Blake Mills

Blake Mills, a Grammy-nominated producer and guitarist, dives into his innovative work in sound production. He explores the nuances of fretless guitar, detailing the unique challenges of its design and sound. Collaboration with bassist Pino Palladino shines as he shares insights on crafting grooves and the intricacies of polyrhythms. Mills also discusses the balance between capturing raw performance and tonal precision, revealing how subtle elements like finger noise add intimacy to recordings. It's a fascinating blend of artistry and technical mastery!

In 2010, a photographer named Reuben Cox moved to Los Angeles to start Old Style Guitar Shop. In the years since, the instruments that he continues to repair and sell have come to define the sound of the LA indie folk scene among artists like Blake Mills, Andrew Bird, Madison Cunningham, Ethan Gruska and Phoebe Bridgers.Reuben’s guitars are Frankenstein-esque creations, cobbled together from spare parts and neglected guitar bodies found in flea markets and estate sales. The sounds that these make, though, are as eccentric as their source: the strings are laid on top of Reuben’s signature, a rubber bridge.This sound, and the mythos of the rubber bridge guitar, has turned Reuben into a local celebrity and put Old Style at the center of Los Angeles’s indie music scene. In this episode of Switched on Pop, host Charlie Harding explores that sound and the man behind it all.Songs Discussed (playlist) Taylor Swift - champagne problems Olivia Rodrigo - hope ur ok boygenius - Emily I’m Sorry Jenny Owen Youngs - Vampire Weeknight Andrew Bird - The New Saint Jude Marcus Mumford - Only Child Perfume Genius - Slip Away Andrew Bird - Underlands Madison Cunningham - Anywhere Madison Cunningham - Life According to Raechel Phoebe Bridgers - Garden Song Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

In this lively discussion, Cass McCombs, a genre-defying singer-songwriter, shares insights on his latest album, Interior Live Oak. Acclaimed musician Blake Mills dives into the creative process behind Cass's poignant songwriting, while admirer Ryley Walker highlights the humor and depth in McCombs' lyrics. They explore the concept of 'greatest hits without hits,' the influence of place on creativity, and the balance between authenticity and perfection in music. The conversation uncovers the beauty of collaboration and personal narratives in art.

Blake Mills, an acclaimed musician and producer behind the album "Jelly Road," joins forces with collaborator Chris Weisman to explore their creative journey. They delve into the intricacies of songwriting and the collaborative process, sharing insights into their artistic styles. Expect fascinating anecdotes about guitar techniques, emotional connections, and the balance between audience engagement and personal expression. Their discussion also highlights the significance of memories and cultural perceptions tied to their music, resulting in a rich tapestry of musical creativity.