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Tanner From Shreeve Mill Band

“My dad got me a drum set for Christmas. My mom was not thrilled – you can imagine the noise.”

By Joe Dolan, October 20th, 2023

Meet Shreve Mill, the indie/alternative rock band from Northern Virginia, as this article dives into their musical journey, origin, friendships forged from chords, and the beat that echoes from small local venues to your Spotify playlist.

In the heart of Northern Virginia, just outside of D.C. where the hum of the city blends with the serenity of the suburbs, Shreve Mill, an indie/alternative rock band, is quietly making waves. Today, I was given the opportunity to sit down for a chat with Tanner Collins, the rhythmic force behind Shreve Mill’s drum kit as well as a senior engineering student. We delve into the origins of Shreve Mill, their gigs, and how Tanner balances between college life and pursuing a passion for music.

Shreve Mill boasts a four-member lineup, each bringing their unique flavor to the mix. Childhood friends Tanner and Ryan lay the foundation, with Connor and Sharoon joining the rhythm as early high school connections turned fast friends turned bandmates. “We became a really close group of friends fast, and we all just happened to play or be learning instruments so we thought it would be a lot of fun to try and make a group,” Tanner explains, the passion evident in his eyes. “We also just thought it would be sick to be in a band” He then added on.

As Tanner then leans back in his chair, he reflects on how the name “Shreve Mill” came to be. “It’s funny,” he laughs, “we had already decided on forming the band and had already started working on songs, but we were still missing the name. Then one night, on the way to somewhere I don’t remember, we saw this street sign that said Shreve Mill. We found that name really funny for no reason and Conner kept repeating it the whole night and even started calling us by it. Looking back, I guess we had decided on the name without even knowing it.”

As Tanner reflects on the band name’s unusual origin, it’s clear that the essence of Shreve Mill goes beyond a mere label; it’s a collection of shared laughs, spontaneous moments, and the serendipity of stumbling upon the perfect moniker. The resonance of ‘Shreve Mill’ within the band wasn’t just about its phonetics; it became a major part of their lives, holding together memories and inside jokes. A name unknowingly chosen, much like the way their musical path unfolded. Reflecting on how his band formed, Tanner said he was just so glad that music came into his life early, and couldn’t imagine life without his drum kit.

Tanner, who picked up his first drum set at the age of six, then went on to reminisce about his musical introduction. “My dad got me a drum set for Christmas. My mom was not thrilled – you can imagine the noise.” Finding this memory pleasant, he went on saying, “It only took less than a week before my mom forced me to play in the garage, and even still, I think she was hoping it was just a phase,” he laughs. Little did his mom know, the drums would prove to be one of the things Tanner is most passionate about in life. “Looking back, I can’t help but be grateful for that initial gift, as it ignited a love for drumming that has shaped who I am today. I remember spending hours in that garage, practicing and experimenting with different beats. It’s funny how what started as a noise nuisance turned into a lifelong passion.

This passion is evidently shown in the band’s original music as well as its set list. With all members co-writing songs, the band has managed to accumulate a repertoire of 15 original, with Tanner’s personal favorites being “Train of Thought,” “Heart On Display,” “Chances,” and the standout track, “Stranded.” He recounts how some songs were born out of late-night sessions while others were born from the spontaneous magic that sometimes just happens when all the pieces come together just right. And while they do perform their own songs while on stage, they are also fond of covers.

Shreve Mill’s playlist is a blend of original compositions and crowd-pleasing covers. Tanner explains, “We love throwing in some classic 80s and 90s hits, but we’re also big fans of covering bands we admire, like The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Strokes.” He then jokingly added, “I mean I feel like we know the entire discography of some of these bands.” It’s clear that their musical influences are as diverse as the members themselves, creating a fusion that keeps their performances fresh and dynamic.

“Early on, we played wherever we could, sometimes driving two and a half hours on a Thursday night for a single performance,” Tanner reveals with a grin. It’s the kind of dedication that defines emerging talents; a willingness to traverse distances, fueled by a passion for their music.

While the band has ventured into various corners of their region, they maintain a strong connection to their roots. Goodnights, a cozy local club, has become a regular haunt for Shreve Mill. “There’s something special about these smaller, local places,” Tanner muses. “You look into the crowd, and you see familiar faces – friends, family, neighbors. It’s a different kind of energy.” However, Shreve Mill’s connection to the community extends beyond traditional venues. The band has graced the stages of their high schools, participating in pep rallies, fundraisers, and talent shows. “High school gigs are a different experience altogether,” Tanner chuckles. “It’s a completely different experience, and has given us completely unique memories.”

As we wrap up our conversation, Tanner hints at the future. “College life is busy, but we’ve got a few new songs we’re working on. It’s just a matter of finding the time to refine them, make them perfect and bring them to the stage.” The dedication and camaraderie within Shreve Mill are evident, leaving me eager to witness the next chapter in their musical journey. Finally concluding with, “Hey if anyone wants, check out our Spotify, we only have a few songs up on there so if you want to see more you should come see us in person. And check us out on Instagram @shrevemillband.”