Five Mins with: Alex Mills
When any electronic music producer wants meaningful lyrics and hypnotic vocals to shine through their next big track, they’ll probably call and collaborate with Alex Mills.
The award-winning artist has collaborated with some of dance music’s finest, including Hot Since 82, Basement Jaxx and Sonny Fodera. She’s toured the world, from Manchester to Malta to Miami, and over the years her art has garnered the attention and respect of industry titans. In 2021 she was the face of Amazon’s ‘Sound of Modern House Music’ campaign across central London billboards, thanks to her single ‘Want You To Want Me’, and in the same year, Annie Mac coined ‘Shout It Back’ (the D4 D4NCE debut track she released with GotSome) the ‘Hottest Record in the World’ on BBC Radio 1.
Some people have a gift but Alex has many. She pens profound lyrics and sings them with soul, she produces music that’s melodic and masterful, and as a DJ she has a dynamism that’s hard to match. Her talents mark a quadruple threat, but Alex is as nice and as ‘real’ as they come, bringing upbeat energy, style and sets to select Mondays at O Beach Ibiza. Her schedule’s jam-packed but fortunately it includes playing at ten D4 D4NCE dates across the summer so we grabbed five minutes to talk shop.
It’s been stellar release after stellar release amongst so many career-defining projects for you, but what else is on your work wishlist?
I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing people and have got some exciting collaborations coming this year which I’m buzzing about. In terms of a wish list though I’d love to work with Chris Lake, Audiojack and think Pawsa would be a dope collab. There are so many amazing new artists coming through too so I’m more excited to see what else they bring to the table. I’m feeling L.P Rhythm, a Leeds artist called Gigsta & Guy Burns to name a couple.
I read that what matters to you the most in all your musical endeavours is to make people vibe, whether they’re on the dance floor or at home in the garden. What’s your secret sauce? What is it about your music that you think people connect with?
I honestly think it’s being a slave to the groove. Some love more minimal, some love more techy but I just love a melodic groove so that’s a theme that will be consistent throughout my sets. I also love vocal house and think singing is a spiritual thing so when people sing along with you, it connects you.
How do you store inspiration for songwriting? What’s your songwriting process? Do you have lightbulb moments or do you have a routine?
I definitely have lightbulb moments which I love and am constantly recording voice notes or writing ideas in my notes. Although I like writing with other people I do love writing alone as you can capture a stream of consciousness. I tend to riff over instrumentals and see what the music makes me feel. Often the words or a concept just come and if not I refer to my voice memos or notes for inspiration.
How do you keep your vocals in check? For example is there anything you avoid or eat more?
Trying not to shout in loud venues or generally is a must as that makes me lose my voice more than most things. I steam my voice if I have a big show. I’m constantly singing along to the music in my sets so that usually keeps me warmed up.
Our events manager has crowned you O Beach Ibiza’s happiest DJ—what’s making you smile behind the decks?
Haha I love that! In fact I’m smiling right now while I’m answering this! I just get a lot of joy from music and it makes me happy. You may have good shows you may have bad shows but what remains is you and the music and we always have each other.
Whose work are you admiring at the moment? Is there anyone you predict is up and coming?
They are not so much up and coming as are fully on the map but I adore Rochelle Jordan, she’s a great word smith as well as being a wildly talented vocalist. I think few can hold a torch to Clementine Douglas who’s talent and consistency never fail to amaze me. I’m super excited to hear more of her solo stuff. She’s phenomenal. Again Guy Burns. A truly talented producer who I know we’ll be hearing more from in the future.
How do you feel about electronic music going mainstream?
I think it’s great. There are so many genres that fall under that bracket so you will always have sub culture and underground raves. It means that more people will be able to earn a decent living from something they love and dedicate there lives to. There will always be watered down and pop leaning sections of electronic music but that’s always been the way but that means there’s something for everyone. I welcome it.
What’s your favourite memory at O Beach Ibiza?
Favourite moment at O Beach has to be handing over to Rudimental after playing a killer set. The crowd were amazing, I loved what I played and the lads were super complimentary. We ended up jumping in the studio from that encounter too so it was a gift that kept giving.
What does Ibiza mean to you? Tell us about a special place or memory you have here.
Ibiza is a different animal each time you come and depending on what your on. If you want a party of any description you can find it but there is more to the island than just the sesh. I took a hike with a pal with full views of San An and it was great to see it as a whole and enjoy the sunrise. It’s impossible to pick one special place as I love different things for different reasons. Though this was definitely up there with the lovely moments.
Catch Alex Mills at select D4 D4NCE events on Mondays!
