Darius Rucker’s New Band, Howl Owl Howl, Releases Its First Song “My Cologne”

Darius Rucker has officially returned to his rock roots — this time as part of a brand-new supergroup called Howl Owl Howl, alongside Mike Mills of R.E.M. and Steve Gorman of The Black Crowes.

The trio first announced the project earlier this year, teasing that fans would get to hear what they’ve been working on soon. And now, they’ve delivered — with the release of their debut single, “My Cologne.”

A Rock Supergroup With Legendary Chemistry

Howl Owl Howl brings together three musicians from some of the most influential bands of the past few decades. While each member comes from a different corner of rock and country music, their friendship and shared passion for songwriting have made the collaboration feel effortless.

“You never can explain band chemistry,” said Mike Mills. “We all like each other. And we all admire each other musically. All those things come together — and if it weren’t fun, we wouldn’t be doing it.”

Rucker echoed that sentiment, adding:

“I hope people listen to this and realize it’s just three old rock & roll friends that started hanging out.”

Inside Their First Song, “My Cologne”

The band’s debut track, “My Cologne,” delivers a breezy West Coast rock sound with thoughtful yet playful lyrics. At its core, the song explores themes of identity and self-expression in a world obsessed with image and consumerism.

One of the song’s most surprising lines gives a nod to pop superstar Ariana Grande, with Rucker singing:

“Yeah, I wanna smell like Ariana Grande, yeah, and I think she wants you to smell like me.”

As it turns out, the lyric was inspired by Ariana’s perfume line — which includes one named R.E.M., the same as Mike Mills’ iconic band. Mills confirmed that connection, explaining in a video that the reference was “all in good fun” and a lighthearted tribute to pop culture.

The Story Behind the Band Name

In a behind-the-scenes clip shared to social media, the group revealed that the name Howl Owl Howl came about almost by accident — a mix of humor, late-night brainstorming, and the shared love of a phrase that sounded both mysterious and memorable.

Rucker Keeps the Music Flowing

Outside of the new project, Darius Rucker has continued to embrace collaboration and inspiration. Ahead of the song’s release, he posted acoustic covers from home, including Miranda Lambert’s “More Like Her,” played on a guitar Miranda herself gifted him.

With Howl Owl Howl, Rucker, Mills, and Gorman are proving that veteran artists can still surprise fans — and that friendship and creativity never go out of style.

🎧 Listen to “My Cologne” by Howl Owl Howl on streaming platforms now.