Jazz Mills, the Austin-based sultry songstress didn’t mean to launch a career in music – it sort of happened by chance, caused by opportunity and undeniable talent. She says “I never really tried to break into the music scene. I moved to Austin to be with my boyfriend and was asked to sing backups in the band he was in at the time for a STAX tribute show and then after that show became a permanent member. From that point on I just went wherever music and my friends took me. I’ve never really had an agenda about really making a name for myself as a singer, but have been very fortunate to work with lots of different musicians and producers who have brought about many different opportunities for me.”
Mills is modest, but the musical collective she has surrounded herself with in Austin is truly helping bring the best out of her and the others in the circle. Mills’ deep, soulful style can be sampled soon on her upcoming record release, a collection she says includes songs with distinct musical influence, each completely standing on their own. Check out Jazz Mills’ Facebook and YouTube pages to get a taste for this up and coming artist – she’ll be exploring other creative projects in the very near future. There’s still much more to get into, so read on for all the answers to the XXQs below.
XXQs: Jazz Mills
PensEyeView.com (PEV): What kind of music were you into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?
Jazz Mills (JM): I listened to whatever my mom and dad were listening to. My mom listened to a lot of James Taylor, Dire Straits, Gypsy Kings, Beatles, etc…My dad listened to mostly country. My first concert was a talent show when I was 11 and I sang “Blowin’ in the Wind” because I had just watched Forrest Gump.
PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene when you first started? What was your first show like?
JM: I never really tried to break into the music scene. I moved to Austin to be with my boyfriend and was asked to sing backups in the band he was in at the time for a STAX tribute show and then after that show became a permanent member. From that point on, I just went wherever music and my friends took me. I’ve never really had an agenda about really making a name for myself as a singer, but have been very fortunate to work with lots of different musicians and producers who have brought about many different opportunities for me.
PEV: What can fans expect from a live Jazz Mills show?
JM: They can expect to hear something new and meet someone new.
PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage to perform?
JM: I wonder how many new friends I’m about to make? Did I make a set list?
PEV: What is the best part about being on stage in front of an audience?
JM: Getting to perform with my friends. I’m proud to be surrounded by so many good people who are so talented.
PEV: What is the underlining inspiration for your music?
JM: Music being the universal language is probably the most inspiring thing…I want to sing and write songs that are relatable to anyone and not just me talking about me for me.
PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out, do you ever look back on your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?
JM: My whole musical experience has always felt kind of the same to me. It always seems to come out of nowhere, but I know that it really comes from a multitude of people who love and support me. I wouldn’t be doing music at all if it wasn’t for them.
PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about you?
JM: Even though I would say world peace is my most important agenda…I would really love to be a stunt car driver or get into a high speed chase with a cop. Basically, I just like to drive really fast and it would be awesome to get paid for it instead of getting a ticket.
PEV: What happens when you hit a brick wall when writing? What are your methods to get over it?
JM: I don’t mind when that happens and I don’t really try to get over it. I don’t set aside time to write songs…I just write things down when they come to me and sometimes they just get thrown away but if it sticks with me…then it sticks with me.
PEV: How do you think the industry has changed since you first started out?
JM: It seems to have become more formulaic and less creative. It doesn’t seem to have anything to do with music really…mainly just numbers and business. I try not to think about it really.
PEV: What can fans expect from your latest release? What was the writing process like for this album?
JM: Each song is different from the next. I get really inspired to write new material by watching films.
PEV: With all your traveling, is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?
JM: Europe.
PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career?
JM: They have been telling me to do this my whole life so I think they are just relieved that I’m actually trying now.
PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?
JM: Spending time with my daughter Ava, road tripping, dinner parties, attempting to write a new movie script with my friend Stephanie Hunt, meeting everyone that I possibly can, etc…
PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration. Why?
JM: Nancy Sinatra and Shania Twain. I love everything about both of them and I think a modern day collaboration with Shania Twain would be hilarious.
PEV: Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?
JM: Corey Baum. He is playing with me for my EP release and his voice and songwriting are insane. He doesn’t take himself too seriously but he takes his music and lyrics seriously. Plus he’s just super funny and a good time.
PEV: If playing music wasn’t your life (or life’s goal), what would you do for a career?
JM: Playing music isn’t my life or life’s goal…I love music, I believe in it, and I’m thankful for my opportunities in this industry so far, but all I really care about is meeting people and connecting with them in hopes of world peace or something close to that…especially since I have a daughter in the world now and I don’t want her to be afraid of it.
PEV: So, what is next for Jazz Mills?
JM: Oh man…I have like 10,000,000,000,000,000 ideas a day that I want to see through. I promised myself I would stick to one of them this year though and that is to create a small music festival for up and coming musicians in my hometown of San Angelo.