If you haven’t heard of Milana May yet, you will. This talented lady is heating up the club scene in New York, with her amazing music, and shining personality that shows through her music. Her hit single, “I’m Alive” has gotten well over 50,000 views on YouTube and MySpace Music. The song is hot, and will definitely get you moving on the dance floor. With the way her music career is going, there seems to be no stopping her. We’re expecting great things from Milana.
We got a chance to catch up with this busy lady, and ask her about her music, and where she’s headed.
So you live in New York, huh? That’s pretty cool. Do you like it there?
It’s my home! I look outside the window every morning and I’m happy, just because it’s Manhattan, just because now I’m finally here. Where I come from, it’s really poor. I could see beautiful places overseas only on pictures in fancy magazines or in Hollywood movies but now I’m actually being a main character of my own movie… New York City is like a forest: easy to get lost and very hard to find the right way. But I know where I’m going exactly because my dream is my compass, never lets me down.
What is your music background?
I have a degree as a classical pianist. Back then, doctors told me that I wasn’t supposed to sing because of the problems with my vocal chords. When I was in musical school, I didn’t go take any singing lessons. I never knew how my life was meant to change. At the age of 16 I recorded one freestyle song, on some program that I don’t even remember and with mini-mic for skype. My best friend heard it and told me that I was dope, took my song and put it online, and the response was great. And that’s when things started.
Why do you want to record and release your own music?
Music is a very important thing in our lives, its everywhere. For me its the food for soul, release and relief of my spirit. I put my emotions, feelings and thoughts into words, melodies. Every sound has a vibration, special energy. Being able to record it and share with others gives us the ability to relive it again and again, understand the meaning of it, inspire each other, change our perspectives.
Who are your fans?
Anybody. People who share my passion for Pop, R&B, Soul, House, Hip-Hop etc; and of course the fish in the tank in my studio (laughs). When I go to my YouTube and Facebook insights page and I see my fans are both young and old.
What are your songs about?
Usually about my experiences, about my inner world, something that affected me and means a lot to me. But also I write club bangers. Here it’s more about “Tonight/Put your hands in the air/DJ don’t stop the music/Boom-boom-boom/Gettin’ loose, baby”, etc.
Do you write your own songs?
Of course! I write the music and the lyrics. I get inspired, go to my keyboard, pull out ProTools, start playing and singing some melodies and words and that’s how the songs happen.
Who are your musical influences?
A lot. Michael Jackson, because of the power he puts into his music, Musiq Soulchild, because of his rhythms, then Eryka Badu for her rhymes, Jill Scott for her soul, Cristina Aguilera for her attitude, Alicia Keys – her vibe, Eminem and Tupac, because they move me. They have truthful and realistic lyrics and have a lot to say. I admire musicians who express the truth about life in their art, express reality not hiding anything. One of my favorites nowadays is Ocean Frank. [He’s] Unique and the best of the best. He truly inspires me.
What are your immediate music career goals, in the next 1 to 3 years?
Oh, I want to take over (laughs). I want to perform, go on tours, be in the charts, on big stages and magazines and be able to get out there and talk to people. I have things that I want to share, and I want to find people that can relate to that. I want to spread passionate love for music and art.
How would you define the word “success”?
Being happy with who you are and what you do.
Do you have any personal contacts in the music business?
Oh yeah. I’ve been here for a very short time but I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of very interesting and talented people and I was able to start a working relationship with some of them.
Are you looking for an independent label deal or a major label deal?
I’m looking for a label that will really believe in what I do as much as I do, will be passionate about making the music, promoting it and putting it out there as much as I am.
Have you affiliated with a performance rights organization?
Not yet, I’m still weighing my options but plan to join soon.
What live performance experience have you had? Any industry showcases?
I performed a lot. Pop/dance music shows with my band, dancers, lights, featuring other artists; jazz jams in Harlem; fashion shows; open mics; school events; charity events; gigs with just me and my keyboard/piano, opened for a few signed artists, etc. I performed in different parts of New York and overseas.
How do you rate your live performance ability?
I don’t rate my live performance ability, I let others rate me. I just do my thing, I give away all my energy and I receive back even more from the crowd, which gives me a blast to go hard.
Have you recorded any previous CD’s or posted any audio files on the Internet?
Currently you can download my songs for free at http://www.reverbnation.com/milanamay. Check out my mixtape “No Regrets” (Christina Aguilera – F.U.S.S.), my new dance single 2011 “I’m Alive (Richman mix)”.
How do you sell your music?
I don’t want to sell my music, I want my music to sell itself.
Have you had any print, broadcast media exposure, or reviews?
My broadcasting is at http://www.youtube.com/milanamay. Also check out my fan page http://www.facebook.com/milanamay
Who handles your daily business activities?
Right now I do everything myself. I work like a dog but I love what I’m doing.
