MUSIC
SOLO PIANO ALBUM: “RETROUVAILLES”
My brand new 15-track solo-piano meditation record, created in a single inspired and emotional afternoon at the studio…is out now <3
The title “Retrouvailles” is French for “Reunion,” and rooted in literally finding something again. Each stream-of-consciousness flow is improvised from start to finish, and is a deeper excavation to land at the heart of simple truth. I hope the music stirs something in you and maybe even awakens a feeling you’ve been longing to re-access…but most immediately, I hope it can bring you a bit of extra peace and ease. xo
SOLO PIANO SINGLES: “AURORE” - “LUNE DE VELOURS” - “FANTAISIE”
Three tracks off my upcoming solo-piano improvisation record, “Retrouvailles” - officially out September 8th!
“Lune De Velours”
French for “Velvet Moon” - a piano pas-de-deux and seaside lullaby, existing in the same lilting realm as Satie’s “Gymnopédie”…best enjoyed by picturing yourself in a sleepy Mediterranean town on a warm summer evening.
“Fantaisie”
French for “Fantasy” and a tribute to the musical “fantasia” composition style (an impromptu piece with roots in improvisation)...an otherworldly forest waltz with sprinkles of will-they-won’t-they romanticism.
NEW ARABIC/ENGLISH TRACK FOR THE WORLD CUP - “THE WORLD CAN BE OURS”
ft. in the 2022 FIFA World Cup!
I had the opportunity to translate, arrange, and record Arabic vocals for this Qatar World Cup track, a duet with Grammy-winning artist Louis II (and an original production by former OneRepublic member Tim Myers)! You can stream this upbeat anthem (which aired on official FOX highlight reels) HERE!
SOLO PIANO ALBUM: “SPRINGTIME IMPROVISATIONS”
My latest 12-track piano meditation record, inspired by your very own stories and the beauty of stepping outside to nurture a deeper look inward. These pieces were born out of the most stripped down, unfiltered pull towards connecting on a deeper level…allow them to accompany your 20min floral walks, morning coffees / afternoon teas, work flows, wind-downs, and anything else you see fit! Can’t wait to find out :)
Available for download/streaming HERE! Learn all about the backstory and communal creative process in my talking video below:
SOLO PIANO ALBUM: “MOONLIGHT IMPROVISATIONS”
A new 10-track solo piano record that takes you through a meditative, moonlit evening - from the afterglow of post-sunset, to a romantic starry dreamscape, to insomnia and solitude...to ultimate renewal in the dawn. Available for download/streaming HERE!
LATEST SINGLE: “FALL ASLEEP” - OUT NOW!
Honoring Women’s History Month, elevating vulnerability as strength, and capturing the hazy push-and-pull of asserting our femininity in a world that teaches us to keep the peace. Through this cinematic, orchestral ballad, Leila hopes to champion visibility for fellow first-generation daughters of immigrants whose dual-identity limbo often intensifies their experience of early adulthood.
Watch the music video and read the blog post HERE!
“FALL ASLEEP” artwork by Palestinian/Canadian illustrator Jasmine Hawamdeh. Click the image to listen! (March 2021)
“HOLIDAY IMPROVISATIONS” is Leila’s debut 9-track solo piano improv album! Click * HERE * to learn all about it! (December 2020)
“LEIL YA LEIL” is Leila’s original Arabic/English fusion track, a tribute to Koura, Lebanon. This single earned her the Lennon Award & Grand Prize in the World Category of the International John Lennon Songwriting Contest. (March 2017)
IN HER WORDS:
"...I am inspired by Middle-Eastern icon Fairuz and her timeless melodic poetry, French chanteuse Edith Piaf and her captivating drama, incomparable singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell and her prodigious storytelling. I draw from the romantic piano musings of Chopin, the dynamic rhythmic explorations of tap dancer Savion Glover, and the eloquent wisdom of Lebanese prophet Khalil Gibran. I am invigorated by the bright, dynamic spirit of Stevie Wonder, the seamless abandon of Carole King, and the spiritual, cathartic arrangements of Jeff Buckley. Today, I turn to the honest and visceral writing of Sara Bareilles, the enchanting vocal deliveries of Joy Williams, the lyrical genius of Death Cab for Cutie, the virtuosic musicianship of Madison Cunningham…and I am continuously moved by my peers, who nurture their craft with the most genuine, humble, and generous hearts."
Streaming proceeds from “All That Remains” will benefit the Stanford Hospital Duodenal Cancer Research Fund, In Memoriam of Sami Hamade. (February 2019)
Dig a little deeper into Leila’s music, writings, and roots (while supporting relief efforts in Lebanon):
“PROMISES” is Leila’s debut original record, ft. 8 stories from her college years. (March 2017)
“Original, emotional, brilliant... these words barely describe the artistry of Leila Milki’s debut album, Promises. Leila Milki (...) tells incredibly poetic stories through her wide range of talents, sensory writing, and diverse music, (...) a blend of cultural backgrounds that perfectly accent her masterful piano playing, her profound lyrics, and her awing voice. (...) It will have you floating away into Milki’s world where words and music come together as one; you’ll never want to leave.”
RECORDING: BEHIND-THE-SCENES
LEILA'S CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS:
“New Year” is an original acoustic meditation on illusive ideals, and ultimate forgiveness. (March 2018)
Songwriting Awards:
The John Lennon Lennon Songwriting Contest, 2017: Lennon Award Winner, World Category for "Leil Ya Leil"
The John Lennon Lennon Songwriting Contest, 2017: GRAND PRIZE WINNER in the World Music Category for "Leil Ya Leil"
West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest, 2017: GRAND PRIZE WINNER in the Adult Contemporary Category for "See You Tonight"
West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest, 2017: Honorable Mention in the Adult Contemporary Category for "Hit and Run"
The Great American Song Contest, 2017: FINALIST in the Singer-Songwriter Category for "Our Eyes Close"
VIDEOS
Originals
Covers
piano instrumentals
For more videos, subscribe to Leila’s Youtube channel.