Collin Mullins Shines On His Debut Album, “Sun City”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Over the last few years, music has felt like it’s in a strange place. While there’s an abundance of new releases, many songs lack genuine emotion, focusing instead on gimmicks and surface-level appeal. Though I enjoy a good party anthem, I’ve been searching for artists who make music from the heart—songs with substance, themes, and meaningful concepts. Amidst the endless shuffle of tracks, I occasionally stumble upon a true gem. This week, that diamond in the rough is Collin Mullins.
Hailing from Austin, TX, Collin Mullins is a multi-instrumentalist and producer whose music is raw, daring, and deeply captivating. What sets him apart is his ability to write, mix, and produce his own work while telling personal and relatable stories. As a newcomer to his sound, I was immediately struck by how his well-crafted records evoke raw emotions. His debut album, Sun City, exemplifies this artistry.
Sun City is a 12-track project that seamlessly blends 90s and 00s alternative, indie-pop, jazz, funk, and dad-rock influences. The result is a laid-back yet intricate sound, marked by grooving drums, jazz-inspired harmonies, and expressive guitar work. Imagine a jazzier, down-beat Red Hot Chili Peppers with storytelling that transcends production. The album’s cohesiveness is refreshing in an era where many releases feel like glorified playlists. With storytelling at its core, Collin delivers songs rich in emotion and substance. From the lyrics to the vocals to the sonics, Sun City is near flawless—a rare achievement for a debut album.
Collin’s sound has been described as a marriage of Mac DeMarco’s downtempo charm and Dayglow’s upbeat vibe. Despite the contrasting elements, his unique voice shines through every track. Standout songs include “Laughin' Large (Livin’ Easy),” “Breakfast in Bed,” and “Sunny Side.” Here’s what Collin had to share about Sun City:
Behind the Album
BOTD: What inspired the album?
Collin: I got sober about four years ago and took a big break from writing and recording. Eventually, I felt a pull to create again, but this time from a more peaceful and positive place. While some of the same themes reappear, the biggest inspiration was personal growth, the challenges of early sobriety, and, of course, finding love.
BOTD: What do you want listeners to take away from the project?
Collin: I wanted to make a record people could enjoy while driving with the windows down on a sunny day but with enough substance to reward closer listening. On a deeper level, I hope it inspires some positive introspection.
BOTD: What’s your personal favorite song?
Collin: That’s tough! My favorite changes depending on what I’m working on at the moment—it’s like choosing a favorite child. That said, “Laughin’ Large (Livin’ Easy)” surprised me. It was fun to explore the poppier side of my sound. On the other end of the spectrum, “You’ve Got to Take the Journey...” is special. I wrote it as an instrumental in 2019 or 2020 and later added vocals and a few more parts before placing it at the album’s end.
BOTD: What’s next for you?
Collin: I’ve learned so much from writing and recording this album. Moving forward, I think my process will be more streamlined, and I’m excited to dive back into creating. I have many more songs in the pipeline. I’m also growing more comfortable with vulnerability in my songwriting and production—something I want to continue exploring.
Stream Sun City below and experience it for yourself!
