How was your weekend?
If you’re not quite ready for Monday and are looking for some new music to get you into your day, then look no further! With a sound that evokes wanderlust thanks to its mix of traditional folk and pop, Mila Ziska’s latest release ‘Spirits’ will lift your spirit this morning.
What was your inspiration when you began writing the track?
I am not sure why, but answering this question about ‘Spirits’ is oddly hard for me. Maybe it is because I started writing the song out of the feeling of the moment rather than about a specific situation. I wanted to write a song about that feeling of longing to be free, about the urge of running towards something without really knowing what it is. I wanted to capture that wildness and anticipation.
Are there any artists that inspire you when writing?
So many! But some of the main artists that always inspire me are The National Parks, Mogli and Bear’s Den. But I also listen to a lot of traditional music from different cultures.
What is key to your sound and how do you make your music stand out?
I grew up with a lot of traditional and folk music around me. My first instrument was actually the fiddle! So I always try to mix Folk and Pop elements, and I like to be very descriptive in my lyrics, to really paint a picture, so to say. I take a lot of inspiration from nature and from travelling; exploring different countries and cultures. I actually refer to my own style as ‘Wanderlust Folk-Pop’ because of that. I think all these things make up my style.
How does your songwriting process work?
Maybe it’s because I started my musical journey with a melody instrument, but the melody is always one of the first – if not the first element – that I start my songwriting with. I like to collect ideas, little lyric lines, or voice notes of melody snippets. I collect those and then, a bit like a puzzle, I will sit down and put my ideas together.
Describe your sound in 3 words…
Colourful, organic, and usually I would say fragile, but ‘Spirits’ is kind of the exception to that.
How has studying at BIMM helped you develop as an artist?
My time at BIMM shaped me in so many ways. Not only did it help me to improve my Songwriting drastically, but the environment at the college is just so inspiring. The other students and the lecturers; everyone has a different musical background and there are just so many ideas flying around. This sounds super cheesy, but it’s true! Being in a creative environment is just such an inspiration to me.
What’s next for you?
Even though I will be finishing my studies this term, I am so thankful for all the amazing people I met at BIMM that I will continue to work with. I am actually working on a couple of new songs with some of my producer friends already! So hopefully, there will be more music following ‘Spirits’ soon.
