Joy Mills

July 2010 update:

Sanchez & Hammer's Monday Night Shindig is returning this fall! Sanchez & I took a break this summer whilst we sat on porches in the sun and whittled, among other things. We're looking forward to bringing it to Mondays again, this time in our favorite watering hole, ye olde Conor Byrne Pub in downtown Ballard. For those of you new to the shindig - this is a songwriter-in-the-round showcase featuring Sanchez (Mike McDermott of Silverhands) and Hammer (moi) and two rotating songwriters. The schedule thus far is 2nd and 4th Mondays in October and November. Keep an eye out for our scheduled guests. Oh, and we have one of those facebook thingeys.

May 2010 update:

It's been a few years since I've worked on my own site, I've been busy with The Starlings.  And I'll continue to be busy with them, but I'm also picking up some steam for a writing/cd project under my own moniker (or a new one if it strikes fancy). I'll be posting updates and excerpts here as they become less rough in the draft. All this is spurred by our last tour in December '09, and a moment of inspiration while driving through West Texas, and then the good news in January that I was selected for a grant from Jack Straw Foundation Artist Support Program for 2010. I'll be using my alotted studio time to record this new album. More news as it's ready.

To get  in touch: joymillsmusic@gmail.com

"The Starlings vocal harmonies, acoustic goodness and sweet blend of folk and country set the stage for the band's storied original songwriting and the compelling presence of vocalist Joy Mills.”  -KEXP.org, 90.3 FM

“…fresh and full of brio…(Joy) Mills, one of the best songwriters in the Northwest (or anywhere)…” – Victory Review

“Organic country…both delicate and edgy… For the lo-fi country enthusiast, the Starlings’ natural charm and raw potential, like the Starlings themselves, are a winning combination. Highly recommended.” – Maverick Magazine

 “The Starlings, a band buoyed by shimmering vocalist Joy Mills.” – Seattle P.I.

“The Starlings hark back to an earlier, simpler time, when folks gathered on front porches with mandolins and harmonicas, singing away the day in dusty twilight.  That simple beauty pervades the band’s stellar debut album, “Songbook,” and that easygoing camaraderie personifies the Starlings’ live performances, which find them equally at home playing barnburners and ballads and have made them favorites among Seattle’s twang community.”  - Portland Tribune