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#MusicExchange: Mila Smith releases "Liars and Fakes"; her debut single as a solo artist
9 Jun 2021
The 16-year-old musician, Mila Smith, has released "Liars and Fakes"; her debut single as a solo artist. The song was engineered by Milan Rendell, another young go-getter from Cape Town.
“Liars and Fakes” is a soulful slice of upbeat pop music about being let down by friends. Speaking about the track and its universally relatable sentiments, Smith says: “‘Liars and Fakes’ is a song I hope everyone can bop along to. It was written about someone who communicated with me very superficially and only associated with me for their own gain, rather than chasing a genuine friendship.”
I caught up with Smith last week.
The new decade means:
A greater shift toward astronomical change (hopefully, for the better).
Fame is about:
I’ll tell you when I’m famous!
Retirement will happen when:
Not for a very long time.
I don't do:
Ignorance.
What does music mean to you?
Music means expressing myself.
My music is about:
My music is based on my personal experiences or I write my music putting myself in someone else’s shoes and writing from their perspective.
Where do you go for inspiration to create?
My piano.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
So much! I love finding the perfect line that fits as a hook; enjoy working in the studio with my producers and just feeling completely in my element. It’s always enjoyable when surrounded by amazing people. I also love the Platoon lunches with my Platoon fam.
My style icon?
Comes in the form of an app, Pinterest. I love finding various outfit inspirations there.
Which living person do you admire most and why?
I admire my Mom just for being her. I love and appreciate her and her guidance and support. We have such a close relationship and I’m so grateful.
What is your most treasured possession?
My piano; MacBook; and iPhone.
It’s your round, what are you drinking?
I don’t drink because I’m still underage! But probably sparkling water and/or a cola tonic and lemonade.
What makes you stand out?
My afro.
Nicknames:
Mils.
If you were not a musician, what would you do?
I would be an actor or work in journalism. I still feel I could do that even as a musician. I don’t believe that if you are a musician you can’t be other things too.
Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?
No clue; they haven’t been born yet.
Pick five words to describe yourself:
Confident, empathetic, intelligent, talented, kind.
Favourite SA artists:
These are a few: Emerger, Shekhinah, Manana, Msaki, Tresor.
Favourite fashion garment:
Love glitzy blazers! Out of my own wardrobe, I love my grey sweatpants and lilac hoodie. Oh! And my Gucci belt.
Top of your bucket list:
Releasing new music; performing live; acting in a series; and working on a film score.
What do you complain about most often?
Being hungry.
Where would you like to be right now?
In the studio with my producers recording my new songs!
Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?
In the future for sure.
Wishes and dreams:
To perform my music live; to collaborate with artists I admire; to score a film/series soundtrack; to have an opportunity to act in films.
Social media:
