Jana Mila’s enthusiasm was contagious at today’s Free At Noon

Jana Mila took the stage at today’s Free At Noon armed with an acoustic guitar, flare jeans, and a big smile. As her set went on, the crowd was introduced to her joyful nature and stellar voice as she played songs from her upcoming album. Her music takes on a range of influences, both new and old, balancing influences from the current indie-country movement with subtle callbacks to ‘70s country music.

Mila started her set solo, diving into “Rosie,” a song she wrote ten years ago about letting someone go in the name of love. Over the next two songs, her bandmates, whom she affectionately nicknamed “Jerry” and “Dove,” came out to join her.

It was only in between songs that the crowd was reminded that Mila is a Dutch artist, in anecdotes she shared with the audience about celebrating her 26th birthday in Vegas, hearing her song on the radio in Dallas for the first time, and enjoying peaceful moments in Philadelphia.

The live version of “Somebody New,” the first single from her upcoming album, was one of the highlights of her set. Building in energy throughout the song, she invited the audience to sing along with her, chanting “You’ve been looking for somebody new” as Dove played a jazzy piano outro. Her next song, “In Between,” took a turn, showcasing her higher vocal range and flowing into emotional, yearning lyrics.

The best way I can sum up her set is happy. While some of the songs were more melancholic, Mila’s passion and enthusiasm to perform live was contagious, and I found myself clapping along with the entire room on her last song, “I Was Gonna.” Her heartfelt thanks only spurred the audience’s cheers, and World Cafe Live was filled with a warmth well beyond summery heat.

Originally based out of Amsterdam, Mila recently spent time in Nashville for the production of her upcoming album, Chameleon. Recorded with Todd Lombardo, Chameleon will be Mila’s debut album. Watch for it on August 30!