Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/11545
Living with the Needle By Brian J. Murphy Premier tattoo artist, Corey Miller, sits down with LIVE Mag to talk about life, music and of course ink. LIVE: How long have you been a tattoo artist? CM: Longer than I have not been a tattoo artist, actually since 1987. I have been at my current location, Six Feet Under for 13 years. LIVE: What was your biggest motivation for your chosen career? CM: Rebellion and the punk rock scene in the early 80's. I think that this art form chose me as opposed to me choosing it. LIVE: Have you done any tattoos for any big name clients or celebrities? CM: Sure, I have tattooed Jesse James, James Hetfield of Mettalica and baseball player Jason Giambi. LIVE: What are your hobbies and/or other interest outside of being an artist? CM: Exploring other art forms, I have been getting into painting for the past several years. In a lot of my work, I pull from my own inspiration. And then there's always my music, motorcycles and cars. I have an old chopper that Jesse James helped me build after I did some of his ink. LIVE: Are you married and do you have any kids? CM: Yes, I've been married for 13 years and I have three kids. They've been my biggest and best project to date. LIVE: Do you have a particular style that you specialize in? CM: Well, I'm really best known for my black and grey work, but I try to do a little bit of everything and incorporate what I have learned over the years. I have developed my style and look, so when my clients come to me now, they kind of let me do my own thing and let my style come out. LIVE: What are some of the most common and recent requests that you have received? CM: I see a bigger influx of people wanting to step out of the box. People want to have something different these days and really let the work standout. LIVE: How did you begin designing for Ludwig Drums? That sounds like a great opportunity and exposure for your business. CM: Yes, it was a great experience. I have actually been a drummer longer than I have been a tattoo artist. I talked to Ludwig about doing this project and they were very receptive. In 2007 we finally got together and it was a huge honor for me. The drums turned out to be a huge hit and sold out world- wide. LIVE: How big is the Ink and Iron Festival for you and what will be your participation in it this year? CM: Basically it will be the same that it's always been. I have been an invited guest of the festival since its inception. It has grown to be one of the bigger and better shows in the industry and I really enjoy it. The music is really good and the artists are even better. I know first hand that they go out of their way to bring in some of the biggest and brightest talent in the tattoo world. It's funny, because for the past few years I have done a bit more walking around and enjoying the festival. I love to check out what is going on and seeing what is new on the scene. LIVE: While researching your website, I noticed that you play in a band. Tell me about your band and the type of music that you play? CM: The name of my group is called "Power Flex Five" and it features Steve Alba on guitar. Our style is more of an old school, instrumental surf music, with a 70's punk rock vibe. Also, we will be playing at Alex's Bar in Long Beach during the Ink and Iron Festival. LIVE: Tattoos are definitely what's hot these days. Where do you see the industry and the art form going in the next several years? CM: I have seen this business during its lowest forms and in its highest peaks. I am comfortable at the bottom or on the top. I would be crazy to say that I knew years ago when I was tattooing my buddies and ticking off my parents that I would be on television. So I say that I really can't predict the future of the tattoo industry, but whatever it is, I am proud to be a part of it. LIVEMAGS.NET JUNE>>10 49