With some help from seasoned Nashville producer and session ace Todd Lombardo, Jana Mila has fashioned one of the most impressive debuts of the year. The engaging Dutch export has the vocal chops, otherworldly yet approachable aura and obvious songwriting talent to tackle any style, whether it’s relentlessly catchy country pop, rustic Appalachian folk, intimate acoustic storytelling or lush piano ballads. It’s an easy versatility not unlike her Grammy-winning American soul sister, Kacey Musgraves. And given Lombardo’s history in the studio with the latter, he had little trouble reigning in Mila’s stylistic loose ends on Chameleon, out now on New West Records.
Gearing up for some key Nashville appearances later this month at AmericanaFest 2024, Mila fielded our questions.
One can’t help but think of Kacey Musgraves when it comes the diversity of styles on Chameleon. How do you feel about the comparison?
To be mentioned alongside such a talented and accomplished artist is incredibly flattering and a big compliment. Her songs have this beautiful simplicity and honesty to them, and that’s something I’m striving for in my own music.
On a related note, what was it like working with Todd Lombardo?
Todd instantly understood my music when I met him for a writing session at his studio in Nashville. It was only when I went to the bathroom downstairs that I learned he’d worked with Kacey. I saw one of the many awards they’d won for Golden Hour. Later, when he sent me the demo of a song we wrote together, I knew right away I wanted him to produce my album. Todd was so patient and considerate through the entire process. He really gave me the space to explore my ideas and express myself fully, while also being a perfectionist in the best way when it came to the arrangements and sounds.
The struggle to be happy in your own skin is a recurring theme on this album. How does the “Chameleon” of the title track apply to your life?
Although I’d love to say I’m a pro at being myself, I’m still in the process of discovering who I truly am. Growing up, I often found myself searching for my identity and trying to fit in with those around me. I remember changing my hair color and wardrobe almost every month as a teenager, trying to blend in with different people all the time. I feel like, now that I’m 26, I’ve learned a lot about myself and have finally come to realize that constantly adapting to others will ultimately work against you. That’s why this album focuses on finding companionship within yourself. It’s about learning to be at peace with who you are and discovering a sense of comfort and understanding from within—while also relating to others in love and friendship.
Talk a little about your relationship with multi-platinum Dutch superstar Ilse DeLange and how she’s helped you get your career started in the United States.
Ilse saw a video of me playing during a contest on YouTube and reached out to me, which was both exciting and a bit surreal. At first, I thought it might be a prank or that I was being catfished, given how well-respected and admired she is in Holland. Fortunately, it was no prank. Before I knew it, I was drinking coffee with her and discussing my future. She told me she wanted to take me to Nashville. Ilse gave me the freedom to make the album of my dreams with Todd. When we finished making it, she was so over the moon she immediately sent it to several record labels … without telling me. Next thing I knew, I was on a plane to Nashville to play a showcase for New West Records, meeting the people I’m so grateful to be working with now. That led to securing a record deal in the United States and getting my song “Somebody New” on the Billboard AAA chart.
So now you have this new LP to promote. What’s the plan of attack for the United States?
I’m excited about playing AmericanaFest, and I plan to come back as often as I can. During my recent six-week promo trip, I had the opportunity to play shows across America for the first time. I was pretty nervous at first, but the audiences really embraced my music and showed their support.
—Hobart Rowland
