Texas native Rhett Miller is best known as the frontman of the alt-country band the Old 97's, although he's also pursued a critically acclaimed solo career. Formed in 1993, the Old 97's built a devoted following with their brash blend of country and power pop influences. All four members pursued side projects, but Miller captured the most attention, with the literate songwriter training his eye on such subjects as fatherhood, sex, and love. Making his solo bow with 2002's The Instigator, most of his solo albums have been dominated by cool, melodic pop tunes with a drier, more confessional bent than his work with the band, though 2012's The Dreamer explored a middle ground between pop and alt-country, 2011's The Interpreter: Live at Largo revealed he's a sure hand with covers, and 2018's The Messenger and 2022's The Misfit were adventurous collaborations with producer and multi-instrumentalist Sam Cohen.