His Cradle Was A Covered Wagon, Pointed West: Learning How Espen Langbråten Became The Unlikely Musical Present To Poet Joaquin Miller's Prolific Past

I first learned of Miller Sessions when a submission came my way for the song “Java,” a cut from the project’s 2023 album The Poet. Opening with a baritone spoken-word section that segues into a smoky, chugging, mysteriously eerie slice of Americana rock, “Java” lyrically/sonically illustrates the 1883 eruption of the volcanic island of Krakatoa. That may sound like a dated subject here in 2026, but it was strikingly relevant at the time for poet Joaquin Miller. You see, Miller was alive when Krakatoa erupted, and “Java” is one of many evocative poems he wrote over his career.

“Java” is also one of ten Miller-related creations made into stirringly illuminative songs by Miller Sessions, a band/endeavor fronted by Norwegian musician Espen Langbråten. I personally haven’t seen a writer and musical artist join forces since Nick Hornby and Ben Folds did so with 2010’s collaborative Lonely Avenue. And in the case of Langbråten, Miller had long since passed away by the time The Poet was gestating, leaving the artist and his bandmates to blaze their own subjective path built around a fascinating figure described (in part) as a “judge, cook, horsethief, editor and poet.”

Having all this information at my fingertips, I knew I had to see if Langbråten would be available for an interview about The Poet. In the age of artificial intelligence, I find myself particularly eager to talk with creators making the type of art that exceeds robotic replication. Musicians who are building stories of their own distinct category and description. Langbråten and Miller together (yet far apart in both life and country of origin) defy conventional chemistry. They resist what’s typical, and that’s the deepest breath of fresh air I know how to find in these modern times.

Luckily, Langbråten was more than happy to speak with me at length this morning about Miller, all the way from his native Norway. With the time difference already figured out, we discussed how Langbråten first discovered Miller, what led to turning Miller’s poems into songs, taking those stories to the live stage, and what he’s planning next in bringing melody to a man whose life was built on a wealth of colorful tales. That’s just the tip of the iceberg here, though.

So sit back, watch our really fun conversation, and when you’re done, journey into a listen of The Poet down below. The LP is a conceptually fascinating ride. Thanks to Espen Langbråten (really appreciate him taking the time to chat), I learned a lot (and want to find out even more) about the “judge, cook, horsethief, editor and poet” known as Joaquin Miller.