Interview – Blake Mills By Efren Martinez
Blake Mills is a singer, songwriter and producer, Blake is also one of the most sought after session guitar players in the country, he has played with the likes of Fiona Apple, Norah Jones, Billy Gibbons, Kid Rock, Cass McCombs, Jackson Browne, Lucinda Williams, Band of Horses and so many more. When Rick Rubin and T Bone Burnett need a guitarist, Blake is their guy. Eric Clapton recently told Rolling Stone magazine “Blake Mills is the last guitarist I heard that I thought was phenomenal.” While recently on Howard Stern, Jeff Bridges said “He’s an amazing, amazing guitarist.” He is also producing the forthcoming record from Alabama Shakes. Blake first picked up the guitar at the age of ten after finally convincing his father to take him down to the local guitar store. Blake has been influenced by many professional recording artist, but it was Kurt Cobain’s video of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” that motivated him to learn how to play the guitar. In fact, many of Kurt Cobain’s songs were the first ones he learn how to play.
His highly anticipated self produced second solo album, “Heigh Ho” came out on September 16th through Record Collection/Verve Records. Featuring guest musicians Don Was (Bass), Jon Brion (Piano), Mike Elizondo (Bass), Rob Moose (Strings), Jim Keltner (Drums and Percussion), Benmont Tench and Fiona Apple, the album is a stunning celebration of musical performances. Blake decided to self produce his own album early on simply because it was a matter of self control on how his artistic flow was to be represented in his new LP. Just recently I spoke with Blake by phone in regards to his up coming San Francisco show and new LP “High Ho.” According to Blake, “there are a great many things in life that we can’t control, but ones Artistic message shouldn’t be one of them.” For Blake, producing his own LP felt good because he was able to share a significant part of who he is in his new LP without anyone pointing him in an otherwise different direction.
Audio video interview http://youtu.be/9A7SDyQMnM0
As our conversation moved on, it wasn’t hard to figure out that Blake is a very humble and sensitive man. I invite you to get to know Blake Mills personally on September 19th. Blake Mills will be performing at The Chapel in San Francisco, his performance will include much of his new material from his new LP Heigh Ho. Efren j Martinez
Ticket Sales (The Chapel SF) http://www.thechapelsf.com/event/632185
“Heigh Ho” Has a total of 12 tracks and is available now on iTunes and at Amazon.com
Sample one of Blake Mills singles here featuring Fiona Apple. http://youtu.be/5ki5rSmMZHo
Like Blake Mills here www.facebook.com/blakemillsofficial
Twitter https://twitter.com/BreakMirrors
