Spotlight on Milla

Milla is a veteran of the local music industry. She has been around long enough to be part of phases and trends that have come and gone in the last 10 years or so. And so, because of this, she realizes the value and importance of reinventing one’s public image every now and then in order to remain marketable to the public.

Milla has done this with “taste” and balance. She never had to resort to borderline gimmickry or unsavory methods in order to have people talking about her–like some “quick-fix” method some artists attempt to do which, unfortunately, only serves to backfire on them instead.

Milla has stayed true to her musical goals ever since she won a local major singing competition on television years ago. She has not veered far away from them.

Even before I first got to write my very first article years ago, I was already aware of the existence of Milla back then when she went by a different artist name and packaging. I have always considered Milla to be one of those “quality talents” and that is why she invariably finds a “home” in one of our remaining major record labels here in the Philippines.

I believe Milla’s professional career currently is experiencing a resurgence. So the timing of her return to being an active performer could not have come at a better time because of the growing interest music aficionados are beginning to show in her again.

Viva recording artist Milla will be in fact the very first solo artist I will be featuring in the year 2017.

Below is my in-depth interview with the ever-resilient Milla.

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1. What/who first inspired you to get into music?

Milla: Papa was my first and greatest music influence. As a child, not only did he let me listen to different kinds and genres of music, he sang to me a lot. That was his way of introducing me to his passions at an early age. Some of my favorites were Barbra Streisand, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, among others.

2. Around how old were you when you realized that you wanted to have a career in singing and that this was something you were determined to do?

Milla: After winning GMA 7’s Metropop Star Search, I realized that I wanted to do this as a career, as well as something that I would put my heart and soul into.

3. Do you remember the very first time that you performed in front of a live audience? How was that experience for you?

Milla: Of course! As a child of 4, I dimly recall grabbing the mic and performing for the barangay without any sense of fear whatsoever. I guess you could say I was born for this.

4. What are your songs about? What specific themes do they cover?

Milla: My songs are generally about the varied moments that people go through in their daily lives, specifically focusing on painful experiences and dealing with them in my own way. I think I and Adelle would get along.

5. Have you tried to compose songs, too? If you have, which song are you most proud of? Why is that?

Milla: In fact, Yes! this one song called “Sapatos” is a real story about my high school life and how my father kept fixing the same pair of broken shoes until I made it to graduation. Dolly Parton’s song “Coat of Many Colors” inspired me.

6. What’s the relevance of technique in music, in your opinion?

Milla: For me, one needs a technique to back up our talent. Especially in cases where one is not physically in the best space to perform, technique definitely helps. That, combined with talent and feeling the song, helps give the best performance possible.

7. What are the qualities you have which you feel set you apart from all the other young and talented local singer-actresses we have now?

Milla: For me, we’re all unique in our own way. With me, I know who I am; my strengths, my weaknesses, are known to me. But most importantly, I’m a professional. When I commit something, especially when it comes to my job, I make sure it happens as promised.

8. If you could choose to perform with any artist/s at their prime, living or dead, who would they be?

Milla: Currently, I would love to have a chance to work with Adelle or Jessie J. And if somehow Whitney Houston could hear me, I’d love to jam with her!

9. If you could relive any moment or event in your life as an artist, what would that be? And what moment or event was that which you wish you would never want to experience again?

Milla: The time I just stepped into the limelight out of nowhere after winning MetroPop was amazing. I experienced living my dream. In fact, any little girl’s dream. I can’t think of any specific event. I guess there were too many of them. But I live my life with no regrets. I’ve learned my lessons and I’ve moved forward.

10. How many bands/groups have you been a part of?

Milla: I’ve only been part of this little Filipino band called HOTDOG (!!!). Maybe you’ve heard of them. I’m so thankful that the LEGENDARY Garcia brothers, Rene and Dennis, discovered me while I was stuffing my face with a Cuban Sandwich. They’ve taught me so much and I’m so grateful for everything they’ve allowed me to experience. If you count TV barkada as a group, then I guess “Click” barkada is a group I was part of. It was a youth-oriented show with some amazing GMA talents that have since become some of my close and true friends.

11. What’s your favorite thing to do when you are not writing, recording, or performing?

Milla: EATING. cleaning. EATING. laundry. EATING. ironing. EATING. grocery shopping. EATING. travelling. Did I mention EATING? I think I was a house helper in a past life.

12. Was there an unforgettable/funny experience you had while performing?

Milla: One time, seconds before a major performance, a bamboo prop fell smack on top of my head. Lesson learned. I’ve since made sure that in my performance contracts ever since, I am provided with a hard hat helmet before I go onstage.

13. If you could change one thing now in the local scene, what would that be?

Milla: I would love to give local indie talents the chance to be heard.

14. How do you describe your musical style to listeners who aren’t too familiar yet with your music?

Milla: I feel my music through my lyrics. I give my whole heart and soul to the song. If I don’t understand or feel the words of the song, or can’t relate to it, I can’t sing it. I need to believe and internalize the song. My style comes from the soul. I need to believe it to my core.

15. If there is one song, old or new, that perfectly encapsulates who you are today, in terms of your thought processes and how you approach life in general, what would that song be?

Milla: “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper

16. What is the philosophy you live by as an individual?

Milla: Life is simple. Don’t complicate it. Live it. Seize the day.

17. Who is Milla Poblete in a nutshell?

Milla: Milla is a simple little girl from the small town of Tabaco (!) Albay, who dares to dream and is determined to live life, one song at a time.

18. Where can everyone reading this article find all of your artist and fan pages, etc.?

Milla: I have a fan page (!) Milla on Facebook and I’m on Instagram and Twitter as @millapoblete

19. Any upcoming gigs or events you would like to promote?

Milla: Please listen and vote for my single on local radio that’s upcoming, “Paano” under Viva Records (music video in the works). I’m also regularly found in EDSA Shangri-La every Monday, and Discovery Suites everyFriday. Also, watch out for Hotdog gigs both here and abroad!