INTERVIEW: Mila Tina Talks Musical Journey, New Projects, and Pachanga at Bay Street Theater

I remember being blown away by Mr. No Shame’s performance at the iconic Stephen Talkhouse. The Latin drumbeat made everyone’s feet move, as did the groovy electric piano and electrifying guitar riffs, all coming together under the potent, vibrant vocals of local favorite Carolina Fuentes. The band kept the crowd dancing all night. It was truly one of my favorite concerts, with the whole community dancing and having a good time under one roof. It was clear Carolina was born to be on a stage; she energized the crowd while staying synchronized with the band; her stage presence is unmatched.

Carolina Fuentes is a talented local musician, singer-songwriter, and artist. She toured for eight years with her band, Mr. No Shame, comprised of seven other talented local musicians. After partnering with OLA to create a part of their segment “Soy Maria, Soy Mujer” at Bay Street Theater in 2016, she became the solo act she is today, Mila Tina. Mila Tina conveys stories through performance art, live drumming, video, and dance. Touring all over the world, most notably at the Envision Festival, Stephen Talkhouse, and Bay Street Theater. She is back in the Hamptons for OLA’s Pachanga on Friday, April 19th.

Mila Tina and I discussed her musical journey, new projects, and OLA’s Pachanga at Bay Street Theater.

Take us back to the beginning of your musical journey. How did it all start?

I come from a family deeply rooted in music and art. Before learning instruments, I was immersed in drawing and painting portraits and landscapes, leading many to believe that I would pursue a career in architecture. Once I took piano and guitar lessons, it wasn’t until I discovered Johann Sebastian Bach and Vivaldi that I felt inspired to study violin at Pontifical Catholic University, Music Conservatory in Chile. This discovery also inspired me to further my interest in music expression despite being a super introvert and initially experiencing stage fright. 

Afterward, I started a music project called Mr. No-Shame with seven other local musicians, featuring my dad on bass. Together, we created original Latin Rock/Pop music. In this project, I took on the roles of singer, guitarist, and composer. We toured for about 8 years until I discovered my true passion for drums and percussion. Through the rhythmic pulse, I discovered a profound way for self-expression, allowing me to fully unleash my creativity and communicate without limitations. Rhythm became more than just beats; it became my language, allowing me to express emotions, thoughts, and experiences in ways that words alone could not do.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style and sound?

One of my most significant and earliest drumming influences is Juanita Parra, the renowned drummer of Los Jaivas, a Chilean musical band known for their diverse styles ranging from folk and rock to psychedelic and progressive rock. I first witnessed her electrifying performance when I was a teenager in my hometown in Chile. The way she commanded the drums, expressing her passion with such freedom and fierceness, left an indelible mark on me.

When it comes to my composition and productions, Johann Sebastian Bach has made a significant impact. His mastery of different musical forms and techniques inspired me to explore music further, leading me to pursue studies in Violin. Bach’s influence sparked a curiosity within me to explore diverse musical genres and art forms.

Along with Neoclassical and Progressive Metal, I grew up listening to bands like Rhapsody Of Fire and The Gathering. Legends of the 1980s synth-pop genre like Depeche Mode and female rock groups like The Cranberries and Garbage were also influences on my musical formation. I explored Trip Hop with Portishead and Bjork, and the music of Spanish icon Monica Naranjo rocked my world in a significant way.

Recently, I’ve been captivated by world music, particularly Spanish gypsy and Middle Eastern sounds. Artists like Ishtar from Alabina and Divanessa have inspired me to blend Classical and Tribal Elements with African/Latin rhythms and Rock beats, infusing Electronic Dance Music into my performances and compositions.

Can you walk us through your songwriting/composing process?

The composing process for me always starts with an infusion of inspiration, which often comes from traveling and the stories and voices of remarkable women I’ve met along my journey or history. I deeply enjoy exploring different corners of the world and immersing myself in diverse communities’ legends and myths. Whether it’s wandering into the depths of the Amazonian jungle or pursuing the mysteries with the enchanting landscapes of Rishikesh, every adventure ignites my creative spirit.

That inspiration speaks rhythm to me first, a heartbeat driven by the emotions I feel. It’s the first thing I record, capturing its essence. As I continue to work on the composition, layers of voices and synthpad textures envelop the song, adding depth and dimension. The integration of classical and tribal elements shapes the song’s energy, allowing the story to unfold organically.

After recording and producing the song, I start crafting visuals for the performance and brainstorm potential collaborations. Whether it’s with a musician, performance artist, dancer, poet, painter, or anyone who can help bring the story to life in a multi-sensory way. 

As a proud Mr. No Shame fan, what is your favorite Mr. No Shame song?

It brings me immense joy to know that there are still fans out there of my first musical project here in the Hamptons! 

Among the songs from that time, “Maneras” (“Many Ways”) is my favorite one. A hopeful and high-energy song that I wrote for one of my best friends who was going through a challenging time. The line from the song, “Caminar con un viento frío y dejar cien mil pasos tibios” (“Walking with a cold wind and leaving behind a hundred thousand warm steps”), conveys the message about resilience, especially for women. It reminds us to tap into our untapped potential and embrace the joyful lives meant for us.

You have performed all over the world. What show was your favorite?

The Envision Festival in Costa Rica, where the jungle meets the ocean, holds a special place in my heart, being one of my favorites. Not only did I have the opportunity to headline with my solo act on several occasions and across different stages, but I also had the chance to collaborate and perform with incredibly talented and kind-hearted musicians, DJs, and artists such as Gone Gone Beyond, Lazy Syrup Orchestra, and The All-Star Envision Orquestra.

LGBTIQA+ events hold a special place in my heart as well, as the energy and joy of these celebrations of expression are something I deeply cherish and live for! I’ve had the pleasure of performing at numerous Pride events across the United States, including those in NYC, Miami, California, Washington DC, and Texas, collaborating with queer artists and DJs like Keeana Kee, Ariana Castelli, and DJ Citizen Jane. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at the Lesbians Who Tech & Allies summit, the largest LGBTQIA+ technology community in the world, committed to visibility, intersectionality, and changing the face of technology.

You have been a long-time partner with OLA, a Latino-focused non-profit advocacy organization. Can you tell us more about this partnership?

I’m very grateful for my long collaboration with OLA, going back over a decade. It all began when I started supporting OLA with graphic and visual designs for their events as a freelancer.

While touring with my band, OLA invited me to produce the first segment of their event, “Soy Maria, Soy Mujer,” at Bay Street Theater in 2016. This event celebrated the energy, beauty, and triumph of Latina women, and I had the honor to portray their stories through performance art, combining live drumming, music composition, empowered-theme video design, and dance. This marked the official start of Mila Tina as a solo artist.

Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of producing, directing, and performing at a variety of their musical and artistic events, including gala fundraisers at venues like the Parish Museum, The Church, Bay Street Theater, Guild Hall, and other community art centers.

One memorable project was “Myth & Motion,” a collaboration with Skylar, a young talented singer-songwriter. Together, we created a concert-based short film that was featured at the OLA Annual Latino Film Festival of the Hamptons. Our aim was to support adolescents struggling with depression and suicide during the pandemic.

Another memorable project was recording and producing a cover of “Stand By Me” with OLA, showcasing many talented local musicians and performing it live at one of their events to bridge all communities in the East End. It was truly magical and heartwarming

Additionally, I’ve composed and produced music and videos for their TV shows, as well as taught workshops on rhythm and movement using empowering language to teenagers. 

After establishing my web design and marketing company, I assisted local Latino-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in navigating the digital world, helping them connect with their clients in an authentic and empowering way to grow their businesses. Later, I helped rebrand and develop OLA’s website, enabling them to better support our Latino community and double their donors within the year. My team and I continue to work with OLA on their website as they grow. 

You will perform at OLA’s Pachanga at Bay Street Theater on April 19th. What can people expect at this show? What is a Pachanga?

Pachanga is an event I always look forward to every year! Pachanga in Spanish means ‘a dance party’ or a gathering with friends with music and dancing. This Pachanga by OLA is not only that but also a vibrant, culturally rich event. Here, I have the opportunity to bring together a diverse group of local artists and international guests to showcase and create a unique experience during the opening of the event.

Previous collaborations for my opening act have included artists like Virginia Garcia Alves, a Spanish singer from Cirque du Soleil, Svitlana Zavialova, a Ukrainian world champion martial artist; Haleh Liza Gafori, an Iranian poet and singer; Sydney Rai, a Himalayan yogi master, spoken word artist and meditation dance facilitator; among others. Each experience is inspired by the annual theme, adding a special touch to the event.

This year’s theme is “Fuerza y Pasión” (“Strength and Passion”), and I’m excited to welcome special guests to support my artistic vision. Inana Lu Rose, formerly known as Uyanga Bold and hailing from Mongolia, renowned for her work in the Mulan movies and Avatar franchise, will collaborate with me on a musical piece that will feature dynamic audience participation.

Additionally, I’m proud to present my team from RitmoFit XP, a fitness and wellness platform/workout series co-founded with Vanessa Acero from Alumbra Sport. We will showcase a segment of our fitness routine during the event—a dynamic full-body workout infused with live drumming and global rhythms. This routine draws inspiration from dance, martial arts, breathwork, and calisthenics, inspired by legendary women of history. Together, our performances will narrate the story of women’s strength and passion, celebrating their resilience and courage as they inspire positive change in their communities and beyond.

I’m also very excited to be opening for the electrifying all-women salsa band from NYC! Lulada Club who will close the night. 

Are there any future projects you can share with us?

An exciting future project is designing and developing RitmoFit XP’s new routines and adventures. RitmoFit XP is a fitness and wellness platform/workout series I co-created with Vanessa Acero from Alumbra Sport (www.ritmofitxp.com). Here, I compose the music for the journeys and design some of the moves. We combine dance, martial arts, breathwork, and Eastern practices, drawing inspiration from legendary women of history and myth. We partner with various venues and businesses, such as gyms, colleges, community centers, nonprofits, and corporations, to empower women through movement, wellness, and self-expression. Our events often feature special guests like female Kundalini yogi masters, masseuses, Reiki masters, beauty experts, and nutritionists, to name a few. We also prioritize supporting women-owned business vendors at our events.

We are deeply grateful for the partnerships with Southampton Art Center, Southampton Gym Corp, Suffolk Community College, Ella Libre Organization, and Hill Street Boxing, which have enabled us to bring this transformative journey to the community. 

And another upcoming project is “Pussy Tales,” an all-female trio that I co-founded with powerhouses Camila Celin and Inana Lu Rose (formerly known as Uyanga Bold). We are currently preparing to release a Nomadic Urban Gypsy Music album this year, featuring songs we’ve written together.

What are some of your favorite places in the Hamptons?

I enjoy spending time in the Hamptons, walking the sunsets of the beaches of Sag Harbor and Southampton, as well as getting lost in the numerous nature reserves across the island. A favorite go-to for delicious organic food is Four Oaks in Southampton, a Latina-owned business, which fills me with pride as a Latina.

Another cherished location is LongHouse in East Hampton, a stunning garden that showcases contemporary art pieces and sculptures, as well as offering diverse artistic and wellness programs. 

When I’m in town, I also visit several martial arts venues, such as Hamptons Jiu Jitsu and Hill Street Boxing, where I always find an uplifting and supportive community. 

Southampton Arts Center is another favorite destination in the Hamptons. It is known for highlighting leading art collections by women. I have a special fondness for this venue as I often host and produce fitness and wellness events there with RitmoFit XP. 

Check out @MilaTinaofficial for all her upcoming shows and projects!