Austin Millz ft: Aluna - Gold (Single) + 10 Questions

Genre-blending DJ producer Austin Millz releases his latest single as he continues to build momentum toward his Midas EP. Featuring UK dance music singer-songwriter Aluna, ‘Gold’ is a marriage of Austin’s distinguished beat-making abilities and Aluna’s pop-forward falsettos. As two prominent Black individuals making waves in electronic music and beyond, the record works to spotlight the need for greater inclusion of blackness in the dance community, while aiming to inspire unsung voices across industries to be heard and to take action with their own dreams.

Austin Millz continues to be praised time and time again for effortlessly blending genres and cooking up a fusion of groovy Funk, Alt-Electronic, and Pop. Combined, it creates 'the Millz Bounce', a signature sound that Millz describes best as the intersection of where Soul and Dance music meet. The music he creates is deeply inspired by the sounds of his upbringing.  From his Puerto Rican roots in Harlem, to listening to Diddy, Cam’ron and Teddy Riley, and the rise of soulful NY house with the likes of Paradise Garage and DJ Larry Levan, the Harlem sound is a distinct and complex melting pot of genres. Now living in Los Angeles, he continues to carry these inspirations with him, weaving more threads into his deeply textured musical DNA and creating with intention, making sure that this musical framework is understood.

Austin sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music

My love for music began as a child growing up in Harlem, New York. It was all around me. From family gatherings to hearing it on the streets. New York was filled with music and culture and that was something that was instilled in me as a child. Music was a part of my lifestyle from early on. Couldn’t live without it.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Artists that influenced me growing up would be the likes from Michael Jackson to Prince the icons. Their artistry in their career was unparalleled and was something that I always admired. Artists that I would want to work with in the future I would have to say would be Pharrell, Stevie Wonder and Earth Wind and Fire. They each have their distinctive style that’s like no other.


3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

In terms of collaborating it was a bit different. Things had to be conducted via zoom and online sessions and typically I prefer to work direct and live in person with artists. I feel that I get the best results and product that way. Also in terms of releasing music I had to step back and think with the climate during the pandemic, many and most people were home so I had to think what type of music would someone at home listen to. Should I wait until I drop this dance record that feels good when listening to it outside, but no one is outside yet? Questions like that is what I was dealing with.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I would say it’s a refreshingly undefinable niche where dance, soul and pop meet.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

My proudest moment to date as an artist I would say was when I played a sold out show in South Africa. Seeing my music travel across the world and affect people in a positive way is a feeling like no other. And just seeing and making my family proud.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Keep going at it, don’t stop. There may be days when you may feel like it’s not going according to plan but stay focused and trust the journey and make it through.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Jayda G, Jungle, and Sault. They each bring something different and I feel like they have distinctive sounds that I can relate to.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

WizKid Made in Lagos album.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Music takes up a lot of my life but I like to live experiences and soak up inspiration from various places. Collecting records vinyl shopping, finding amazing food, travelling the world and reading books.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Essentia Water, my maschine and laptop.