#MusicExchange: Q&A with student music sensation Milan Rendall

Although 2020 hasn’t been a great year for many people, for musical duo Milan Rendall and Thando Skwatsha, the opposite has been true.

Not only does the pair have an album out called Love is but they’ve also inked a deal with Apple-powered Platoon Africa.

In September 2019, Milan attended the annual Music Exchange entertainment economy-focused conference in Cape Town. As a young up-and-coming songwriter and producer, he was keen to learn from the best in the business.

“It opened my eyes, and in under a year I have an album out,” remarked Milan. “I am so happy.”

“I was privy to multiple introductions, enjoyed extraordinary exposure and been able to tap into some of the world’s biggest and most respected talent within the music industry. I am busy watching Music Exchange 2020 #MEX20 online. It’s amazing the inspiration I am getting.”

Now informed and ready, Milan, along with his music partner Thando, is ready to take their art and share it with the world in the form of Love is.

RAPID-FIRE Q&A WITH MILAN RENDALL

What does the new decade mean to you?

Ten more years to try and make my mama proud!

What is fame about?

I have no idea. Being able to sell your old clothes on eBay for ridiculous amounts of money?

Retirement will happen when?

I’ll retire the day I figure out how to write a perfect song…

What don’t you do?

Tomato in salad – whoever thought that that was a good idea wasn’t thinking straight.

What does music mean to you?

I get to communicate with everyone, all around the world, across all language barriers, borders, races, and religions. It’s a beautiful thing.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work ?

Leaving the studio after eight hours and knowing that someday in the future someone will be able to enjoy, relate to and maybe even heal from the work that I do.

Any funny moments on stage?

Yeah, someone once asked me what I was doing there. I honestly couldn’t say. As a producer I don’t really get on stages much.

Your heroes?

Nelson Mandela, Quincy Jones Jr., Jimmy Dludlu, Andre Young, Bono, Desmond Tutu.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Tough question. I must admit, I want to say someone like Barack Obama, but I also want to say my mom. I mean, they’re pretty similar people. I’ll go with my mom, because being a woman of colour, and a leader in the world is infinitely inspiring.

What is your most treasured possession?

All jokes aside, definitely my laptop. I use it every single day.

It’s your round. What are you drinking?

Jack Black on Tap. It rhymes, and it tastes great.

Dream gig to do?

Produce for Khalid.

What makes you stand out?

My eclectic palate and conscious narrative.

Do you have any nicknames?

I’ve had many nicknames… The girls at school used to call me Minky cause they overheard my mom calling me that one day when she was dropping me off at school. Needless to say it stuck. I think I’ve managed to get rid of it now.

If you weren’t a musician what would you do?

Something in the entrepreneurial space. Something creative. I look up to someone like Charles Goldstuck, a keynote #mex20 speaker. He’s pretty inspiring.

Pick five words to describe yourself

Dedicated, thoughtful, kind, optimistic, aware.

What are your five favourite SA albums of all time?

1. Work For All – Johnny Clegg and Juluka
2. Echoes From The Past – Jimmy Dludlu
3. African Horns – Abdullah Ibrahim
4. Sip ’n Fly – The African Jazz Pioneers
5. Manyan-Nyan – Vusi Nova

What is the greatest movie ever made?

Forrest Gump

What song changed your life?

Hearing Johnny Clegg perform Asimbonanga, live at Mandela’s memorial at Green Point stadium in 2013. I cried so hard.

Who do you love?

My parents for taking me to so many concerts as a child.

What is your favourite word?

Juxtaposition. I think combining the unexpected always leads to magic and discovery.

What is your favourite fashion garment?

Black skinny jeans. You can wear them anywhere, anytime.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means

Ja, no, ja. It’s not slang, but it’s definitely South African. It means yes, or no, or yes. To be honest I think its meaning depends on how you say it. But chances are if someone says it to you, they’re not interested in what you’re saying at all.

Top of your bucket list?

Take an African artist to a Billboard number 1.

Your greatest achievement?

Passing maths in matric. That was no joke. Seriously, whoever convinced me to do proper maths was preparing me for life. It’s been a breeze since.

What do you complain about most often?

Slow or dodgy Wi-Fi. It’s probably my biggest pet peeve. If you invite me to your house, make sure your Wi-Fi works. Please.

What is your fear?

Falling in love with someone who can’t eat spicy food.

Happiness is?

Listening to the music my parents would play to me as a child.

The best life lesson you have been taught?

Treat people with kindness and respect. Pay attention.

Do you get worked up whilst watching a sports game on TV?

Definitely. My dad and I watching tennis together is iconic.

Where would you like to be right now?

I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

Do you do charity work and if you do, what do you do?

I try to help as many people around me as I can, but I don’t consider it charity. It is in by DNA from my parents.

Wishes and dreams?

Continue to do what I love and bring love and happiness to people’s lives. Meet a wonderful lady, have a family, be a dad. Yeah, I’d make a top dad.

Follow on social media

www.facebook.com/milanrendall

www.instagram.com/milanrendall

www.twitter.com/milanrendall

https://music.apple.com/za/artist/milan-rendall/1436093912