Mila Gurney
About Mila Gurney from Auckland
A learned pianist, and self-taught guitarist and bassist, Mila started writing music soon after high school, and hasnt stopped since. She has played at a number of events and festivals, including the Newsong festival, for three consecutive years.
At the tender age of 17 and after only a short amount time of learning and playing guitar, her first attempts at songwriting were incredibly well received. Two of her songs Draw me close and Endlessly were recorded by popular local and international band: Peculiar People. She also provided vocals and backing vocals for the tracks.
Soon after, The South African Music award committee unearthed Mila's songs and song writing ability, resulting in nominations for two SAMCA music awards, in the categories of song writing and vocal performances.
Then came Like honey showcase of South African female talent at its best, that ran for two sold-out weeks at a popular music venue - Obz Café and theatre. The Like honey show proceeded to open various musical doors. One of which was to record a track for another compilation album entitled Girls of Rock with renowned musician and artist, Mantis.
The Like honey show went so well, that a second show was decided upon, as well as the recording of the live CD, featuring the top three girls from the show, of which Mila was one.
Her aim is to write music that is both commercially pleasing as well as musically technical, in attempts to master the balance of both. Her idea of the fame music brings is also one of a kind.
'I truly believe that I am merely blessed to be doing what I love, just because it puts me in the eyes of the media, it doesn't and will never make me any better then anyone else. I just pray that everyone in the world is lucky enough to be living a life where they are following dreams, striving for the top, and loving what they do'.
Mila's description of the songwriting process is one of ease.
Some people understand maths, some understand plants I understand music, it makes sense. Mila strives to maintain an entirely personal and honest approach to creating the songs thereby affecting every note and words. To this day she has yet to sit down in attempts to write. All of the songs have been written as mere expression of moments, emotions, and situation. Some in the car, others disrupting even sleep.
She has played solo at venues all over SA, in addition to appearing as a guest artist with bands such as Peculiar People, Son of A Thousand blues, Adamu, and Haydn Gardner. She has featured as hot shot of the week on UCT radio, and graced various national print publications and websites.
Now living and working in New Zealand, another musical journey has begun. With a new country has to come a new strategy. Having all ready played at a gazillion venues all over NZ, and been on a mini tour to northland, things seem to be getting better and better. Mila is currently recording her debut album, due for local and international release 2007!
Mila Gurney is certainly in fierce pursuit of fulfilling her musical passion, and definitely here to stay.
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