Beatrice Miller on Landing Record Deal, Leaving Maplewood

When Maplewood resident Beatrice Miller competed last fall on The X FACTOR, it was clear to all who watched it was only a matter of time before she became a superstar.

Now, it seems the 14-year-old is well on her way. Miller is the first artist to be signed with Hollywood/Syco Records, a new collaborative label arrangement between Disney's Hollywood Records and Simon Cowell's Syco Records. (Hollywood Records is also home to teen-pop stars Selena Gomez, and "X Factor" judge Demi Lovato, according to an article on Yahoo.)

Ken Bunt, President of the Disney Music Group said in a press release the label was "thrilled" about being able "to showcase Beatrice's incredible talent."

Miller, until recently a Maplewood Middle School student, was an audience favorite from the start with her soulful voice and fresh-faced looks. After making it to the top 10, she was eliminated in an emotional episode on Thanksgiving Day. Some viewers thought Miller was voted off too early, and faulted the guidance she was given by her mentor on the show, Britney Spears.

Patch spoke to the teen by phone Thursday evening after she had just returned from Los Angeles.

How does it feel to have signed with the label?

It feels great! I had to keep it bottled up for a while [until it was official], so it's good to be able to tell now. 

When will your first album come out, and what will it sound like?

I'm in the process of writing songs now...and will be getting into the studio soon. [Miller's mother, Hilery Kipnis, said they hope they album will be out by September and a single or EP released before then.]

Pop music runs the industry right now, and that's my least favorite genre. I'm a rock girl; I like Nirvana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers [but] I'll have to find a happy medium. The music will be organic and driven by a rock sentiment...I write a lot of my own music.

What have the last few months been like?

The whole experience has been crazy and stressful. I had to leave school because I missed too much. Homeschooling is hard, I miss going to school. It's hard being by yourself all day long...I make an effort to call my friends and [video chat]. I'll never leave my friends behind.

Will you be moving to Los Angeles? What do you like about it?

Eventually, in a month or so. [Kipnis said they are working out the details of whether the whole family would also relocate].

L.A. is always warm and sunny! I have this thing about palm trees, I love them. [But] in New Jersey you walk down the street and you're in the middle of town. You know everyone. 

Any TV shows or movies on the horizon?

Since The X FACTOR we have been looking at some projects, including guest appearances [on TV shows] and some movies. 

What song do you wish you could have sung on The X FACTOR?

[Nirvana's] "Smells Like Teen Spirit." I could have put my own twist on it.

Do you feel like you left the show too soon?

I didn't leave too soon. If I hadn't [left], I might not be in the position I'm in now, with this manager and this record label. In the moment it felt horrible, like my life was falling apart and everything I'd worked for was over. [But] it was the best thing that could have happened.

What will you miss most about Maplewood?

You can walk anywhere, it feels safe and friendly and you can be happy and peaceful. I'm going to miss the vibe.

 

You can follow Miller on Facebook and on Twitter @BeatriceMiller.