The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

JC Miller releases "Tombstone Junction"

originally published: 09/01/2024

Photo by Ava Doré

Seasoned country-rock artist JC Miller presents his new single "Tombstone Junction", following the path of a true-grit American songwriter. Released via American indie imprint Tilt Records, JC Miller once again takes us on a captivating journey across the American landscape.

In a world that's constantly moving forward, leaving behind a trail of fading memories, Miller's new piece delves into the profound sense of loss that accompanies the erosion of the past. 'Tombstone Junction' is a poignant exploration of the yearning for connection to our roots and the wisdom that can be gleaned from the echoes of our ancestors.

JC Miller's music takes form through the music alchemy enjoyed with celebrated musician-producer Marty Rifkin, who is known for his work with Tom Petty, Glen Campbell and Jewel, in addition to playing pedal steel guitar in Bruce Springsteen's The Sessions Band.

"Tombstone Junction is a kind of stand-in metaphor for the tremendous sense of loss we feel when we are disconnected from the past. When that continuity breaks, as it is pretty much nowadays, we lose our way. The future’s not here yet, what’s there to say about that? The past has so many answers to recurring questions and there are so many different threads to trace down and revisit. We can learn so much from that which came before. That repeating sense of yearning for something that no longer exists is something I feel mostly all the time - memories from childhood, favorite places, road trips," says JC Miller.

"I love smaller intimate moments and places, more than the famous or grandiose ones. Tombstone Junction was a theme park that burned down twice and was mismanaged, but it was also a place where Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, and a ton of others played live concerts. That venue is gone but echoes of the music and the ghostly memories of the concert goers remain. Those performances were shared experiences with these masters of a craft I admire, study, and look to".




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



Now based in Los Angeles, this prolific Detroit-born guitarist and songwriter weaves stories through the prism of sonic archaeology, unearthing the spirit of Americana and giving it voice through resonant melodies and via geographic landmarks discovered on his own personal journeys. Miller crafts relatable songs that are rooted in the fabric of America, his work infused in deep affection for its Southern realms.

Back with his unique blend of southern rock, second-line funk, woodsy blues and outlaw country balladry, this latest offering follows a hearty string of singles that include 'Dead Horse Ranch', 'Sundown Slim','Wayward Son' and 'Before Nightfall'.

Evoking a grounded sense of place through his music, Miller's sound has a Southern-fried edge and a transportive authenticity. He makes songs that feel at home in neon-lit diners, long highway drives, desert expanses, and sun-soaked small towns. Miller pays homage to his guitar and songwriting heroes, inspired by timeless artists like Neil Young, Leon Russell and The Band as much as the unfussy yet potent prose of writers like Larry McMurtry, Ernest Hemingway and Cormac McCarthy.

Music is a labor of love for JC Miller, having spent years as a sideman and composing for corporate titans like Levi's, Coca-Cola and Nike. Now he's ditched the boardroom for the pleasure of creating his own music.

Imbued with an intentional sense of timelessness, JC Miller crafts anthems that resonate with the soul of America, inspired by the gradual rediscovery of history - of his own family’ and America at large. Tastefully blending classic Americana and rock echoes from history, woven through his masterful guitar work, each song is like a map, charting the path to self-discovery.

As of August 30, 'Tombstone Junction' is available everywhere online, including SpotifyApple Music and elsewhere, where his latest series of stunning singles may also be found.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here




 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Year: "My Best" by The Well Wish

The Makin Waves Song of the Year is "My Best," a loving look at parenthood and childhood by The Well Wish.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/25/25




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 23-29, 2025




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 12/22/25






 

MORE NEWS

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of The Smithereens at The Vogel on December 18, 2025.


Brook Arts Center presents Gold Rush: The Music of Neil Young




Women in the Arts Series to debut at Anchor Rock Club for Its Fourth Installment




Herman's Hermits' Peter Noone in "An Olde English Christmas" LIVE! at Carteret PAC




Outpost in the Burbs presents Vienna Teng on April 11th






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Start the New Year with Rikki Lee Wilson's Taylor Swift Tribute at The Broadway Theatre of Pitman

(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Love Story – A Tribute to Taylor Swift from January 2-4, 2026. The show starring Rikki Lee Wilson brings the ultimate Taylor Swift concert experience and has wowed audiences nationwide.


bergenPAC presents The Band Perry on January 11th




The Newton Theatre presents Queensrÿche




Brook Arts Center presents Gold Rush: The Music of Neil Young






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2025 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates