Ok, we’re back for Part 2 of Den Milli’s interview. In this issue, we will dive into the Ukrainian music scene, Den’s future projects, and what experiential advice he has for up-and-coming producers and artists. Let’s get into it.

The Music Scene in Kiev 

● How would you describe the music scene in Kiev? Are there any unique aspects that stand out to you? 

So, in Kiev, we have a large amount of unique artists. What I like most about our artists is that a lot of them are actually searching for their own sound instead of copying others. I’m familiar, as well, with the Russian music scene, and if you check some of their charts, you’ll notice that those are mostly artists who just copy some mainstream American artists. In Ukraine, it works slightly differently. We’re a very musically talented nation, and we have a huge number of artists with a unique sound. I like that a lot. Unfortunately, most of those artists are outside of the Ukrainian mainstream music scene though.

● Ok… are there any local artists or bands that you think deserve more recognition? 

There are definitely some, but I stopped keeping up with the Ukrainian music scene for the last 2 years, so wouldn’t be able to name some current underground artists. Although, I can name some incredible Ukrainian artists who have already got some recognition and are definitely worth checking out. Those are: Dakha Brakha, Odyn v Kanoe, Onuka, Jerry Heil, Jamala. I’d say these are my top favorites. They will give a great understanding of the variety in the Ukrainian music scene.

Future Projects and Goals 

● Can you tell us what are some of your upcoming projects or goals for the future? 

In terms of my production business, I definitely plan to start posting more content as I want to build a strong online presence and a great online music brand. I’m currently studying content marketing and thinking of the branding and identity that I want to show online.

In terms of my life overall, being in my circumstances, it is extremely hard to plan even a week ahead because you just can’t. Everything changes so fast. A week ago I had plans to go out of town to my friend’s country house to have a BBQ and enjoy nature. But this week I’m afraid to even go outside to a grocery store because of massive raids that the Ukrainian government is organizing to “voluntarily enroll” more people into the military by kidnapping people on the streets. For some reason, the media don’t like showing those clips, but that’s our everyday reality.

I have only one main goal for the future which is to emigrate from this country. Thinking of Portugal for now and saving money for that.

● Wow, grabbing people in the streets! With that a media blackout, too. So, where do you see the music industry heading in the next few years, and how do you plan to adapt? 

In my opinion, the 3 main issues that the music industry is facing are streaming income, AI technologies, and huge competition. 

In terms of streams, I believe that each artist/producer has to establish direct relationships with their followers and get paid by them directly, as opposed to being attached to a mediator like Spotify, Apple Music, etc. Like it used to be when artists were selling CDs directly to consumers. Streaming companies have taken huge control over the music income, which is very terrifying, in my opinion.

In terms of AI. My opinion is that AI will get out of business some super generic producers and artists because it will simply replace them. Services like Suno AI already allow you to generate a typical “Gym Song” in a matter of seconds. It is also scary, but at the same time, I believe that those artists and producers, who have their unique vision and creativity that AI cannot replace will be in much bigger demand!

The same thing regarding the huge competition.

I plan to keep up with all the new AI technologies, and also keep developing my own sound, vision, and creativity. Because the AI can only produce something out of data that it is familiar with. It doesn’t really have creativity, and it cannot create something new and experimental from scratch.

Also, I value a lot my relationships with other people around the world, and I still believe that nothing in this world is possible without great personal relationships.

● True, true.

Advice for Aspiring Producers 

● So, what advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in music production? 

My main advice would be to focus on 1 thing and not try to do multiple things at once. I think this is something that has slowed down my growth significantly. I wanted to produce my own music, produce for artists, produce music for sync licensing, and DJ all at once. Find one thing that relates to your goal and stick to it. Dedicate all your focus to it!

● Yeah, keep it simple. Are there any resources or tools that you found particularly helpful in your career? 

Chat GPT is my best business partner nowadays :) He helps me to check agreements quickly, come up with contracts, explain some technical nuances to me, and a lot more. I only wish he could also listen and give fresh feedback on my mixes too, ha-ha.

● Ha, funny!

Personal Insights 

● Ok, so, what do you enjoy doing outside of music production? 

I love meeting new people and hanging out with my friends, playing poker and pool, learning languages (I learned French during Covid and am currently learning Spanish), reading, and watching movies. Pretty basic stuff.

● Yeah. If you could work with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why? 

From those who passed, it would be Mac Miller as I’m a big fan of his music and it seems to be that he was a great human.

From present artists, I would really love to work with Post Malone and Russ.

Russ is a legend among independent artists and is very spiritually savvy. Post Malone simply seems like an extremely awesome human and artist to me.

It’s just intuition, there’re no deep reasons behind my desire to work with them.

● Cool.

Ok, folks. This wraps up Part 2 of our interview with Den Milli. Our next issue will feature Part 3 and will be our final upcoming segment for this series. Stay tuned, as Den will be going into the difficulties of working in a conflict zone, staying resilient, and focused while thriving in a community under siege, as this last one will be a doozy!

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