Blake Mills, born in Santa Monica CA in 1986, is a musician, songwriter, composer, and producer currently based in Venice Beach, California.
Growing up, Blake spent time studying and performing world music with Bob Brozman
He was a founding member and co songwriter for the band Simon Dawes
Following his departure from Simon Dawes in Oct. 2008, Blake developed his reputation as a session musician as he gained a network of artists that he continues to work with. Through these contributions, Blake has toured with Jenny Lewis
Between his touring and session work, Blake began work on his self-produced debut album Break Mirrors, which will be released in 2010 via Record Collection. He also contributed music for two films: the score for the forthcoming Ozzy Osbourne documentary, Wreckage of My Past, and guitar for The People Speak
Blake also is a musical consultant for Apple Computers and Apogee Electronics.
How do you describe your music to people?
I generally don't. That's not really my job! When that situation arises it puts me in a position I don't feel comfortable in. My descriptions totally feel like a digression.
It's more difficult to describe the stuff on Break Mirrors because it's kind of a diverse swatch of material. The record was written over a long period of time during which my inspirations as a songwriter were constantly changing.
Instrumental/Soundtrack stuff is a bit easier because there's usually a solid impetus to begin with. And if it's a piece that begins by accident, it's not difficult to make something up, after-the-fact. I think it's called "lying".
Tell me about how you originally got into your craft.
I was all about MTV in 1996. Seeing the "Smells Like Teen Spirit
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole wide world?
Driving with my windows down and the heater on.
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to running your business?
Being a prolific songwriter would make everything a bit simpler, but unfortunately I don't write often enough to be a full-time solo artist. So my career has a few branches that keep everything pretty balanced and to help with cash flow; Studio session work, touring guitarist, film composing, co-writing, producing... doing one feeds my desire to explore another.
When you were a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
Guitar player. I don't think I really took that idea seriously before 6th or 7th grade, but by then all the eggs were in the basket. I remember thinking I couldn't do anything else. I knew if it didn't work out that I'd be in trouble.
In what way has your community impacted your development as a musician?
Living predominantly in beach communities has made my general pace pretty easy-going... I suspect there's some trace of that in my musicianship.
Living in Los Angeles has allowed me numerous introductions to some incredibly talented people, some of whom become collaborators.
What other artists out there do you love?
I've really been in an Arthur Russell
What does your future hold?
Dinner parties!