Brandon Mills – Glistening

By starrymag | September 29, 2020

By: Sammi Turano

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Folk, pop, singer/songwriter

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I grew up listening to the greats of another generation. I was always more connected with that style of poetry and melody – artists like Cat Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles and The Grateful Dead. The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors were in constant rotation in my CD player and they were a comfort I reached for regularly. I am now influenced by artists such as Jack Johnson, The Lumineers, The Head and the Heart and others who use poetic lyrics and catchy melodies to share stories we can all relate to.

 

Q) Tell us the story behind “Glistening.”

A) After four years in the Marine Corps Reconnaissance community and deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan I left the military with a strong desire to rebuild, restore and repair.  Not only myself, but my fellow human. I spent time traveling the world working for nonprofit’s around the globe, spreading love and truth and healing.  I had no idea what kind of impact it would have on my mind, body and soul.  What began as a desire to give back became a self-reflective journey between my head and my heart.

One stop along my global exploration was in the small town of Bethlehem.  Now known as modern day Palestine, this was also the birthplace of one of the most well-known and celebrated renegade warriors for freedom and love in human history.  It was in a small dorm room, overlooking the same hills that a young David spent time as a shepherd before his rise to power as King, that the song “Glistening” came to life.

As a result of my passion for self-reflection and purity (as I saw it through the lens of my young eyes), I was celibate for over a year at this point.  I had such a strong desire for a relationship with a love interest, but spent most of my time reading, writing, serving and working on myself instead. This song spilled out of me one night, the muses in full effect, as I sat on the floor and day dreamed of what a romance could be with the right partner.

 

Q) How do you think people can relate to the song?

A) My hope is that these words hold some form of universal longing, that we all crave: that we see fully and be seen truly by our partners. That we maintain optimism in the face of adversity and challenge, for ourselves and one another. And that we perpetuate reverence for the ones that really see us, in all our faults and failures, and choose to love anyway. Intense love doesn’t measure, it simply gives.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) It’s a depiction of true love and being enjoyed by that special someone.

 

Q) Do you plan to release more music or an album in the future?

A) You bet! I’ve been consistently working on new music. I look forward to putting out to new music in the future.

 

Q) Who are some artists you want to work with in the future?

A) I’ve always been deeply moved by the vocals of Adele. I’m also profoundly moved by the message and beauty of independent artists such as Appalachia Rising and Joseph.

 

Q) You were recently on “The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart.” Tell us about that experience. 

A) What can I say besides it was a wild ride!  I met some of the most beautiful and talented people I could have ever imagined and I’m still friends with them. I appreciate the beautiful and challenging opportunities the show provided. Again, I am forever grateful for the experience. And I’m so grateful for the new friends and fans I’ve connected with because of the platform

 

Q) In what ways has it helped your career?

A) It has definitely given me exposure and opened many doors for me.

 

Q) Do you have any plans to collaborate with anyone from the show in the future?

A) I made a lot of friends on the show. Hopefully, after the COVID passes we can collaborate.

 

Q) You’re a member of social media. Why is it important to you to stay in touch with your fans?

A) I walk on a tightrope of a deep concern for a generation who tends to over-consume/become addicted to social media and acknowledging the blessing these platforms provide to connect and build relationships with my fans. On one hand, we all now have a voice and a platform to speak, connect, bring awareness and demand change.

On the other hand, many people use these same platforms to voice hate towards others, oppose without reason and jump to conclusions instead of seeking understanding and a new perspective. A quote that changed my life was ‘the highest form of intelligence is observation without judgment” from J. Krishnamurti (I’m paraphrasing). I fight daily to lead with love, to share my passions at the risk of being rejected and insulted, but also to drive forward with the faith that love will win and the people that need to hear my message and music will.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your followers and fans? 

A) If I could say anything for people that are struggling at this time it would learn to look inward and get comfortable with being alone and learning more about yourself. In the same light, go and look for ways to serve the less fortunate, your neighbor or friend that might need help.