Joshua Sam Miller is an award-winning ocean artivist, multi-instrumental composer, immersive media director/producer, and ecopreneur on a mission to support healthy minds and a healthy ocean. His production studio, Embodied Sounds, creates bespoke immersive experiences that blend spatial audio with large-scale visual projections to foster relaxation, appreciation, and deeper awareness of our connection to nature.
Hi Joshua! Let’s start with who are you, and where are you from?
Hello! I am an ocean artivist from New York, currently living in Germany.
What do you currently do, and how did you get your start in the industry? How long have you been in the industry?
Currently, I am touring an international immersive experience called, ‘Sounds of the Ocean,’ which really is a culmination of my work in both the film and music industry. I have been involved with production from a young age, starting out as a teenager filming live performances in my hometown. I began my career as an intern and production assistant in New York City, and quickly grew a reputation as a cinematographer and editor, working on feature documentaries, music videos, and commercials.
What decisions influenced why you chose to pursue a career in this industry?
My motivations to work in the entertainment industry have changed overtime. When I was younger, I was inspired by the films and TV shows that I saw as a kid and the ‘allure’ of American motion pictures.
Later in life, I felt more called towards the music industry as I have always loved music and sound. This sparked a deeper passion for me and struck a very powerful nerve to share this obsession with the world as a musician and composer.
What makes your story unique?
In my opinion, the combination of a two-tiered approach to social impact makes my focus quite unique. I am trying to support both mental well-being and ocean conservation with my artistic work, and they are both important to me.
I believe that art holds the power to change the way that we live, think, and consume, and I find this approach to be very inspiring to me as a creator and for the audience to participate in something that is actually making a difference in the world.
What skills do you have that led you to be able to succeed in your industry?
One skill that I am proud of is a continual practice of ‘listening.’ This has come to help me in so many situations, and I feel it is one of our best abilities. Of course, it helps in music to find the right sounds, melodies, and rhythmic patterns, but it also helps in life to listen to oneself, each other, and our planet. This practice has allowed me to quickly develop and gain opportunities that I otherwise would not have received.
Do you have any role models or influences that have guided your journey?
Yes, of course. Two of my biggest inspirations are not so famous, but have served me exceptionally well as an artistic mentor and creative coach. Bruno Teixeira and Aminah Chishti are each brilliant artists, with a passion for the power of music. In my own family, my parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents each have been a big inspiration to guide me to follow my dreams, and I am very grateful for this. Also, even though I never met her physically, my wife’s mother, Irina Edelstein, has been a huge inspiration as a successful Classical pianist.
When and how did you launch Embodied Sounds?
Embodied Sounds was born in Northern California during a period of soul-searching and spiritual growth. It was clear to me that I wanted to share my passion for sound as a health and wellness tool, though I had no idea what was waiting for me on the other side. I started out facilitating workshops and yoga classes in Santa Cruz and quickly discovered that there was so much more to explore!
How did Sounds of the Ocean come about, and what is it exactly?
Sounds of the Ocean was born in 2019 while I was hosting mindful listening experiences, or sound baths, in Northern California. I was introduced to the sounds of whales and dolphins by my friend and colleague, Dr. John Ryan, and felt a deep calling to share these sounds with the world. I can still remember the day that I first heard the Blue Whales and decided right there to make them more available. I rented a venue and hosted my first concert two months later and that was the beginning of ‘Sounds of the Ocean,’ which now is available in many formats including fully immersive audio/visual experiences.
How many cities and countries has the tour hit, and how many cities and countries are left?
Since 2019, we have toured in thirteen countries, and one thing that I am proud of is the diversity of our audience. We have visited places like the Costa Rican jungle, Egyptian Desert, German cities, and metropolitan areas like Dubai, London, and Los Angeles. We see this project continuing for several years and announce new events and installations on our website regularly at www.soundsoftheocean.com.
Does the Sounds of the Ocean at the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science provide aspects not seen at the other locations?
At the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, we offer a very fun version of the experience to place audiences into the ocean with sounds and visuals in a magical FullDome film format. The experience lasts 25-min, allowing visitors to enjoy the rest of what the space has to offer with their families. It is very kid-friendly and offers a return to experiential education where imagination is welcomed and science can be felt through the sound.
What are some of your goals for the future of Sounds of the Ocean and in general?
For me, we are just getting started. I would like to see Sounds of the Ocean contribute to more plastic cleanup efforts globally through our impact partnerships. Imagine if we could remove 1,000,000 or more KG of plastic from waterways through attendance to our show? That would be pretty incredible!!
Artistically, it would be quite amazing if we can bring this show to world-class venues like Royal Albert Hall, the MSG Sphere, Oasis Immersion, and other museums, performing arts venues around the world.
What words of advice would you have for people who have similar aspirations?
I would advise any early ocean or artistic career professionals to find something deeply meaningful to you and work hard to make a positive impact on that cause. Try your best and leave the rest!
Any other things that we should be on the lookout for from you?
Yes! We have some exciting plans this summer to release another live recording from COP28, which features our friend WHAIA, a special guest vocalist from Australia and New Zealand. Stay in touch via Instagram (@sounds.oftheocean) for updates.
Thank you!
Of course, thank you for the great interview; wish you and Sounds of the Ocean much continued success!
