(Nashville, TN): Nashville native McMillin releases new project “Joke.” “Joke” is a raw and gripping project that explores the frenzy of social media and the relentless demand for instant gratification. For features, reviews, or interviews, contact us at the emails below. The project is now available on all digital streaming platforms, and you can listen to it here.
McMillin’s new single, “Joke,” captures the frustration, obsession, and exhaustion of trying to be heard in an era where attention is currency. With sharp lyricism and a melody that balances melancholy with urgency, the song peels back the layers of what it means to create in a world that constantly demands more but rarely gives back. The opening lines — “YouTube videos of doctors in the weird hours tell me I should get more sleep / Choke down one more melatonin early in the morning, show up late to everything” — set the tone immediately. There’s no romanticizing the struggle, no poetic framing — just a blunt reality check. The lyrics read like thoughts spilling out unfiltered, capturing the exhaustion of chasing something that always feels just out of reach.
“Validation from strangers on the internet / More addicting than heroin and cigarettes” doesn’t hold back. It’s not an exaggeration, just an acknowledgment of how deep the need for recognition runs. McMillin makes it clear that this isn’t just about personal insecurity — it’s about the system we’re all caught in. The internet offers a stage, but the applause is inconsistent, and the silence is deafening.
The most cutting moment comes with “Put it out in the world and it got caught in the web / And landed like a joke that goes over your head.” It’s not just about being overlooked; it’s about feeling like your work is misunderstood, dismissed before it even has a chance. The song lingers on this idea, returning to it with more intensity each time, as if trying to process the weight of it in real-time. By the time “Joke” comes to a close, it doesn’t offer a resolution, because there isn’t one. The feelings don’t just disappear. McMillin doesn’t dress anything up or make it digestible. The song is restless, relentless, and painfully honest — just like the experience it describes.
MORE ABOUT MCMILLIN:
McMillin’s career is an unapologetic collision of raw energy and personal truth, where each song pushes boundaries and leaves an undeniable mark. His sound doesn’t play by anyone’s rules, blending the ferocity of modern rock with a touch of punk’s restless energy. From introspective, soul-baring lyrics to riffs that hit with an almost tangible weight, this Nashville native’s music is a testament to a journey filled with turmoil, reflection, and relentless creativity.
Featured in EarMilk and other major media outlets, McMillin’s artistry has made waves in the music world, carving out a space where authenticity is non-negotiable. But his musical influence extends far beyond his solo work. In Space Radio and Ratilla, two globally celebrated cover bands based in Nashville, TN, McMillin’s signature guitar work and vocals bring a depth and edge that set these groups apart. They don’t just play cover songs — they make them their own. McMillin’s contribution to these bands transcends the role of a mere performer; his sound shapes the essence of what makes these groups unforgettable.
In addition, McMillin’s presence in The Stallions, the country-rock band fronted by The Voice alum and Alzheimer’s research advocate Jay Allen, elevates the group to new heights. As a pivotal member, his guitar and harmonies cut through the noise, adding complexity and energy that fuel every show. McMillin breathes life into each performance, ensuring each becomes an event, something uniquely his, while contributing to the group’s collective identity. The band has been seen commanding crowds at Whiskey Jam and packed venues across the country, establishing themselves as one of the most electrifying acts in their genre.
He has also been seen playing guitar and collaborating with pop duo and viral TikTokers ElectraQueens, who have worked with Kevin Bacon, Kathy Sledge, and more. McMillin’s live performances are a force of nature, having graced the stages of iconic Nashville venues like EXIT/IN, The End, and Eastside Bowl. He commands attention, whether in a packed venue or in the studio, bringing a presence that is impossible to ignore. This relentless drive and commitment to doing something that matters has solidified his place as one of the most vital forces in music today.
McMillin’s artistry is not interested in trends, nor does it care for boundaries. He’s forging a path that’s all his own — one where unrefined sound collides with emotion in its purest form. Every song is a statement, each riff a reflection of the drive that fuels him. McMillin’s music is his revolution, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
His most recent release, “OD,” proved testament to his talents, with the music video for the track at over 15K views.
