Mike Mills of R.E.M. Aims to Channel Ariana Grande in New Single “My Cologne”

## Mike Mills Talks About Smelling Like Ariana Grande

Mike Mills, the bassist of R.E.M., playfully expressed his desire to “smell like Ariana Grande.” This revelation came through in “My Cologne,” the debut single from his newly formed supergroup Howl Owl Howl. Collaborating with notable musicians Darius Rucker from Hootie and the Blowfish, and Steve Gorman from the Black Crowes, Mills humorously referenced Grande’s beauty and fragrance line, which also shares the name with her song “R.E.M.” from the album *Sweetener*.

### A Lighthearted Take on Celebrity Culture

In an Instagram video discussing the single, Mills mentioned, “Ariana Grande put out a record not long ago, and her first single was called ‘R.E.M.’” He humorously noted, “It’s the dream stage of sleep—that’s where we got it. It’s universal.” Mills recalled Grande’s perfume line, which features a container designed like a cassette, and joked about it crossing a line: “I gotta say something about that.”

### Just for Laughs

Even though Mills is not genuinely offended, he seizes the moment to make a comedic point. “I thought it was just funny,” he added. With this lighthearted spirit, they crafted “My Cologne,” with the catchy chorus line: “I want to smell like Ariana Grande, and I think she wants you to smell like me.” The intention is all in good fun, and he hopes Grande receives it well.

## The Launch of Howl Owl Howl

Howl Owl Howl was officially unveiled last month, and they have just commenced releasing new music. Mills described the band’s formation as stemming from “friendship and the pure joy of collaboration.” Their streaming bio also emphasizes their creative spirit: “Infusing roots rock with an open-minded alternative flair, the band’s first batch of music was 30 years in the making.”

### What’s Next for the Band?

The group has an album on the horizon, likely steering clear of any references to celebrity fragrances. Fans can anticipate their upcoming tour, set to kick off on November 3.

Are you excited to see what Howl Owl Howl will bring to the music scene?