Meet Miah Palmer of Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Miah Palmer.

Hi Miah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
“I started playing music at 9 years old, and by 12 I had my first drum set. From the beginning, I couldn’t get enough of it. Playing in school bands early on exposed me to a really wide range of styles, which I think laid a great foundation for everything that came after.

By 16, I was already playing professionally. My high school rock band was opening for acts like Type O Negative and Skankin’ Pickle, which was a wild experience at that age. Then at 18, I joined the U.S. Army, which taught me a tremendous amount about discipline and commitment; values I still carry into my music career. I completed my service with an honorable discharge and four Army Achievement Medals.

In 2003, I made the move to Los Angeles to attend the Musicians Institute, and that’s really where everything accelerated. I’ve been based here ever since, and over the past 20+ years I’ve had the privilege of performing in just about every setting you can imagine, from intimate trios to full big bands, private events and weddings, corporate functions, live television, and everything in between. I’ve opened for artists like Steve Vai, Carmen Appice, Bobby Kimball, Dizzy Reed, and Michael Angelo Batio, and I’ve had the opportunity to work in the studio with Grammy-nominated and award-winning producers.

Right now I’m performing with Stonebreed, the DTF Band, the Josh Rogan Trio, filling in with other local acts, and teaching at the Conservatory of Contemporary Music, while finishing up a book on building a successful career in the music industry. It’s been a long road, but honestly, I’m enjoying it more now than ever.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“Honestly, far from smooth, but I wouldn’t trade any of it. Moving to Los Angeles is exciting, but it’s one of the most competitive music markets in the world. There were stretches where gigs were scarce, projects fell apart, and bands I’d invested years into didn’t pan out. The discipline I gained from the military was huge in helping me weather those trying moments; knowing how to stay focused and keep showing up even when results weren’t immediate.

Teaching has kept me connected to music on the days when the performance side felt uncertain, and it genuinely became something I love in its own right. Every struggle has shaped how I play, how I teach, and how I show up. Ultimately, it’s a huge part of what inspired me to write my book, ‘The Irreplaceable Musician.'”

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
“Well, I’m a drummer, instructor, and music director based in Los Angeles. Over the past 20 years I’ve performed across a huge range of styles, settings, and genres; rock, jazz, blues, funk, reggae, you name it. I’ve worked in the studio with Grammy-nominated producers, appeared on live television, and shared stages with amazing artists. Currently I’m performing with the DTF Band, The Josh Rogan Trio, and Stonebreed, teaching, and wrapping up a book on building a career in the [music] industry.”

What does success mean to you?
“For me, success is pretty simple — it’s waking up every day and getting to do what I love. It’s being able to sustain a life in music, keep growing, and still feel excited about playing drums. At the same time, some of my proudest moments have come from teaching. Seeing a student’s face when something finally clicks never gets old. If I can keep playing music that moves people and inspire a few folks along the way, and at the same time inspire young drummers to teach the next generation, I’m a happy man.”

I think my man, Austin Curcuruto (amazing drummer, plays for the Oak Ridge Boys), says it best with this quote from my book: “Something that I would really like to drive home in the book is that your success has nothing to do with playing Madison Square Garden. It is how you feel behind your instrument in that moment, and if your eyes are closed, and you’re in your bedroom by yourself, and you’re in a happy realm, you win. You [redacted] win. If you’re playing a cocktail party by a lake, and you’re bringing people together with a G chord, you win. It has nothing to do with adulation. It has nothing to do with your hometown [people] asking for your autograph. It is about that moment, and the blessing that you have to be a musician, and to make some music.” I think he said it best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://miahpalmer.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/miahpinion/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/miah.palmer/
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/miahpalmer/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@miahpalmer
• Other: https://stonebreed.com