MISSIONS
Through the use of drum machines, synthesizers and electronic vocals, Los Angeles-based electro-pop savant Josh Mills adds a rich emotional gradient and a fresh rhythmic step to the archetypal darkwave narrative as Missions. Mills’ addictive bass lines and smooth drum beats are produced and arranged with the proficiency of a polished studio engineer, while the core of his craftsmanship explores the shaded nuances of seduction and vulnerability. Mills was born and raised in Texas and spent the bulk of his adult life developing his sound within the dense synth community of Austin alongside bands like S U R V I V E and BOAN. Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2017, Mills has maintained a heavy collaborative side to his career, working with Emmy Award winning Stranger Things composers Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein as well as writing, producing and performing with Parisian pop starlet Lou Rebecca. With Missions, Mills methodically constructs infectious rhythms interspersed with moments of pure cinematic beauty as he carefully masters the intricate balance of style and technique. Reminiscent of late ’70s and early ‘80s electro-boogie, the vocals of Missions are synthesized through a vocoder, injecting a vibrant groove into the often cold realm of contemporary dance music. In addition to his lush synth tones and driving sequences, one of the most significant characteristics of Missions’ sound is the heavy half-time swing of the drum programming, revealing an intrinsic worldview with hip-hop and R&B ingrained into the fabric of his musical vocabulary. This infusion of bounce and swagger underlines his wistfully drab overtones, resulting in a stylistically complex and intensely fascinating project that defies strict genre classifications. Mills’ catchy melodies and clever arrangements are indicative of a brilliant pop talent with the lens of a skilled composer, showcasing a unique blend of influences that are both innovative and classic.