Emile Millar’s ‘Eagle vs Bear: Adventures of a Child Cub’

Though Eagle vs Bear is a tale story of triumph over tyranny and heartfelt redemption, the five-chapter kids’ book and accompanying five-song album is really rooted in the relationship between singer/songwriter/author Emile Millar and collaborating musician Daniel “Dancing Eagle” Siegel, a neighbor from Millar’s Austin days.  

“His nickname is Eagle, and I’m a husky, furry critter, so I got the Bear moniker,” explains Millar, who grew up on Hollister Ranch and then lived the professional musician life in Austin and Los Angeles before moving back to Santa Barbara six years ago. “We are nemeses. He’s my really good friend that I hate losing to. We have always been very competitive and kindred spirits.” 

Almost seven years ago, they went into the studio to record some songs to kick off this project, the first one being an anthem about rising up. “When I wrote that first song, the whole story just came to my head,” recalled Millar. “The lyrics and the vibe and the energy of the songs dictated the storyline.”