Milan André Boronell is an artist, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer and mixer. Born and raised in Montréal to a Slovak mother and an African American/Cuban father, Milan started playing guitar at the age of 10. In his early teens, he began performing original improvised blues/rock electric guitar solos at Montreal talent shows and music festivals, including Montreal’s International Blues and Reggae Festivals, and Tremblant’s International Blues Festival. Milan began producing music in his mid-teens, using a BOSS BR-1180 digital recording studio, which he also used to make original backing tracks for his solo guitar performances. Milan then spent 8 years living in Toronto while getting his bachelor’s of music degree at Humber College. Between 2017 and 2022 Milan lived in London, Bratislava and Prague; recording, writing, producing and playing shows. In 2019, Milan released a self-produced, engineered and mixed album titled ‘Who Am I’ on Slnko Records; a Slovak label. In 2021, Milan released his album ‘Five Hundred Days.’ produced by Kristofer Harris of the UK, as well as his own self-production. In June 2023, Milan released his third album titled ‘Ethos Pathos Logos’, which features more of Milan’s self-production, as well as Kris’ touch. Milan’s most recent project, ‘Prague Nights’, is a solo piano album which he wrote and recorded himself, in his Prague flat on his upright piano. Along with his own music, Milan produces and writes for other artists. In 2020 Milan co-wrote and produced ‘Reason’ a song for Czech rapper Paulie Garand, which went on to be one of the most played songs in the Czech Republic in 2021 and won song of the year at the Evropa 2 radio awards. Milan also does songwriting and recording residencies with Indigenous youth all over Canada. Since 2018, he has been to over 30 communities and produced and co-written close to 100 songs with dozens of youths all over Canada.
Name:
Milan André Boronell
Genre:
I prefer not to be labaled with genres. But if absolutely necessary then alternative would be the main, with hints of indie/folk, singer/songwriter and pop.
Founded:
Not really sure what to write here, as I’ve been making music since the early 2000s. First early releases were in 2012 but those are no longer available. First recorded original album was in 2005, but also not available. First official release was in 2015 (also not available). First album in 2019 (available only as a CD).
# of Albums:
3 albums and 2 EPs
Latest Album:
Recently released an EP inspired by and dedicated to a friend who passed away in February of this year. The EP is called ‘Cayden’.
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Jimi Hendrix
Favourite musician now:
Sufjan Stevens
Live show ritual:
Warming up hands and body with full body stretch. Alone time for deep breathing and connecting to the present moment.
Favourite local musician:
Shaina Hayes, Anna Justen, Thanya Iyer, Brad Barr
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Both early bird and night owl
Road or studio?
Studio
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Fugazzi, Chez José Café and P’tit Frère Dumpling
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Mont-Royal for its vibrancy and pedestrian-only summers. Also very nostalgic since I used to live there. McTavish in-between Pine and Dr Penfield – love the view and surrounding nature. Also filmed a short film for an upcoming EP on that street and will forever connect to that memory.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Seignory Park – childhood nostalgia. I grew up in the area and spent a lot of my childhood there.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
URSA
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Nantel plateau
