Rodeo: Saturday Night Sounds

Nebraska native Luke Mills has been involved in the music industry for a quarter of a century. Since 1999, Mills has performed across the United States, with multiple songs becoming hits. He has toured with some of the biggest names in the industry but always stays true to his unique performing style.

Mills was born and raised in Holdrege, a city with fewer than 10,000 people. While most artists hail from larger areas, such as Nashville or New York, Mills spent his life in the small Nebraska city.

In an interview with Mills, he reinforced that all artists are influenced by their hometown environments.

"Not only is the subject matter of what we write changed, but creative processes evolve through your developmental years and the communities we grew up in change too. Being from a small town teaches you resourcefulness. I'm able to record ideas myself and understand how to get listeners to hear my music," he said.

While Mills has seen success in the industry, the space can be precarious and not all artists ever make it to the big time. Mills credits his community for giving him the courage to keep going no matter what the consequences are.

"Being from a small community allows you a safe space to fail with new ideas without being chewed up and spit out by the rest of the world. My town keeps me grounded by giving me a network of family and friends support. I'm able to dive more into creating, knowing that I have their support through it all," Mills said.

Growing up in the Midwest, Mills developed a passion for music at a young age. His first concert was a Chris LeDoux performance at a county fair in Kansas when he was 11.

That performance hooked the young boy hooked on country, giving him the drive to create music his way. Mill's family helped him achieve his dream by performing with the young singer. Although his entire family was supportive, one person provided the most inspiration for the singer.

Mills said, "My dad was the most influential person in my life when making music. The rest of my family doesn't perform much anymore, but I wouldn't be where I am today without their support. They taught me that music can take a story or message to a place where words cannot go alone."

The artist's father died in 2021 but still serves as an inspiration for Mills, no matter where he is.

Despite traveling all over the country, county fairs and small-town celebrations are the singer's favorite performances. Unlike others who sing about beer, relationships and not-so-PG subjects, Mills prioritized quality entertainment and clean family music.

"My team and I have always wanted to create entertainment that could touch the masses. I always say that if it can't be presented on NBC, ABC or CBS in a primetime slot and push a positive influence, when we shouldn't do it," stated Mills.

With this outlook on music, the artist has a few idols who have helped sculpt his music the most. Mills said George Strait, Charlie Daniels and Chris LeDoux have influenced him the most throughout his journey. He believes they have the healthiest outlook on all subjects and had fun creating songs that dealt with difficult issues. Much like Mills, they know how to send messages through their lyrics.

With a lot of experience in the industry, Mills has had wide success in his discography. Most recently, he was inducted into the Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame.

When asked what it meant to him, Mills said, "It was a very special moment for me. Grinding so hard in the industry for so many years is difficult on its own. To be recognized by all, and especially in my home state, was a very encouraging moment. Having the chance to honor my family, friends, and partners who have all worked alongside me was just as equally important and rewarding."

Having been involved in the industry since 1999, the music scene has changed. Mills grew up on vinyl, cassettes and the radio.

"As a kid, it was exciting to go to the local record store. I would save up all my money to buy the newest album. Those tapes and records got worn out by me consuming every aspect of the songs," he went on.

Much like vinyl, CDs were the next big thing in the industry during Mill's young adulthood.

"I'll never forget creating my first CD with my band and taking it to the local radio station to get played on air," he recalled.

With new technology coming and going, the singer has adapted to changes. He takes them head-on by embracing the positive aspects of new mediums and using them to his advantage. Mills said changing technologies have pros and cons for all artists.

"The name of the game is still, and always has been, to be creative and enjoy the ride, no matter what. Ultimately my only true nemesis is myself and my only true goal is to be better than what I was yesterday," he answered.

Staying grounded in his roots, Mills never thinks of himself as higher than other artists. He believes it's not fair for him to judge someone else's art since everyone has a different outlook. That's what makes the journey fun and exciting, according to Mills.

He uses this belief to inspire his writing.

"I challenge myself to be a storyteller. I do sometimes use my life events and personal feelings, but in others, I dig into unknown territories. I also find a good portion of inspiration just from regular everyday conversations."

Luke Mills will open at Clearwater's Big Rodeo Concert, Saturday, June 29, at 8 p.m.