Carly Miller has been playing music for as long as she can remember, but she never imagined she would amass the following she has here in Clemson, where the loyal community just voted her best local artist.

The musician came to Clemson because of a community she fell in love with. She had been visiting since her senior year of high school and had always loved the atmosphere. Miller was drawn to Clemson’s small-town feel, and it didn’t hurt that she had grown up a Tiger fan, with her mom a graduate of the class of ‘98.

Miller did not come to Clemson to start a band. In fact, when she initially got to Tigertown, she had no plans of continuing her music. She had been taking a break from music and chose not to pursue it, deciding instead to get involved in “less risky” activities.

But then a golden opportunity arose.

Miller worked at the now-defunct TD’s at the Pier, and one of her coworkers knew she used to sing in high school. On the day of her boss’ going away party — which Clemson legend Conner Sweeny was performing at — her co-worker asked Sweeny if Miller could sing a song. After that, Sweeney helped her find band members and even got her a gig at Study Hall, and the rest is history.

“I am so incredibly thankful for the members of my band, both past and present, who have made it possible to bring more live music to Clemson,” Miller told The Tiger.

The Carly Miller Band began as a country cover band but evolved with Miller’s own ever-changing taste. She has thrown in more pop, indie and rock and loves performing anything that will get the whole bar singing.

Similar to why she came to Clemson, performing is all about the people in the singer’s mind.

“One of the great things about doing this is that no two shows are ever the same. One of my favorite moments that always sticks out to me is being able to play for Tigerama in Death Valley. Getting to experience that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will forever be grateful for.”

Miller also mentioned the incredible experience of seeing her grandfather in the audience of their biggest venue to date.

“The community in Clemson has been so kind to us,” she said. “I love being able to form personal relationships with bar owners, bar staff, and Greek Life social chairs. Creating this band has really allowed me to feel like Clemson was my home, and it’s going to be extremely hard to leave that in May.”

Instagram: @carlymillerband
Email: [email protected]