D Mills – “Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Programming”: A Retro-Modern Masterclass in Pure Groove

Today, our editorial team crossed paths with Danny Mills upon discovering his album “Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Programming.” This is the 4th full-length record from the session musician and producer turned artist, D Mills. Except for the horns on track 7, all instrumentation on the album was played entirely by Mills himself.

Right from the intro track, “Viewer Discretion”, the project instantly breaks us out of our routine and the surrounding gloom, taking us on a high-quality musical journey. What particularly caught our attention was the irresistible groove. As huge fans of basslines, we were far from disappointed—that deep bass feel that anchors your body was something we had genuinely missed. The guitars are subtly funky, while the keyboards shift between luminous and enigmatic: an incredible introduction to the project!

Continuing the journey with a total sense of freedom, the track “Out of Your Mind” delivers the same groove and musical grandiosity. It surprises us with an authentic vocal performance whose style and delivery break away from what we are used to hearing. It feels comforting, with a delicate retro touch that gently tickles our memories.

The album offers a rich palette of genres rooted in Black music, bringing a breath of fresh, modern air while honoring tradition. Tracks like “Eternal Paradise”—one of our personal favorites—present a dreamy indie-pop vibe driven by incredible musicianship: a drum kit that resonates deep in our souls, that ever-present deep bass, and beautiful keyboard arrangements. It perfectly illustrates Danny Mills’ signature style.

Interludes like “We’ll Be Right Back” brought a smile to our faces—designed like hold music, yet divinely produced and dripping with that old-school flavor. The journey continues with other gems like “Believe It” and grandiose feature tracks, notably showcasing the magnificent voice of Sheléa. Right through to the end, “D Mills”, with Maiya Sykes, proves to be incredibly catchy, carried by powerful, soul-drenched vocals that warm the heart. The pianos are super catchy, recalling iconic 90s hits while pushing things further—featuring a very welcome rap section, for instance. Honestly, this album is a total gift!