Interview With Milena Casado
- Sabrina Shahryar
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
I sat down with trumpeter, composer, and producer Milena Casado to discuss her debut album, Reflection of Another Self, which will be released on May 16, 2025.
How did you come up with the title of the album?
Milena: The title, Reflection of Another Self, captures the essence of the album deeply. It’s a journey of introspection and self-discovery, about seeing parts of yourself that maybe you hadn’t fully faced before. Sometimes, we realize we’ve become a version of ourselves that doesn't represent who we are - shaped by fear, expectations, and insecurities...That version becomes “another self,” and what we see in the mirror isn’t the whole picture. This album is about recognizing that, reflecting, and finding a way back to yourself.
What was the process like for creating the cover art for the album?
Milena: The cover art came together through a collaborative process. We experimented with different photos, angles, fonts… I wanted to represent the idea of how we perceive ourselves versus who we truly are. Something that invites people to reflect, just like the music does.
Is there a song you’re most excited for fans to hear?
Milena: It’s hard to pick just one, but I think “O.C.T (Oda to the Crazy Times)” and “Lidia y Los Libros” are special to me. They both carry a lot of emotional weight and mark a turning point in the album. After navigating chaos and confusion, it’s a moment for strength and clarity. “Lidia y Los Libros” is especially meaningful - it’s dedicated to and features my mother and grandmother.
When did you know the album was done?
Milena: I had a deadline! [Laughs]. Honestly, I feel like there are always things I could change, but at some point, you just have to let it go and breathe.
Can you describe the album using three words?
Milena: Introspection. Courage. Resilience.
What was the writing process like?
Milena: Very personal. Some pieces came from improvisation. It's just me processing something in the moment. Others needed time and space to evolve. Sitting on the piano, playing my trumpet, or singing melodies. It wasn’t always linear, but every song came from something personal. Writing this felt like therapy.
You composed, produced, and performed on the album. Did you face any challenges on any part?
Milena: Definitely! This is my first album, and it was such an incredible learning experience. I had to figure out how to use Pro Tools and Ableton, learn about the mixing and mastering process, and buy my first synth… I just had to trust the process. I was also lucky to have amazing people around me who helped and believed in the vision.
Were there any influences that helped inspire this album?
Milena: Yeah, both musical and just life in general. Artists who are honest and fearless in their expression. Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Radiohead, Milton Nascimento, Stevie Wonder, and many more. But also conversations, my family, joy, solitude, and fear.
If you could set up the perfect environment for fans to listen to the album, what would it be?
Milena: Somewhere that feels like your space, with good headphones - or on the train! Just somewhere you can be present and let the music take over. But also, in your living room with the speakers up, blasting “O.C.T (Oda to the Crazy Times)”!
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