With hands on experience of being the structural support of many merging Talents, Mila_Ro at 22 started at an Agency. She learned all about the administration side of the Industry. Brand campaigns, brand partnerships, the job role of a publicist, marketing perspectives - all while interning at a music studio. Here she was introduced to how a Music Studio is ran plus being a sponge to Engineering, Writing , Producing, Mixing & Mastering. Mila_Ro has gotten to see both sides of what makes an Artist in the Industry.
Desde chiquita, my dads side of the family has been the music side. I have memories from when I was little always participating in Karaoke or listening to Salsa, that’s where the seed was planted. Fast forward years later, I was working in Nashville & saw how artists would pack their instruments & go from Bar to Bar on Broadway to perform live. Around that time, I started working with an Agency remotely then quickly came to realization all of the events were based in Miami so I decided to take a chance & move to be closer to the Latin Urban Industry. In Miami I ran into a girl who introduced me to House of Hits Miami. When people asked me how I got started I used to say I was just lucky but one day Play (Play & Skillz) stopped me & told me it was not luck, it is Gods Plan.
There’s a lot more that goes behind that 1 Instagram Post you see. It takes a whole army to create that image or execute that 1 song that an artist wants to put out there. This Industry is full of sharks. Make sure the people on your team are confident in what they bring to the table & not competing. Lots of up & coming creatives don’t have the budget, so they have to hustle to be able to pay that Mixer, pay that Engineer, pay for studio time, pay for the beat, pay for marketing. It’s a lot of work & takes a lot of faith. There are amazing highs but very low lows where God is testing how bad you want this. Always remember to stay true to yourself. Likes & comments are important for business but remember you are much more than that. If you have a dope little vibe, dope melody, dope beat & a good intention, people will connect with your song and that’s what matters. As long as it makes you happy, work hard to bring that vision to life.
When I was in Nashville I didn’t like Country Music at all, you don’t see any Urban Clubs. I was excited to move to Miami for the Culture (Duh!), Caribbean Culture, South American Culture, everything combined, even House/Tech music. I got submerged into the Urban/ Latin side & I love it, love it, love it, love it. But once you’re submerged you do get tired of it. With me being so involved in Urban Music, I’m more open to start working in Pop, Commercial and Salsa, especially with me being Caleña. I’m currently in Colombia taking a break because Miami is a little toxic. I’m looking forward to going back into my roots & tapping into the music. I want to study the music from Cali, Medellin, street culture, & even San Andres to get more into Afro & Dancehall.
I would say it’s both. I’ve always been a picky person with who I let into my personal life. I believe I’ve had good friends. Ego is the main factor that gets in the way, people don’t like to see someone else doing better. The entertainment industry is super fake too, people want to hang out with you for your blue check mark, your money, & what you can offer them. The other side of it is being a woman in a male dominated industry. Sometimes when you ask a man for help if they don’t ask for money, they ask for something else. You have to be smart & protect yourself. If you are Spiritual & believe in energy remember to cleanse yourself anyway you can. No matter what, I feel like family will always be your friend first. They’ve seen you broke, they’ve seen you with money, with music experience, no music experience, they’ve been with you through it all.
Good question. I definitely see the numbers & percentages of woman being included increase. Women being Engineers, Producers, Mixers & Masters. There has always been women singers but behind the scenes also matters & we need to make sure woman have a safe space. There has been situations where men think they can act a certain way with me but you always have to check that. The Boss of the Studio should also take charge in enforcing that. That’s also why I have a firm belief on not ‘sleeping your way up’ so that when you do give an opinion it’s valued. I think things are changing & men are listening, which is awesome because at the end of the day, when it comes to urban music women are the ones in the club dancing & they truly are the ones incharge of keeping a good vibe flowing. So listen to when a woman says this will keep us moving and dancing.
Have a mentor. Have a business side mentor & a creative side mentor. Being in the studio & creating that hit is all fun but it’s 20% music & 80% business. Structure, foundation & strategy is very important. If you’re going to get serious have a lawyer cuz God forbid someone scams you. Be prepared to fight for your beat or your creation. Make sure your mentors are not scammers. I know I said there are sharks in the game but also be a baby shark, let people know you are not one to be played with because you will fight back. Respect yourself, respect your work, have faith & keep going at it 100%. It’s not an overnight success, I know that’s what it seems like on social media but your favorite creative has sacrificed a lot. Also be thankful for all the experiences. Always have a good outfit and attitude because first impressions matter.
You can see my name on pretty dope projects with big artists but I can’t say I feel accomplished yet with what I’ve done. I can’t say ‘This is the One’ yet. Am I proud of myself? Yes. I’ve been tested multiple times where I ask, ‘Should I keep at this? Is this really worth it?’ but I keep fighting for it, this is what I’ve wanted to do since I was a child & I’m going to keep fighting for that dream. Every time I’ve gone down but decided to keep going is when I hit a really cool milestones. Have Faith.
One of my favorite memories is going to the Latin Grammys in Spain last year. While there, I got the opportunity to go to the Sony after-party again next to all these amazing pop & urban artists that I never thought I would be so close to. I also traveled to Medellin & went to Icon Music Studio. It was a great experience & I attended Maluma’s DON JUAN release party which was cool.
I do have different passions. Passions in the Music Industry, passions in the Beauty Community, passion in healing. I want to create a space where I can combine everything into one, a safe space for women especially. A safe space where girls & boys can come, create, have a good time, create memories, execute their vision & bring it to life.
The feeling of failure. In a couple of years having the thought of ‘Dang Cami what could’ve happened if you never gave up?’. I’ve already experience that when I gave up music in the 8th grade, so I already ask myself questions like that. Like ‘Dang Cami what if you would’ve kept playing the viola? How badass would you be right now?’. I know it’s a small example but that small example makes me reflect and ask ‘What did I learn from this?’ Just imagine how much more experience you’ll have in 3, 5 years if you keep going. I’m just getting started & I’ve already been in rooms with amazing talented people, in the business & creative sides. A lot has happened in such small time & I’m excited to see what the future holds for me.
No words of wisdom. I am currently finding my genre & my voice. I’m having fun in Colombia right now, trying to find who I am. Digging a little deeper into my roots to really see what type of artist I’m going to be. Yes I have a lot of different likes but it is hard to find a niche or that genre you’re best in. I’m excited for my future & excited to share it with you guys.