Ever heard the name Kyler Mils? Get ready to be swept away by his emotionally charged lyrics and infectious melodies. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Kyler‘s world, exploring his musical journey, creative inspirations, and the stories behind his captivating songs.
Buckle up, as we uncover the soul and passion that fuel this talented musician.
Cougar Microbes: What time did you wake up today? Was it out of choice or necessity?
I woke up 8am today! I was supposed to wake up at 7 but I fell asleep again; being an artist can be tiring! It was a necessity because I had to go to work (I work in a communication agency as a music and audio producer).
CM: Who are you and what do you “do”?
I am Kyler Mils and I make music. I wake up music, I live music, I eat music… Basically, I’m made of flesh and music at this point!
CM: Describe your music to someone who has yet to hear it…
Wow, it’s a difficult question… I like to think that my songs can make people dance and cry at the same time. I think I make pop music but for special people. Some of my songs sound like motion pictures and can cause a lot of daydreaming. Are you ready to go on a journey with me?
CM: Out of your own tracks, which is your current favourite and why?
I think the best song I’ve made so far is “Healed”. Not to brag, it’s a masterpiece! I love the fact that it’s chill and sad but empowering at the same time. I don’t know, I feel powerful listening to this song. Earlier I talked about my music sounding like films, and it is exactly what “Healed” sounds like. It’s also my most personal song to date; it’s about the disease I’ve got and how healing could make me lose my “creative genius”.
CM: Can you share a bit about your musical background? How did you first get into music, and when did you realise it was your passion?
I’ve always been in love with music, as far as I can remember. I recall learning piano with a leaflet when I was about 7 years old and sat down in front of the family keyboard. I think I’ve always felt as passionate about music as I am today; I remember writing silly songs and recording them in Audacity when I was little. Though, I only realised it was my passion a few years ago, in 2017, when I wrote my first “serious song” about a person I fell in love with. And I guess it stuck.
CM: Being based in Paris, a city with a rich artistic history, how has the city or its cultural scene influenced your music, if at all?
I don’t know if Paris really influenced me in any way, but I met my best friends there and I can say they really have influenced me. I basically sing thanks to them. When I went to Paris, I wasn’t expecting to meet such great people. So no, Paris hasn’t influenced me, but I’m inspired by the people that live there.
CM: Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process? Do you have a specific routine or approach?
You’ll be disappointed, I guess! I don’t have any routine and I like to think that I’m free as air. Sometimes I have lyrics or melodies in my head, and I then record it in my iPhone notes and save it for later. Then, when I feel like making music, I open Logic Pro and the magic begins. That’s what actually happened with my song “Healed”. So, if you dig into my phone you’ll be surprised!
CM: How do you find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies? Are there any specific sources or experiences that influence your songwriting?
I’m a pretty basic guy, I find inspiration in my relationships and in the world that surrounds me. I’m also inspired by the biggest artists such as Mylène Farmer or Madonna, so I make music that fits their style. Like a lot of people, I’ve experienced love stories and breakups, but I think it’s a chance because as an artist I can bring to life the best of it in my songs.
CM: You’ve been praised for your captivating vocal performance. How do you work on honing your vocal style, and do you have any vocal influences that have shaped your approach?
Well, thank you for the compliment in disguise! I’m really not an expert, I don’t think I’m the best singer in town, but I try to be the most authentic I can be. I sing from my heart without overthinking it and without trying to sound like anybody. People say I sound like Troye Sivan, but I swear I don’t do it on purpose!
CM: Your 2 most recent releases showcase different vibes: “Dressing Up To Go Nowhere” is a delicate and restrained song, while, “EVERYBODY SAYS” leans towards a club-oriented sound. How do you navigate and manage these stylistic shifts within your creative process?
I think this ambivalence is what makes me human. Like everyone else, I have two sides: the sad and chill one, and the more dance one. It’s quite easy for me to shift between these two sides because they’re part of me.
CM: Singing in English as a non-native speaker can present unique challenges and opportunities. How do you approach the task of crafting lyrics and delivering vocals in a language that isn’t your native tongue?
I learnt English by watching TV shows and movies, and though my English is not perfect, I feel like words come out easier even if it’s not my native language. Concerning my vocals, I train myself by singing Madonna every day, so I guess I took her accent now!
CM: You have garnered recognition beyond national borders. How has the international reception to your music been different from the reception within France?
To be completely honest, I think my music is well-received internationally, even better than in France! Maybe it’s because I sing in English, but I feel like people in the US or the UK understand my music and my lyrics, while my French public only vibe to it… I’m really open to having an international career and I hope I will get more opportunities in the future.
CM: Do you often make significant changes to songs during the recording process, or do you try to capture the essence of your original demos as much as possible?
It depends. I like to stick to the demo as much as possible, but sometimes, during the recording, I can make big changes… Actually, I have an example, but you’ll have to wait for my EP to be released!
CM: How do you know when a studio session is completed?
I don’t! I have deadlines I need to respect and I only feel like a project is completed when my deadlines approach!
CM: What unique or unconventional recording techniques have you experimented with in the studio?
It’s a pretty unconventional technique, but one time, I drank whiskey to sound better! I’ve never done it again but it made me comfortable during my first studio session.
CM: What was the first record/tape/CD you ever bought?
It was “Smile” by Lily Allen, I was 5 years old.
CM: Can you recall the first song you ever wrote, and what inspired it?
Yes! It was a song that I never released called “Tell Me Something I’m Gonna Like” and it was inspired by a relationship I had at the time.
CM: What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
…It’s “Amélie m’a dit” by the French singer Alizée. I love her and her music and I look forward to seeing her live next year.
CM: What was the last show you paid and queued up for?
The Celebration Tour of course!
CM: What’s the most memorable or bizarre fan encounter you’ve ever had?
It’s kind of sad, but I’ve never encountered a new fan in the streets, maybe it will happen soon, at least I hope so.
CM: Are there other artists from your local scene we should know about?
I’ve worked with a great French artist called Neo Nubis and I think you definitely should listen to what he does.
CM: Outside of the musical realm, are there any authors, visual artists, or other forms of art that inspire your creativity?
It’s kind of silly but I love video games and I feel really inspired by them. My dream is to make music for a video game one day. I also love 3D art and it inspires me to create unique visuals for my songs.
CM: If you could record any cover in the world, what would it be?
I guess it would be “Paradise (Not for Me)” by Madonna. I love this song so much and maybe I will make a cover… So, stay tuned!
CM: If you could have any fictional character as a band member, who would it be and what instrument would they play?
Temperance Brennan from the TV show Bones. I think she would be my backup vocalist.
CM: If you could bring any artist back from the dead, but in exchange you would have to send a living artist down, which artists would you choose and why?
Wow, that’s such a hard question! I don’t know who I would choose!
CM: Can you share a sneak peek or hint about any upcoming projects or surprises that we can anticipate?
Yes! I can share a little something for the Cougar Microbes readers. The biggest and best song I’ve ever made will be released on April 19th and my team and I are working hard to present a music video with it.
From childhood melodies to video game soundtracks, Kyler Mils spilt the info on his songwriting process, language hurdles, and the unique twists that shape his sound. We learned about his upcoming track on April 19th, his dream collaborations, and the surprising artists who inspire him.
Thanks, Kyler, for letting us into your musical world!
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