A conversation with Alessandra Milieri
Some artists write songs; others build worlds. Alessandra Milieri belongs firmly to the latter category. The independent singer-songwriter has crafted a distinctive artistic identity where pop, soul, and electronic textures converge into something deeply cinematic and emotionally resonant. Her music unfolds like a series of visual poems, rich with symbolism and atmosphere, transforming personal experiences into immersive sonic landscapes.
At the heart of Milieri's work lies an unflinching exploration of the human condition. Themes of emotional resilience, self-awareness, and mental health are woven throughout her catalogue, not as declarations but as carefully drawn narratives that invite reflection. Her songs balance vulnerability with strength, offering listeners a space where introspection becomes both an act of courage and a source of connection.
Your debut single Go To Her received international airplay and chart recognition. How did that early success shape your confidence as an artist?
The first recognitions came after a lot of hard work and for me they felt like an important confirmation. As an independent artist, every small step forward shows that the effort, discipline and focus you put into your vision are starting to reach people beyond your own circle.
When “Go To Her” received international airplay, of course it gave me more confidence in my artistic direction, but it also made me realize that if you stay focused on your goals and keep evolving as an artist, people will eventually connect with your music.
At the same time, being both the artist and my own manager means that I’m always looking for new opportunities to share my music with a wider audience. For me, success is not just one moment, but a continuous process of growth, persistence and belief in what you are building.
Your new single Two Plus One transforms a personal story into a message of resilience. What inspired the song, and what emotions were you hoping listeners would take away from it?
Two Plus One is one of the songs that represents me the most, both as an artist and as a person. I’ve always been someone who doesn’t give up easily. When I face difficulties, my instinct is to tell myself that there is always a way forward and that every problem has a possible solution.
Over the years I’ve experienced many challenges and disappointments, but I’ve learned that every experience can teach you something. In a way, this song reflects that mindset. It talks about resilience and about the idea that setbacks are not failures, but moments that help you grow stronger.
In a world where people often feel pressured to be perfect and never make mistakes, I wanted “Two Plus One” to remind listeners that imperfection is part of the journey. Every disappointment can become a lesson, and that’s how we slowly build who we are.
What do you think about AI in music?
AI is definitely an interesting development in music today. I think it can be a useful tool in some aspects of production or experimentation. At the same time, I believe that the most authentic inspiration still comes from real life experiences.
For example, when artists travel, discover different cultures or explore new environments, they naturally absorb new sounds and perspectives. That kind of inspiration is something very human and personal.
So for me, technology can support creativity, but the heart of music will always come from the artist’s experiences, emotions and curiosity about the world.
Your debut EP Nightfall Pages explores themes of strength, intimacy, and empowerment through nighttime-inspired soundscapes. What does the “night” represent for you creatively?
For me, the night is a very special creative time. During the night everything becomes quieter, there are fewer noises, fewer distractions and the mind can finally slow down.
Very often my musical ideas come during the night, sometimes even while I’m sleeping. It’s as if melodies appear in a deeper and more instinctive way. I think it happens because the mind is no longer processing thousands of things like it does during the day.
The same happens with lyrics. When everything around you is silent, your mind feels more open and your heart can find words that sometimes remain hidden during the daytime.
What is a typical day as an artist for you?
A typical day as an artist for me is a mix of creativity and organization. During the day I often work on lyrics that are inspired by melodies or ideas that came to me during the night.
I also spend time connecting with other artists and professionals through social media, building relationships and looking for new opportunities. At the same time, I plan upcoming live performances and industry events. For example, on March 20th I will be attending the “Women Create Music” conference in Berlin, where I will perform live and meet A&R representatives from different parts of the world.
Alongside this, I’m currently preparing the release of my new song “Autopsy of Love” and working on the concept for its music video, which will be filmed abroad.
You also cite inspirations such as Taylor Swift and Adele. In what ways have their storytelling or vocal styles influenced your songwriting approach?
I’ve always admired Taylor Swift for her storytelling. When I listen to her songs, it often feels like you are living the story she is telling. There is a strong emotional connection and listeners can easily recognize themselves in the situations she describes. That kind of honesty creates a deep bond between the artist and the audience, and it’s something that inspires me in my own songwriting.
With Adele, I’ve always been impressed by her vocal power and emotional delivery. She has a very strong presence, but at the same time her style remains elegant and deeply feminine. I admire the way she can express vulnerability and strength at the same time.
Both artists remind me how important it is to connect with people through real emotions and authentic storytelling.
You’ve performed in prestigious theaters across Italy. How does the energy of performing live compare to the intimacy of creating music in the studio?
For me, performing live and creating music in the studio are two very different but equally important experiences. In the studio everything feels more intimate and reflective. It’s the place where ideas take shape, where you experiment with melodies, lyrics and emotions.
Live performance, on the other hand, is pure energy. Being on stage allows you to connect directly with the audience and express the music in a much more spontaneous and powerful way. It’s one of the things I love the most about being an artist.
At the moment I’m also working on new songs (together with my arranger/producer Andrea Liuzza) that move towards a more EDM-inspired sound. This direction allows me to bring even more energy to the stage compared to what I explored in my EP Nightfall Pages, and I’m very excited to develop that live dimension further.
Beyond singing and songwriting, you’re deeply involved in shaping your visual identity, from music video storyboards to styling and choreography. Why is creative control so important to you?
For me, having a strong creative control over my work is very important because it allows me to express a clear artistic vision. Music is not only about sound, it’s also about images, atmosphere and the emotions you create around a song.
That’s why I like to be personally involved in many aspects of my projects, from visual identity to music video storyboards, styling and choreography. I give 100% of myself in this process, because I truly love what I do and I want listeners to experience my complete vision as an artist.
Of course, audiences also need evolution and new ideas, and that’s why I’m currently exploring new sounds in my music. But at the same time, I believe it’s important to maintain a strong artistic identity so people can clearly recognize your direction.
As you prepare to release Nightfall Pages and reach a growing international audience, what message or feeling do you hope listeners around the world will connect with most?
As my music reaches more people around the world, what I hope listeners connect with the most is authenticity. My songs often explore emotions that many people experience but sometimes find difficult to express.
Through my music, I want listeners to feel understood and less alone in what they are going through. If someone listens to one of my songs and thinks, “I’ve felt this too,” then the music has already done something meaningful.
For me, music is a way to transform personal emotions into something universal that people from different cultures and countries can still recognize and connect with.
