It's Landlord -- up close and personal on his new CD, as he continues on his mission of reaching God's people through spiritually inspired music.
Born Orlando Miller, "Landlord: Up Close and Personal" is Landlord's first CD release since the 2004 release of his hit song, "We Need Peace".
"My new CD is a more personal representation of me. It's really an expression of myself in which I use music as a vehicle to reach people on a deeper level," says Miller.
"I always knew God was the one who gave me my talent and I always wanted to make my gifts better, but working with other artists has really made me see that God uses us and moves through everything.  I thoroughly enjoyed creating this album and I hope people are moved and touched with the different stories they will find compiled together on the CD. I thought it was great to give a real portrait of everyone in my life who influences me so you can really see me and what I am about through them who I've lived with and loved.  For me it's one thing to sing about my experience but it's something different to tell the story of others.  It's humbling and special to me."
He says it is hard for him to decide which songs are his favorite on the 14-track CD, but the ones he really hopes will stick with the public are "Stay With Me" featuring Darronique Mortimer, which is the number one track, and "Thank Ya" featuring Johnny B. Williams, the number two track.
"Stay with Me" examines the relationship God and His angels have with mankind and shows that although men turn away from God every day, He still loves them and will stay with them.  "Thank Ya" is a real praise song he hopes to hear churchgoers and the average person singing because it's powerful message speaks to always being thankful and realizing how good God is even when you do not deserve it.  Landlord hopes the songs will have a positive effect when they hit the airwaves because each song has a message for everyone who will listen.
"It's time for us to look back to God and realize we have all we need.  Don't feel sorry for yourself -- but look to God to provide.  I hope when people hear my songs they are rejuvenated, revitalized and learn to look outside themselves and their personal needs so they can also see the needs of others around them. This is the humblest thing people can do -- see others and help them.  This is what I want to do. This is what I want my CD to inspire.  If I can touch one life I am doing a lot ... I have accomplished something."
Miller says it was important for him to make the album now and that he is excited to be back on the bandwagon after taking time away from the studio to reflect on his life, his image and what God's plans are for him.  In finding success in the fast-paced music industry, Miller says he needed to take a step back before releasing more music to decide the direction he wanted to take with his life and ministry. He wanted to bring what people believed they know about him or about people in this industry down to earth.
"It's amazing how people feel they know you or what you are about just by seeing you on television or listening to your music on the radio.  I wanted people to see that there is more to Landlord than just that," he said.  "Many people may feel that musicians, politicians or other famous people have life made, but I want people to really understand that no one is higher than God, and often times the situations of the people you idolize are worse than yours could ever be.  Everyone goes through tough situations, and it's how you stand up and who you stand up with that will help you make it through it all," he says of what he hopes people will take from his newest CD.
Miller says another blessing in the creation of his new body of work is that he was able to collaborate with numerous other talented musicians and that he was enlightened and humbled throughout the process.
The artist who brought you hit gospel tunes like "Father Forgive Them", "Teach Me", "It was Only You" and "Eagles' Wings" says music has always been a part of his life and being able to produce songs that inspire others has kept him going through the years.
Miller is preparing to tour the United States, and stage a number of concerts locally in the near future.
You can find "Landlord Up Close and Personal" in Buck's Record Gallery on Wulff Road and Kid's Zone on Hepburn Alley.

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