Raised by classical musicians, singer Mila Nabours found her true calling during the
pandemic after exploring acting, gymnastics, and dance. Nabours shares her creative
process, highlighting her preference for a fluid, instinct-driven approach to songwriting.
The artist discusses her genre-spanning influences, from 80s pop to modern R&B,
which she uses to create an authentic sound that aims to give listeners hope and
encouragement. Nabours reflects on a memorable London performance, the emotional
inspiration behind her music, and her hopes for a future of continued growth as an artist.
- What first inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Music has always been in my blood. Both of my parents are classical musicians, so I
grew up surrounded by instruments, rehearsals, and the discipline of artistry. Singing
was something I loved from a young age, but for a while I was so focused on other
passions—first gymnastics, then dance, and eventually acting—that I never fully made
space for it. When the world slowed down during Covid, I was introduced to an
incredible producer who showed me what it was like to write and record music as an
independent artist. That moment changed everything for me. I discovered how much I
loved the process—turning ideas into melodies, recording in the studio, and shaping
songs that felt like pieces of my story. Since then, I’ve been able to collaborate with
amazing artists, perform around the world, and continue building a catalog of original
music. It’s something I see myself doing for the rest of my life. - Can you tell us about a pivotal moment in your life when you realized music
was your calling?
I’ll never forget the first time I stepped on stage as a music artist. There’s this rush of
adrenaline that’s unlike anything else—the instant connection between me and the
audience when I’m able to pour my heart out in real time. It’s not just about singing
notes, it’s about telling a story and seeing people resonate with it right in front of me.
That moment, combined with the goosebumps I get when I hear a finished track come
together in the studio, confirmed to me that I’m not just experimenting with music—I’m
an artist at heart. It became clear that this is where my voice belongs. - Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your
sound?
My playlists are very eclectic. I’ve always been inspired by 80s music, house, and pop-
rock, but I also love pulling from modern pop, EDM, and R&B. Artists like The Weeknd,
Kehlani, Lizzy McAlpine, INJI, Lana Del Rey, Summer Walker, SZA, Chase Atlantic, and
The Neighbourhood each bring something unique that resonates with me—whether it’s
vulnerability, storytelling, or a sonic vibe that lingers. Their artistry reminds me that
music doesn’t have to fit into one box, and that’s exactly how I approach my own sound:
genre-bending, honest, and ever-evolving. - How has your music evolved from when you first started to where you are
now?
In many ways, my process hasn’t changed—I still let inspiration guide me rather than
following one set formula. Sometimes lyrics and melody come together at the same
time, other times one leads the other. But what has evolved is my confidence in trusting
that process. Working closely with my producer, I’ve learned how to better articulate the
vibe I want for a track, and how to ensure that the lyrics match that energy—whether it’s
upbeat and dance-driven or slower and reflective. One thing I strive for is writing lyrics
that can be interpreted in different ways. I love when listeners can project their own
experiences onto my songs and find their own meaning, while still following the storyline
I built into it. - Can you walk us through your creative process when writing a new song?
Every song begins with where I am emotionally. Music has always been my release, so I
ask myself: what’s on my mind right now? What do I need to express? From there, I talk
with my producer about the vibe I want—whether it’s dreamy, energetic, moody, or bold.
Once we have that foundation, I find the main concept or theme and let it evolve
naturally into a chorus where the emotion peaks. Melodies and lyrics usually come to
me simultaneously, and I fine-tune them until they feel authentic to the story I’m telling.
For me, it’s not about forcing structure, but about shaping a track that feels alive and
true to what I needed to say. - Do you start with lyrics, melodies, or a concept when creating a new track?
It changes every time. Sometimes it’s a concept that sparks everything, other times it’s
a melody I can’t get out of my head, and occasionally it’s a lyric line that leads the whole
session. I don’t box myself into a rigid formula—I let the song dictate how it wants to be
written.
- How do you handle creative blocks or moments when inspiration is hard to
find?
I’ve learned not to fight creative blocks. Forcing myself to write only makes me
disconnect from the music. Instead, I give myself space. Sometimes I’ll free-write ideas,
even if they’re messy or don’t make sense, because even the “bad” ones can lead to a
spark of something new. Other times, I’ll step away completely — go for a walk, talk with
friends, or just live life for a bit. Inspiration usually comes when I stop overthinking and
give myself permission to be patient. - What do you want listeners to feel or take away from your music?
More than anything, I want my music to give people hope. Life is filled with transitions,
moments that feel uncertain, and phases where nothing makes sense—but all of that is
part of growth. My songs are about embracing the messy, complicated parts of
becoming who you are and realizing that every version of yourself is valid. If listeners
can hear my music and feel both understood and encouraged to trust their own process,
then I’ve done what I set out to do. - What’s the story behind your latest single, “Fever Dream”?
“Fever Dream” is a coming-of-age reflection on the surreal in-between stage of late
teens—when the future feels both limitless and completely uncertain. I co-wrote and
performed it with my close friend Sage Sam, which made the process even more
meaningful. The song captures that dreamlike state where you’re constantly evolving,
trying to “figure it all out,” but realizing that real growth comes from surrendering to
change. It’s about learning to trust the unknown, accepting that the path won’t always
be linear, and finding peace in the idea that becoming your fullest self is a lifelong
journey. - Do you have any memorable moments from working with other artists or
producers?
I’ve been blessed to work with some incredible creatives, including Grammy-nominated
producer Andrew Lane. What makes those sessions memorable isn’t just the music —
it’s the conversations. Often, we end up sharing personal stories that deepen our
friendships and shape the honesty of the lyrics. One of the most meaningful
experiences was writing “Memory,” a song dedicated to my grandparents who suffered
from Alzheimer’s. Writing it alongside my friend Mimi Tomar was deeply emotional, and
together we were able to turn raw grief into something healing and beautiful. - If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and
why?
Lady Gaga, without hesitation. I admire her ability to reinvent herself while staying true
to her artistry. Her storytelling, vocals, and sheer authenticity have always given me
chills. Beyond the music, I admire her resilience—how she carved her own lane despite
the challenges. Collaborating with her would be an absolute dream. - What has been your most memorable performance or tour experience so far?
Performing in London on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral was incredibly moving.
I dedicated my song “Memory” to her, and the atmosphere in the room was so heartfelt.
It was one of those rare moments where music transcends performance—it becomes a
shared experience of grief, respect, and connection. That night will stay with me
forever. - How do you connect with your audience during live shows or through your
music?
I treat each performance like storytelling. Eye contact, presence, and authenticity are
what allow me to really connect with a crowd. When the audience is engaged and we’re
all experiencing the music together, it feels like the walls disappear and we become one
community sharing the same emotion. - What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being a music artist?
For me, it’s the freedom. The act of taking emotions and turning them into music feels
like release, almost like breathing deeper than you ever could before. Then, getting to
share those songs live and watching them resonate with others is one of the most
rewarding experiences imaginable.
- Has fan feedback ever influenced the direction of your music?
My fans inspire me every single day. While I don’t adjust my sound based on trends or
requests, the encouragement I’ve received has pushed me to keep creating from a
place of honesty. Knowing that people connect with the authenticity of my songs
motivates me to keep evolving. - What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your music career,
and how did you overcome them?
I’ve struggled with overthinking—especially in the studio. Wanting every lyric and every
vocal to be perfect can sometimes hold me back. On stage, nerves can creep in too,
which affects my breath control and tone. But I see those challenges as opportunities to
grow. I’ve been working on techniques to relax into my natural voice and trust myself
more. Every performance teaches me something new. - How do you balance staying true to your artistry while adapting to trends in
the music industry?
I’ve never been one to chase trends. My philosophy is simple: if the music doesn’t feel
authentic to me, it won’t connect with others. I always come back to why I
started—because I love music, and because it’s my form of expression. As long as I
stay rooted in that, the rest will fall into place. - Is there a particular song or project that pushed you outside your comfort
zone creatively?
Definitely. I’ve worked on a few tracks for film projects that required me to sing in styles
outside of my usual lane—including some rap elements, which was new for me. It was
nerve-racking but also surprisingly fun, and it expanded my range as an artist. I’ve also
pushed myself vocally on songs with higher ranges, which has motivated me to keep
improving my technique. - What message or legacy do you want to leave behind with your music?
I want my music to always represent growth and hope. Life will challenge you and
reshape you again and again, but that’s what makes it beautiful. If I can leave listeners
with songs that remind them they’re not alone in their journey, and that becoming new
versions of yourself is worth celebrating, then I’ll feel like I’ve left something meaningful
behind.
- Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next 5 years?
I don’t like to put a rigid timeline on success. My main hope is that I’ll still be doing what
I love—writing, recording, and performing on bigger stages around the world. I want to
continue challenging myself, collaborating with other artists, and creating music for film
projects that bring stories to life in new ways. Most of all, I just want to keep sharing my
music with as many people as possible. - How do you stay motivated and passionate about creating new music?
I remind myself that music is my passion first—not my “job.” I give myself grace when
the process takes time, because rushing only makes it feel like work. Staying patient
and keeping that creative spark alive is what allows me to write songs that are
authentic. As long as I hold onto the joy of creating, I’ll never lose my drive.
CYNX MAGAZINE 