff High School math teacher, Mr. Miller, will be playing with two of his bands at The Hive on October 18th. He plays guitar for both fuzzygrapes and Liminal Fish. The Hive, a small music venue on 2 S. Beaver St., will be hosting four metal bands, the other two being Clay and Fire, and Ahí Náahaí. Doors open at 6:30 P.M., and the show begins half an hour later at 7. Arriving early increases the chances of getting a good view to see these incredible bands. 

Being the heavier of the two bands, fuzzygrapes’ biggest musical influences are Black Sabbath and King Crimson, drawing inspiration from 80s metal. Miller met the other guitarist in the band, Mistler, through work. He taught math at Coconino High School alongside Mr. Miller, where they performed Seven Nation Army together in the talent show. Instantly connecting over their many similarities, they started the band shortly after that. Unfortunately, after a few years of playing, they disbanded but have reunited every year to play shows together. They plan to play mostly original music but are considering doing an Ozzy Osborne cover.

His other band, Liminal Fish, has a sound reminiscent of Radiohead and Slint with Miller claiming that they’re somewhat post-hardcore. They’ve been playing together for a year, the upcoming show at The Hive will be their second time performing together. They intend to play mostly original songs as well, but they have debated doing a Radiohead cover.  

His advice to aspiring musicians is to have, “a reason to want to get good, because otherwise it’s just superficial.” His own motivation to improve when he was beginning to learn guitar was his grandfather. His grandfather's passing served as motivation for him to become a proficient player. He plays in order to make his grandfather proud and to honor him. “If you [just] want to be a cool guy that plays guitar,” Miller says, “you’re going to be like ‘oh that’s too much work’ and you’re just going to stop.” He also encourages any interested students to come to Flag High Records every Tuesday after school, in room 210.