Mila Nabours is an American actress, singer and dancer born August 12th, 2005 in Santa Monica, California. She is the daughter of professional classical musicians. Since a very young age, Mila has been a competitive gymnast winning many state and regional championships in both artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. At age 11, Mila transitioned to dance, training in all styles with emphasis on acrobatics, hip-hop/jazz funk and contemporary. As a competitive dancer, Mila has won multiple awards and scholarships at national competitions.
During the same year, Mila was discovered on social media by a casting director and landed a lead role in her first film. Now, at the age of 15, Mila has booked several acting jobs including films, commercials, web series and music videos. She has also won multiple Best Young Actress awards for 2 of her films.
As a recording artist Mila has released several cover songs, 2 originals, and an original EP – available on all major platforms. Currently, Mila is one of a group of artists that remade the 1980’s hit Kids in America as well as recording various tracks for movies that will be out soon.
Mila has just released the very personal new single, Memory, co-written with Mimi Tomar and produced by Andrew Lane (Backstreet Boys, Irene Cara). It is available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and YouTube.
Hello Mila, great to chat with you again! For those unfamiliar with you, tell us a little bit about yourself and your background outside of the world of showbiz.
I grew up a competitive gymnast and transitioned to dance around age 12, which led me into the industry where I started pursuing acting. During the beginning of the pandemic I finally had the opportunity and time to start music, and have been writing and releasing music ever since.
Your new song Memory deals with a very personal subject. Can you please explain why you decided to write it?
Two of my grandparents unfortunately suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, so I wanted to dedicate this song to them and touch on the pain of losing someone to Alzheimer’s.
What was the best/most rewarding part about the writing/recording process?
The best part about writing and recording the song was the organic emotion I was able to put into it, because of how important of a subject it is to me.
For those unfamiliar with Alzheimer’s, what did you first notice was “off” about your grandparents, and how did it progress?
As for both my grandparents, we started to notice them not remembering things that had happened not too long ago that they would’ve normally remembered, or repeating themselves in a short period of time.
Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to loved ones of someone afflicted?
My best advice would be to stay very patient, this disease progresses very quickly, meaning their memory gradually gets worse and worse, and it can be scary to see.
Photo: Charlette Harper
What has been your favorite moment in show biz so far?
I don’t think I could pick just one of my favorite moments, but the continual opportunity to work with amazing artists and record songs in the studio every month has been such a blessing.
If there was ONE thing you could change about the entertainment industry, what would it be?
One thing I might change about the industry is the overall environment that’s created. It can be a very cutthroat business, but creating a more positive and fair environment would make everything run smoother.
Best career advice, and who provided it?
I’ve heard this from many mentors who have helped me throughout my career, but the best advice I’ve been given is that every opportunity is a stepping stone and working from a place of genuine passion is the best way to work.
What do you feel are the biggest pressures of social media for teens, and how do you deal with it to stay positive?
A big pressure of social media is the idea that you are constantly observed by the public eye, which can become overwhelming. The best way I stay positive is to take time for myself and keep my brand as true to myself as possible, making content that I enjoy making.
Long-term career goals?
I would love to continue making music and start performing and touring in the future, as well as take part in film and TV. I also would love to start studying creative editing, which is something I may study in college.
If we asked your friends what your best quality is, what would they say?
I think my friends most appreciate my truthfulness and my loyalty, which I personally believe are two of the most important qualities.
Guilty pleasure?
Chocolate! lol
Biggest pet peeve?
Oddly specific, but my biggest pet peeve is metal utensils scraping against a plate.
Secret fear?
Since elementary school, I’ve had this strange fear of getting shocked.
Favorite holiday (and why)?
My favorite holiday is Christmas, partly because of the time of year it happens in, since I love winter. It’s also my favorite because of how warm and cozy my family makes it.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
Something people find surprising about me is that I’m bilingual! One of my songs, “New Moon,” is actually partly in Spanish.
Tell me ONE food you REFUSE to eat and why?
In general, I absolutely cannot stand seafood, so if I had to pick one food I’d never eat it would be lobster.
What else are you working on or have coming up next?
I have recently recorded multiple tracks for upcoming films, so I can’t wait for those songs to be released when the films come out. Apart from that, I recently worked with Lexi Rabe as well as other artists to remake the 80s song, “Kids in America,” to support the No Kids Hungry charity.