INTERVIEW: Alternative R&B from ForeverMilana

ForeverMilana is an R&B and soul singer-songwriter from Wolverhampton in the UK who’s been going from strength to strength with her compelling and culturally reflective sound. Milana, a name meaning ‘gracious, beloved, and favoured,’ is perfectly mirrored in her music, which draws from her personal identity and heritage.

Born to a Grenadian mother and a Zimbabwean father, ForeverMilana’s music offers a fusion of cultural influences, built on the sounds she grew up with. From a young age, she was surrounded by a diverse range of musical styles, thanks to her mother, who introduced her to the voices of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Bob Marley. Combined with her later admiration for artists like Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill and Aaliyah, along with producers like Timbaland, her musical output is a stunning blend of soulful rhythms and poignant storytelling which has quickly made her a name to watch in the UK music scene.

Taking her first creative steps at age eight, she wrote her first song as an attempt to make sense of the world around her. Her passion for music continued to develop as she studied music in school and performed in a gospel choir at her local church until she was 18. Ready to share her sound with the world in 2022, her debut single “Revival” instantly caught the attention of fans and tastemakers alike while earning radio support.

Since then she’s followed up with multiple well-received singles while developing her sound and exploring new styles and sub-genres within her music. Now she brings us her latest release with her brand new single titled “What I Need” this time leaning into an amapiano sound.

Pproduced by Exponenshall, he single takes cues from some of amapiano’s pioneers, including Bucie, Black Coffee and Prince Kaybee. Flowing from the hushed synth pulses and gentle percussive taps of the intro, ForeverMilana soulful voice glides in to spin sultry melodies and picture painting lyricism as the energy softly swells with stabbing bass notes and bright saw tones.

Casting an alluring sound of grooving rhythms and infectious melodic leads, ForeverMilana’s dazzling vocals flutter above the mellow and immersive arrangement to craft an elegant and danceable vibe. Full of pop appeal and smooth R&B aesthetic, “What I Need” sees ForeverMilana serve up an instantly memorable jam that puts her songwriting flair and vocal talents on display in sensational fashion.

We caught up with ForeverMilana to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “What I Need” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with ForeverMilana below.

Hey ForeverMilana, how’s things? 

Hey! Not bad, thank you. I’m just finding my feet with all my single releases this year. It’s been a whirlwind of creativity, and I’m excited to share my journey with everyone.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

 I remember writing my first song when I was just 8 years old. It was a simple tune about childhood and the world around me. That moment sparked my passion for songwriting, and it’s been a part of me ever since.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

 I draw inspiration from a wide range of artists, including Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, and Aaliyah. Each of them has a unique style that resonates with me, along with producers like Timbaland. Their ability to blend genres and emotions influences my sound and storytelling.

How else do you find inspiration for your music? 

Inspiration comes from everywhere—my life experiences, cultural heritage, and the stories of those around me. I also find a lot of creativity in art and fashion, which influences my visual presentations as a creative director.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far? 

Releasing “What I Need” has definitely been a highlight! The positive reception and connection with listeners have been incredibly rewarding. It feels great to celebrate my roots through this track.
What do you love about the UK music scene? The UK music scene is so diverse and vibrant. I love how it’s a melting pot of cultures and genres, which creates a rich tapestry of sounds. It’s inspiring to see so many artists pushing boundaries and collaborating.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

 I envision my music being enjoyed in a cozy, intimate setting—perhaps a candlelit venue where people can truly connect with the lyrics and feel the emotions in the music.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with? 

That’s a tough one! I’d have to say Lauryn Hill. Her artistry, message, and musicality are so powerful, and collaborating with her would be a dream come true.

How did you find making your new single “What I Need”?

Creating “What I Need” was a surreal experience. It was recorded and mixed in the 5th Arrondissement in Paris, which added a special memory to this track. Working with Exponenshall allowed me to explore and experiment with Amapiano in a way that feels authentic to my roots. It was a blend of fun and nostalgia, and I’m proud of how it turned out.

What message did you want to get across with this release? 

I wanted to convey themes of unconditional love and personal growth. It’s about embracing where you come from while looking ahead. I hope listeners feel inspired to explore their own journeys through the song.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Kaytranada lately, along with many of the collaborative artists he adds to his projects. I love how he blends traditional soul, jazz, and funk to create a sound that feels modern yet nostalgic. His music resonates deeply with me and influences my own artistry.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

 I want people to feel a connection—whether it’s through the stories I tell or the emotions I convey. Music has the power to heal and unite, and I hope listeners find solace and joy in my songs.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

While I don’t have a history of performing on larger stages, I have had the joy of singing at family events like weddings. Those moments are incredibly special to me; they’re filled with love, connection, and a sense of community that truly resonates with my music. It’s a beautiful experience to share my passion with the people closest to me.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

My dream festival would feature Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah (if she were still with us), and Kaytranada. I’m also a huge fan of VanJess, and it would be incredible for them to reunite for a special show!I’d love to have it set in a beautiful outdoor venue in the UK, surrounded by nature.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow in your footsteps? 

Stay true to yourself and your artistry. It’s easy to get caught up in trends, but authenticity resonates with people. Also, keep creating and honing your craft—it’s a journey worth investing in!

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

I have some exciting projects in the pipeline, including a couple more singles set to release before the end of the year. I’ve been working on my new EP for over a year, and I can’t wait to share it next year. I’m also looking forward to connecting with my audience even more through some intimate live performances.

Listen to What I Need below