And in terms of other music that was important to me growing up, it was bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and Radiohead. Those were the bands that were really at the core of my musical upbringing, along with a lot of other alt-rock bands from that era. I think about bands like Elliot Smith, Sparklehorse, and even a lot of 90s alternative stuff like Stone Temple Pilots. I feel like all of those bands are a part of my DNA as a musician. I try to take those influences and put them through my own filter to create something that feels unique and personal to me.
How do you think being from a rural Connecticut town has influenced your songwriting and the music you make with MILLY?
I think growing up in a small town definitely influences the way you see the world. It can be isolating at times, but it also gives you this sense of space and time to really focus on your own thoughts and feelings. I think that kind of introspection and reflection definitely comes through in the music I make with MILLY. There’s a sense of longing and nostalgia in a lot of the songs, and I think that comes from growing up in a place where you have time to really think about things and let your imagination wander.
How has your relationship with Los Angeles influenced your music and the way you approach making music with MILLY?
Los Angeles has been a very inspiring place for me as a musician. There’s so much creativity and energy here, and I think that really comes through in the music we make with MILLY. Being surrounded by other artists and musicians who are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible has definitely pushed us to take risks and try new things with our music. It’s also been really cool to explore different parts of the city and draw inspiration from the different neighborhoods and communities here. I think that sense of exploration and discovery is something that really comes through in our music.
What do you hope listeners take away from Your Own Becoming?
I hope that listeners connect with the music on a personal level and find something in the songs that resonates with them. I think music has the power to bring people together and create a sense of connection and community, and I hope that our music can be a part of that for our fans. I also hope that the album inspires listeners to think about their own journey of becoming and the ways in which we are always evolving and growing as individuals. Ultimately, I just hope that people enjoy the music and that it brings some joy and light into their lives.
But lyrically, it’s definitely the most direct song on the record. It’s about Los Angeles, but it’s not a Los Angeles song in the traditional sense where it’s like, “Oh, the city is so glamorous” or whatever. It’s more about living in a place that’s so vast and sprawling and coming to terms with the fact that you could be so alone in a place with so many people. It’s kind of about that feeling of isolation in a city that’s so populated. It’s also about the feeling of being so far away from where you grew up and feeling a little lost in the shuffle. It’s definitely a personal song for me, and I think it’s a cool way to end the record because it’s a little more grounded in reality than some of the other songs. It’s not as cryptic or dreamlike, it’s just a little more straightforward.
As a bandleader, I do think about that sometimes. I think about the legacy that I want to leave behind with my music and how I want it to impact people. It’s a strange feeling to create something and put it out into the world, not knowing how it will be received or if it will resonate with anyone. But at the end of the day, I make music because I love it and because it’s a way for me to express myself. If my music can touch even just one person and make a difference in their life, then I feel like I’ve done my job as an artist.
‘Running the Madness’ is a song that reflects on the chaos and uncertainty of life, and the idea of being unsung ties into that theme. We’re all just running through this madness, trying to make sense of it all and leave our mark in some way. It’s a reminder to keep creating, keep pushing forward, and keep striving for greatness, even if we may never be fully recognized for our efforts. It’s about the journey and the process, rather than the end result.
So yeah, being unsung as a bandleader is something that crosses my mind from time to time, but ultimately, I just focus on making music that is true to myself and that resonates with me personally. If others connect with it too, then that’s just a bonus.
Esta entrevista ha sido editada y condensada para mayor claridad y longitud.
Your Own Becoming de MILLY ya está disponible a través de Dangerbird Records.