Off Camera with Sam Jones Ep. 3 Blake Mills
Nov 19, 2025
Blake Mills is a talented guitarist, producer, and songwriter known for his emotive playing and collaborations with renowned artists like Fiona Apple and Kid Rock. He discusses how discovering guitar as an escape from football shaped his creative journey. Mills shares insights on navigating the internet's impact on music, the balance between emotional depth and technical skill, and the joys of candid songwriting about family. He also highlights his unique jam sessions at a surf shop, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over novelty in music.
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Guitar As An Escape
- Blake Mills used guitar as an escape from tackle football and obligations, practicing for hours to avoid practice and homework.
- He calls guitar his "best friend, the bad influence" that enables unhealthy hours but deep creative focus.
Emotion Over Showmanship
- Mills moved from flashy showmanship to playing that aims to emotionally move listeners rather than impress them technically.
- He studies phrasing and feel from emotional players to achieve expressivity over virtuosity.
Trace Influences Online
- Use the internet to trace artists' influences and recommended records to learn how they achieved their sound.
- Follow references in interviews to build a directed listening list rather than random sampling.
