Meet Paris-born UK Open Mic performer, Millia de Leon:

Hi Millia de Leon, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

Where were you born?

Paris

Where did you grow up?

Paris

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

My dad was a passionate lover of Jazz, playing the guitar and bass by ear. His creative spirit always inspired me. Meanwhile, my brother embarked on a journey as a Hip-hop R&B DJ, which eventually led him to become a talented producer. His musical career greatly influenced my own music tastes. Then, I shared a passion for covering indie acoustic singer-songwriters with my younger sister, discovering a newfound inspiration that encouraged me to explore my own songwriting abilities.

Where are you based now, and why?

London. Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to speak English fluently. I tried living in both the US and London, but I found that I preferred London more. What I loved about London was the freedom to be creative and express myself. It was there that I found a group of immensely inspiring musicians who became my close friends, further fueling my passion for music.

What got you into making music in the first place?

My dad, brother and sister

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

My dad
My brother
My sister
Sara Bareilles
Daniela Andrade
Noah Cyrus
Eloise
Olivia Dean
Joy Crookes
Moira dela Torre

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

2 years

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

Sometimes, the melody comes to me in my dreams or right before I wake up. Next, I delve into crafting the lyrics, selecting words that resonate with the melody and evoke the desired emotions. Then, I arrange the song around the melody

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

I unexpectedly stumbled upon a talented pianist, and I approached him with the idea of collaborating together. It turned out he was in charge of a band jam night, so I decided to give it a try. I instantly fell in love with it.

What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?

I highly recommend to regularly perform at open mics until you feel prepared to sing at gigs. It’s the perfect place to enhance your stage presence and showcase your songs in a friendly and welcoming live setting!

What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?

Not getting distracted and remembering all my lyrics

What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?

The most fun open mic I went to was at the Pen theatre! The crowd was amazing and the other comedy acts were so hilarious

If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?

Yes

What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?

That I speak french

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

Writing my album by Dec 2024

Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC3zmgG1SyIxkb2xnLbqW6fQ

Do you have music on streaming? What’s you main streaming channel to send people to?

www.instagram.com/mdeleonmusic/

Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?

www.instagram.com/mdeleonmusic/

What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?

Tiktok @mdeleonmusic

We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?

No thanks!