What does it take to build a career that's both artistically fulfilling and sustainable? In this episode of Life of a Band Leader, Angela O'Neill sits down with acclaimed saxophonist, composer, educator, and bandleader Pete Mills for an inspiring conversation about musicianship, leadership, and the ever-evolving world of jazz.

Pete shares stories from his remarkable career, discussing the importance of finding your own musical voice, developing lasting collaborations, and balancing performance, composition, recording, and teaching. With decades of experience on stage and in the studio, he offers practical advice and thoughtful insights for musicians at every stage of their journey.

🎷 In this episode you'll discover:

Pete's journey into jazz and the influences that shaped his career

The realities of leading a successful band

Why mentorship and music education matter

How collaboration creates stronger music

Lessons learned from years of performing, recording, and teaching

Whether you're a jazz fan, performer, educator, composer, or aspiring bandleader, this conversation is filled with wisdom, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories from a life dedicated to music.

🎧 Life of a Band Leader is hosted by Angela O'Neill of Outrageous8 Records, featuring candid conversations with today's leading musicians, composers, arrangers, and entertainers about the craft, business, and passion behind a life in music.

🌐 Learn more about Pete Mills at petemills.com.

PETE MILLS - THIS IS NOW

Toronto-born saxophonist Pete Mills delivers a fast-paced, swinging new recording, This Is Now. A follow-up to 2025’s For The Record, this new release features Mills’ hard-driving tenor playing alongside an outstanding lineup of familiar collaborators: drummer Matt Wilson, bassist Martin Wind, guitarist and co-producer Pete McCann, and rising piano phenom Kenny Banks Jr. The album focuses squarely on Mills’ original music and includes a spirited reworking of his tune “Bird Lives” (from For The Record), reimagined with Kenny Banks Jr. and a poignant duo performance with Matt Wilson (U.M.M.G.). McCann, Banks Jr. and Wind all emerge as standout voices, contributing to a recording that radiates swing, spirit, and beauty from start to finish.

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