Can you tell us about your early life and upbringing, Milena?
I grew up in a small city called Udine, near Venice, in Italy. My dad is from the South, my mum is Serbian. I have mostly lovely memories of my childhood. I always had good grades at school, I loved rhythmic gymnastics as well as I enjoyed playing football with my brother’s mates.
What inspired you to pursue a music career?
I’ve always felt this urge to escape. Transcend reality, escape my own world, and music was always playing in the house. I will never forget the feeling of one Summer singing “My Heart Will go On” at the local plaza. I think I was 9. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What challenges did you face while trying to establish yourself as a musician?
My family never really had the money to support my music career, and so they felt like it wasn’t a good choice for me. I begged for singing lessons ever since I was 12. They always told me – you need to have a plan B, go to University, get a degree – and so eventually I did. And then I finished it, and moved to London on my own means, to pursue my dream. Beginnings are always hard, and you’ve got to believe in yourself even harder when the ones around you don’t.
As an artist, how do you approach the songwriting process, and what themes or messages do you often find yourself exploring in your music?
You can write about anything in life, but I always find that my best ideas come when I’m in the middle of a job, or talking to someone, or just busy. That’s when I feel the urge to record a simple voice note for later, or write down an idea. Then I come back to it, usually in a session with another songwriter. I like co-writing a lot, because I feel like my ideas are being valued when they are shared with someone else. My songs are all about freedom, female empowerment and motivation, even the saddest ones.
Can you share the inspiration behind your newest single “distant” and what led you to create this particular piece of music?
I was scrolling through my Instagram stories when I came across a story that my boyfriend posted of a party he was at, with some new friends I had no idea about. I never felt the distance so much. I knew that person so well and yet I felt like I didn’t know him at all. Social media can really detach you from reality sometimes.
Can you describe the creative process behind producing “distant,” from the initial idea to the final recording?
I think “distant” is the first song me and Phil Boothroyd wrote together. We met up at my place, I had this idea: “distant na na na in an instant na na na instagram…”. We immediately vibed and started setting off the scenario from verse 1. He truly helped me put my feelings into words and we genuinely had so much… fun! Then we went to Alex’s (Avi Kytes) and produced the song together. Finally, we recorded vocals at Abbey Road Studios.
How do you feel your music has evolved throughout your career, and where do you see it going in the future?
“Summerstorm” – my first single – was the first song I ever completed. It has been the greatest experiment of my life, if you wish. Since then, I learnt so much about myself, my sound, my vision. This upcoming EP is very much more who I am and who I am going to be in the future as an artist.
How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and meeting the expectations of your audience?
I stay true. You can’t go wrong when you’re telling the truth.
In the pursuit of your artistic goals, is there a specific mantra or piece of advice that you often remind yourself of?
“Slow down you crazy child” – cit Billy Joel (Vienna). You can’t expect everything to happen immediately, you have to enjoy the process otherwise there is no point.
Lastly, is there anything about Milena Galasso’s life or music that you would like your fans to know that hasn’t been explored yet?
Is there anything anyone would like to ask? I have no secrets 🙂
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