Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilija.
Hi Ilija, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am originally from Serbia, but have been living and studying in Boston (MA) for 5 years until I moved to LA. I started my music education as a very young kid when I enrolled in a primary music school at the age of 8. My first instrument was the cello, even though my main priority was always singing. I graduated from a jazz high school in Belgrade. During my time in Serbia, I was a part of numerous music TV shows, festivals, and other creative events. At the age. of 16, I participated in the X Factor (Balkan Version) where I got all the way through the finals (top 10). After an active performing and creating period in Serbia, I got accepted to the Berklee College of Music, which is why I moved to Boston.
Throughout my career, I have been blessed with incredible opportunities that shaped me into who I am as an artist today. I have had an opportunity to meet and perform for some of the industry’s major artists such as Grammy-winning pianist Robert Glasper, Kurt Elling, James Newton-Howard, James Arthur, Sir Ringo Starr (The Beatles), etc. I am currently based in Los Angeles where I am working on my original music which I can’t wait to release and present to people here. I have released two singles off my upcoming album- “Can’t Tell Me What To Do” and “Bounce”. The rest of the album will be out pretty soon, and I am very excited for all the lovers of contemporary R&B sound to hear it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely wasn’t easy getting to where I am today. I came here as an international student and started building my artistic persona in the new environment that I feel like I was always meant to be a part of. Contemporary R&B was not as present in my surrounding before I moved to the States, and it was clear to me, years ago, that it is something that I want to proceed with creating. Obviously, moving here from a developing country was not a smooth ride and I faced a lot of challenges. I am super grateful to my parents, family, and friends for their constant support which made all the struggles way easier to cope with.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I was blessed with an opportunity to be mentored by some of the most knowledgeable professors and artists who taught me so much. As someone who grew up in Europe, but was always mainly inspired by black American music styles and culture, I gained so much knowledge and inspiration from going back in history and studying it so that I can understand the music and all its elements on a more spiritual level. My favorite thing to do in music is songwriting and vocal arranging. I love creating vocal arrangements for myself and other artists as well. As a huge lover of Gospel music (shout out to my Reverence Gospel Choir family), I enjoy adding vocal harmonies to everything. I feel like it creates a whole new experience for a listener and I am one of those people who thinks there can never be too many vocals in the arrangement if you arrange them properly. Once I write a song, I love playing with the vocals and recording all the parts on my own to try and contribute to the overall emotion of the song.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I like to consider myself a kind person to work with and be friends with. I am, however, very honest and straightforward which I also consider a very important element of a successful artist. I like to experiment and am always down to collaborate, learn new things in music, and connect with as many creative people as possible. Even though I have a pretty clear vision of my artistry, I always like to listen to different styles, and people from all over the globe as I love exploring different cultures, and sounds and implementing all of them into my music.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilijaofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imihailovic6/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilija-mihailovic-6305b61a6
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVsljeph3YPOqQN__Lkz9fw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ilijaofficial
Image Credits
Marko Sovilj Raphael Edwards Hideki Aono
