Belgian singer-songwriter Milow will release his new album, ‘Boy Made Out Of Stars’, on February 21. The album is deeply personal, reflecting on his late father’s influence and Milow’s experiences during the Los Angeles wildfires. He emphasizes the significance of the album’s title, expressing themes of childhood wonder and spirituality. The project features country-inspired instruments and showcases his desire to create a music video for each track. Notably, the song ‘Family Tree’ includes a recording of his father’s voice, blending past and present.
Milow’s Upcoming Album: A Personal Journey
Belgian singer-songwriter Milow is set to unveil his latest album, titled ‘Boy Made Out Of Stars’, on February 21. Known for captivating tracks like ‘You Don’t Know’ and his rendition of ‘Ayo Technology’, Milow shares a touching connection with his late father, who passed away in 2008. In a recent interview, he revealed how artificial intelligence played a role in this album, allowing him to collaborate with his father’s voice. He also reflects on his experiences during the wildfires in Los Angeles and the creative process behind filming a music video for each track on the album.
Exploring the Meaning Behind ‘Boy Made Out Of Stars’
When asked about the album’s title, Milow expressed that the name holds significant meaning for him as an artist. He believes that an album title serves as a bridge connecting a collection of songs created over a span of two to three years. This time, he conceived the title before fully understanding the album’s sound. For Milow, the title resonates on multiple levels, evoking childhood wonder, naivety, and dreams. It invites listeners to reminisce about a time when life felt magical and full of possibilities.
On a deeper level, the title raises questions about a higher power or greater existence. While he once viewed this notion as insignificant, Milow now realizes that his connection to music is the closest he gets to a spiritual experience. He admits to overthinking often, but music provides him with an escape, allowing his mind to relax. Furthermore, he aims to present a positive image of a sensitive boy during a time when masculinity is a complex subject.
Milow’s love for country music is evident in his use of instruments such as dobros and mandolins throughout the album. He clarifies that while he appreciates country influences, his true passion lies in folk and the singer-songwriter tradition. He recalls a time when using a dobro in ‘Ayo Technology’ felt unconventional, but now he embraces it fully, especially in live performances. He acknowledges the evolving landscape of music, suggesting that country has become the new rock, with many of today’s biggest bands embracing the genre.
Throughout his career, Milow has always kept his acoustic guitar close. He shares that there are moments when he steps away from the guitar to focus on his vocals, experimenting with piano to gain a fresh perspective. This relationship with his guitar feels organic and powerful, providing a solid foundation for his songwriting. He believes that the true test of a song lies in its ability to resonate when performed solo with just an acoustic guitar.
Filming a music video for each track was a decision rooted in Milow’s impulsive and intuitive nature. He believes that when he enjoys the music-making process, that energy translates to his audience. Having studied film in Brussels, he felt compelled to create visual representations for more than just a few singles. Rather than producing a couple of high-budget videos, he opted for simpler, yet meaningful, videos for each song, showcasing his dedication to all his music.
Milow’s connection to Los Angeles, where part of the album was filmed, made the recent wildfires particularly impactful. He describes the harrowing experience of witnessing the devastation and how it hit closer to home than ever before. This album serves as his love letter to Los Angeles, a city that has nurtured him over the past twelve years, where many of his songs and videos were birthed, and where his children are growing up.
One of the standout tracks on the album, ‘Family Tree’, features a recording of Milow’s late father, a decision he approached with caution. Initially hesitant to listen to the audio files, Milow eventually felt ready to incorporate his father’s voice into his music. The process was emotional, allowing him to reflect on the musical roots his father instilled in him. With the help of artificial intelligence, he was able to extract his father’s voice from old recordings, blending the past with his present creative journey.