Severing Ties Series Spotlights are a chance for you to nominate someone you know who has “severed ties” in their life in a significant way. Next up, we’re excited to introduce you to Ted Miller!
“I am so happy to have gotten to a spot where I feel a lot more free in this world.”
Last August, Ted Miller left his job of 15 years. He worked for the South Dakota Geological Survey where he ran a drilling rig to help geologists gather hydrological and geological information throughout the state of South Dakota. As much as the job was very interesting and challenging, he found himself on the road for months throughout the year. Over the years, the travel aspect wore him very thin.
Severing Ties
He knew he really wanted to be home more with his wife, Alice, so they could spend more time on their music and all their other hobbies and passions. So he made a big shift in his life. He left that job to work full time at Backspace Brewing Co., a new neighborhood brewery that does a lot of amazing things in the Yankton community.
Fast forward to today, and Ted now works full time for Counterfeit Catering Company and also 6th Meridian Hop Farm while still filling in at Backspace Brewing and playing music throughout the area. The catering kitchen is located on a property that also has the 5 acre hop farm. “It’s a great place to work,” Ted said, “I spend an equal amount of time laughing as working. It’s a lot of work, but a lot of fun.”
He is grateful for everyone that has helped him get to this point. From helping make and deliver amazing food, to an engagement in the craft beer world and working hard on their music, he says he has truly ended up in a blessed spot in his life.
The Good Life
“This new direction in life, first off, has me soooooo happy to be at home and sleeping on my own pillow every night - unless we are traveling to play music. I am happy to have gotten to a spot where I feel a lot more free in this world. All four of my jobs: kitchen, hop yard, brewery and music/songwriting are hard work but worth every second,” he said.
Let’s Talk Beer
When it comes to beer, there are not really any beer styles that Ted will shy away from. His favorite style to sample are Saisons/Farmhouse Ales. “We don’t find a ton of them in our region, it seems. They are a neat, delicate brew which makes me gravitate towards them,” he said.
Ted and Alice have graciously played their music at Severance a few times. When it comes to Severance beers, the go-to is D.B. Cooper’s Big Jump Double IPA.
“There are many Severance beers that I like to partake of! One of my favorite things to do after playing at Severance is to take a crowler of D.B. Cooper home. When we get back from our gig and get all the equipment put away, we either enjoy a glass on the back porch or with our feet up on the couch for a night cap, depending on the season!” he shared.
“Danks, But No Danks West Coast IPA is a recent one I have had that I really enjoyed, and there have been many variants of the Herbification Project sours that are really amazing as well. I’ve never had a bad beer at Severance, and we thank you guys so much for always having us back to play our audible art.”
Here’s to severing ties in life and drink and pursuing your passion.
Cheers, Ted!
Be sure to keep an eye on our list of upcoming events to find out when Ted and Alice Miller will be playing at Severance, or give them a follow on Facebook.
