We had the absolute pleasure of getting to know Mills and his musical process. His down-to-earth soul and beautifully creative mind make the perfect formula for the next top artist.
BTS: What was the process like for your single “On The Weekend”?
Mills: I wrote it when I came to NY to see my friend, Robbie. Me and my girlfriend, at the time, were going through some stuff. I saw her out, and it was tough to see. No matter how hard I tried to not think about it, it wouldn’t go away. I worked with Tom (Hazey Eyes) – he started playing his granddad’s piano and the story kind of told itself. We wrote it in about an hour and a half. Some songs just happen.
BTS: What is it about? What’s the theme?
Mills: Not being able to turn your attention to anything else even when you don’t want to fixate on that one thing. Your mind can’t help but wander. It’s an ugly feeling, but we tried to put it in a digestible, beautiful way that feels therapeutic.
BTS: What was the inspiration for the music video?
Mills: I worked with a friend of mine, Jake, on the creative stuff. My whole album is gonna be me on the run – finding joy, finding a sense of home. People’s smiles and situations can remind you of home. Thematically, that’s where I’m at with this project. This is the beginning of the story – it sets the scene.
BTS: What do you hope listeners take away from it?
Mills: I hope they hear themselves in it. It’s an emotion a lot of people go through. It’s something I went through, and it’s still fresh on my heart and my mind. I resonate with this song a lot and hope other people can too. I hope it helps get them through whatever they’re going through.
BTS: How have your childhood/ personal lives impacted your music?
Mills: In every way shape or form. I grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The people shaped who I am. I feel like I’m a kind person, and it shines through in my music. The world’s a pretty divided place but we can draw the similarities we all have. Music is something we all understand. I went to high school with people from over 60 different countries. It wasn’t out of ordinary to be around people that don’t look like you. My music just feels human. I’m not targeting one demographic. It’s music for your mom, cousin, grandma – it’s for everybody.
BTS: How would you describe your overall sound?
Mills: I tell a lot of people I’m somewhere between Chris Stapleton and Kanye West. There’s pop, folk, rock, and I’m right in there. It’s heartfelt music. It’s true stories, not made up.
BTS: How does your new music compare to your old?
Mills: I’ve matured a lot as a person. I’ve gained a lot of new perspective. Naturally, my songs have matured. It’s simple, but there’s depth in the simplicity. It feels like it’s the best music I’ve ever made. I’m working with my best friends on it. We’re just hanging out, I know these guys. We’re all smiling and putting our energy into it.
BTS: How’d you meet your best friends?
Mills: I moved to LA few years ago and went to college for a year. I connected with someone named Cisco and met Robbie – Robbie has been my go to since then. I moved to NY a year ago so I come out to work with him. Then I met everyone else. I got kicked out of a show when I was 17 and emailed the manager – I was going to see Felly. We ended up making a song together, shit’s crazy. He emailed me and asked to FaceTime. I told them to listen to my song, that turned into more and I came back to LA. We ended up becoming best friends. And Alex is my manager. Everything led me back to this core group of guys – it’s a full circle, beautiful thing. I’m making my full album with the same people I started with.
BTS: What can we expect from you next?
Mills: Expect a kickass album. And a bunch of live shows. And a bunch of big smiles. Good times and good songs – that’s all I can think of. That’s all I do. It’s the strongest body of work I’ve put out, creatively and musically. I feel really good about it!
BTS: What are you most excited for in the future?
Mills: To play shows for people. To see the crowds get bigger and bigger and hear them sing the words louder and louder. That’s what I live for. People can step away from whatever bullshit they’re going through, but we can come together and smile. It’s like church to me.
BTS: What final message do you want to send to fans and listeners?
Mills: Be good to people. And support your friends, whatever they do. Support shows and buy tickets. Just support people. I’ll leave it at that.
And, we’ll support Mills every step of the way.
Stream Mills’ new release “Hands On Me” now!
Follow Mills on Instagram here!
Subscribe to Beyond The Stage to stay updated on all things music!
- The Aces: From Their Garage to a Headliner Tour - December 6, 2022
- Get to Know: Trevor Daniel - December 6, 2022
- Get To Know: Thomas Day - November 29, 2022
