We caught up with Mild Minds to discuss his creative process and the sonic influences that have inspired his upcoming album, GEMINI.
Grammy-nominated producer Benjamin David, known as Mild Minds, stands at the intersection of contrasts. His debut album, MOOD, represented a bold step forward, marking his evolution from behind-the-scenes producer to a recognized solo artist.
Now, Mild Minds is set to make another significant impact with his second album GEMINI, scheduled for release on February 21 through ODESZA’s Foreign Family Collective. This project dives even deeper into the contrasts that shape his music: joy and sadness, human feelings and dystopian vibes, digital sharpness and organic warmth.
In anticipation of the album, Mild Minds has shared teasers of his new soundscape. Following the title track, “GEMINI,” and the dreamy “TEAR DROPS,” his latest release, “I NEED U,” invites listeners to further explore the sonic journey of his second studio album. With radiant chords and vocal samples, this track exemplifies his talent for evoking deep emotions from minimalist components — a key characteristic of GEMINI’s sound.
In an exclusive interview, Mild Minds discussed the inspirations behind GEMINI, his method of merging emotional resonance with dancefloor energy, and the challenges of creating a follow-up album. He also reflected on his formative influences, the progression of his sound, and the vibrant energy of live performances.
Immerse yourself in the latest sultry tracks from Mild Minds’ GEMINI on Spotify or your preferred platform, and be sure to grab tickets to his upcoming tour via his website! Continue reading for an in-depth exploration of the magic behind the music.
Stream Mild Minds – “I NEED U” On Spotify:
GEMINI explores the blend of club energy and melancholic emotion in a unique way within dance music. How did you find the balance between these contrasting elements?
I’ve always been captivated by emotional movement in music but never resonated with traditional ballads or genres typically associated with deep feelings. There’s something compelling about merging the energy of dance music with introspection. With GEMINI, I aimed to create a dynamic tension between euphoria and melancholy, as that contrast has always struck a chord with me.
You’ve mentioned the pressures of creating a sophomore album. Can you share a moment during the making of GEMINI when you reminded yourself to enjoy the process and release expectations?
Absolutely. I started this project to escape those pressures, which had led to fruitful creativity the first time. When I sensed the weight of those expectations coming back, I recalled the lessons I learned during my first album. There was a pivotal moment just days before the album deadline when I spontaneously added female vocals to the last track, “Last Chance.” Typically, I’d spend months refining vocals, but knowing the deadline was looming, I chose to embrace the moment rather than delete it. I made that decision without regret, recognizing it was time to move on!
Considering that GEMINI draws inspiration from early 2000s sounds like trance and garage, what specific memories or elements from that time influenced your creative vision for the album?
I tend to focus more on the intangible aspects of that era when shaping my creative vision. It was a time of early internet exploration, free from the distractions of mobile phones. There was a sense of adventure and discovery that was crucial for those growing up in that time. I aim to channel that feeling alongside the sounds that connect to it.
Your recent single “I NEED U” gives a preview of GEMINI‘s sound. What do you hope listeners will take away from this track as they await the full album?
This was among the first songs I created for the album. Like the title track “GEMINI,” it steered the album in a garage-influenced direction. I enjoyed experimenting with using my voice less, focusing on how much emotion could be conveyed through a brief vocal sample and chords.
You describe GEMINI as delving into “humanity in dystopia.” What personal experiences or observations inspired this theme, and how do you wish listeners will connect with it?
This theme resonates throughout the entire Mild Minds project. I am fascinated by the duality and tension between creation and destruction. Amid the chaos of humanity, we’ve achieved so much, from cultural advancements to space exploration. There’s beauty and wonder in our progress, even as it edges toward potential self-destruction.
Live performances often evoke a shared energy. How do you envision audiences experiencing the emotional depth of GEMINI during your tour?
I think what happens is that everyone forms their own connections to the music, which is why I leave lyrics somewhat open to interpretation. We can all share a space, experiencing our unique connections together, likely in vastly different ways. This was one of the most beautiful aspects of my first Mild Minds tour; despite low expectations, I witnessed so many engaged faces. It was deeply emotional to feel that collective connection.
Lastly, as an artist navigating both digital and organic soundscapes, how do you see your music evolving beyond GEMINI?
I feel that with this album, I was able to explore a more digital, punchy, and intense sound, but I’m noticing that my new music is taking on a warmer, more harmonic quality. I find myself naturally singing more again, discovering nuances that are distinctly mine. It’s satisfying to feel that I’ve completed the GEMINI sound, allowing me to fully explore new directions.
