Where are you currently based?
I’m currently based on the forever buzzing King Street in Newtown, and have been for the past 5 years.
How did you first start playing music?
I started singing when I was a kid. I was that annoying kid that performed at all the end-of-school celebrations and talent shows, hah. I started writing my own music when I was about 14, but back then I didn’t have anyone to write with so I’d hopelessly try to strum on my dad’s old and out of tune guitar (with no talent for it whatsoever).
Since then I’ve been in a number of different bands, mostly back in Sweden, but because of different priorities and moving locations, those projects didn’t last long.
I went solo about two-and-a-half years ago, which has been wonderful. I still collaborate a lot, but it’s been great to have the control to keep things going, taking me to where I am today.
What’s been happening recently?
I’ve been working away on everything that compliments the music for the release of my debut EP, ‘Do You Remember That?’, and I’m so excited to share the images surrounding the EP.
I’ve also been working on sharpening the live set, adding live bass and drums. Previously it was just me and my collaborator Simon Brock on stage. It’s been so great to hear the music reach another level by adding two incredibly talented musicians to the mix.
Your debut EP ‘Do You Remember That?’ will be released on July 30, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Having removed so much of the regular joys this past year due to Covid, I’ve been reflecting on some of the most impactful moments in my life. It’s been a journey taking me from the highest highs to the lowest lows in the past 15 years. Because of this, I wanted the whole EP to be drenched in nostalgia. I hope that the listener can feel those big swings of joy, to anger, to desperation, to love.
How did you go about writing the EP?
The writing of the EP started a year ago, almost to the day. Me and my partner and collaborator, Simon, went away for a long weekend to a super cute AirBnb in Wollombi. I tend to write best being out of the city, away from any distractions.
It would’ve been soon after the first Sydney lockdown had lifted and we were craving inspiration more than ever. I can clearly remember writing ‘Daughter’, track four on the EP. The song is an emotional and desperate call for normality, and the song unfolded late at night.
From that point we wrote additional songs from our home in Newtown, drawing inspiration from past life experiences.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
All of the vocals are recorded in our little home studio (bedroom) and all the tracks are produced and mastered by an absolutely incredible and wonderful LA-based producer called HVTCH. We’ve built an amazing rapport with HVTCH, who did an incredible job elevating the songs with lush production. It’s been such a wonderful experience adding a third person to our little writing team and getting a fresh perspective on how the songs could sound.
What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of the EP?
It’s definitely been a double-edged sword sorting through my past experiences, some being so beautiful to revisit and others more painful. I think It’s allowed me to process things that I didn’t realise I was still struggling with.
It’s been so joyous to have HVTCH join us on the execution of this EP. I love that he’s added part of his sound to this record.
What does this EP mean to you?
I am so excited to finally release my debut EP. It’s been a long time coming and I’m ready for the world to hear it! It’s such a personal selection of songs but I hope that people can still relate to the words. You’ll find anything from newfound love and self-affirmation to heartache and loss. I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve and it’s never felt so good.
Please tell us about any upcoming live shows:
I will be doing an EP launch party with a full live band at the Oxford Art Factory Gallery Bar on October 1st. If you’ve seen me live before, it’s nothing like it will be for this show! Because of Covid restrictions there’ll be limited tickets available so get in quick!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Right now I’m obsessed with Telenova, Mø and Oh My My. They are constantly on repeat.
What do you like to do away from music?
I love photography and it’s what I do for a living outside of music. I tend to do all the concepts and lighting for my artworks and PR shots, and usually get help from a friend to shoot it. For the EP photoshoot I got Simon to shoot it (he knows very little about photography but I’m training him, hah). I also had help from epic creatives Olivia Waugh and Hamish McIntosh.
Other then that I love sunshine, wine and cheese!
What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?
I wish I could say, but the future is very up in the air at the moment. What I will aim to do is play more live shows in, around, and outside of Sydney. I don’t have much hope of this happening this year, but as soon as possible I will get back to visit my family in Sweden. I don’t think I can stop writing about the longing I have for my family until I get to see them again.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Cheese platter or pizza! I’m obsessed with the potato pizza at Bella Brutta or the Village Green at Epic (add chilli/chilli oil of course).
For hangouts I rarely leave Newtown/Enmore/Erskineville to be honest. You’ll find me at Camperdown Memorial Park, Jacoby’s, Queen Chow, Newtown Hotel, Martini,The Erko or on my balcony.
‘Do You Remember That?’ EP Out July 30
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Website: https://milanile.com/
