He is one of the most in-demand producers in dancehall music, but before the hit songs and acclaim, Lee Milla did not have it easy breaking into a competitive business.
“As a young producer it was difficult because I didn’t have the credentials or accolades to attain the interest of the seasoned and more established artistes. Yuh done know, if yuh open a new store nobody nah come shop dey without certain amount a word a mouth,” Milla said in an interview with Splash.
Things have certainly changed. His Lee Milla Production label is responsible for hits such as Formula by Alkaline; Swear to Jah and Ah Wah Do Dem by Vybz Kartel; Life Lost by Popcaan featuring Jah Vinci; Mavado’s Beat and Teach; Mercy A God from Vershon; and Wait Yuh Turn, Try Again and After All by Alkaline.
Milla got involved in music production around seven years ago.
“I was working as a young apprentice at Kings Of Kings label along with Cordell ‘Skatta’ Burrell. The first project I worked on was the Puco rhythm which featured Deva Brat, Fambo, Singer J, and Twin Of Twins featuring Scratchy B of Cash Money,” Milla recalled.
The 29-year-old believes pushing the envelope separates him from his contemporaries.
“I’m bringing a different style and pattern to the music. A fresh sound…” he said.
To date he has produced 12 rhythm projects. They include Ole Newz, Arch Evil, Jewelry Store, Street Rave, Memory Lane and his latest, Club Life.
The last has songs like After All; Ding Dong’s My Lady, and Different Level by Jahmiel.
Born Leonandre Miller, Milla attended Camperdown High School. Moving to Canada, he studied engineering at Toronto Audio Recording Academy. He went full-time into music production nearly 10 years ago after returning to Jamaica.
Milla is working on a new beat expected for release in December.
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