by Real heads know Milano.
Anyone who was around during the mid-2010s SoundCloud golden era will put the Lost Dogz crew on a pedestal. These pioneering mad lads have spent years crafting an iconic sound that may as well be its own genre at this point. EAZYBAKED, Untitld, Vide, and the rest of the crew have inspired an entire generation of underground producers to embrace the art of experimenting with whatever wickedly imaginative sound designs they can get their computer processors to handle. Oozing with hip-hop influence and raw dubstep oomph, a Lost Dogz track is positively unmistakable when you hear it.
With the founding members largely busy pursuing solo endeavors in recent years, we haven’t seen a full-fledged compilation from the group since the 2019 Off the Chain EP… until now. Enter VOL. 1, a compilation featuring eight of our favorite canine friends with their many years-honed production skills on full display. There’s a lot to be said about each of these tracks individually, but to make a long story short, this compilation comes across as an unabashed flex on the beatmaker scene. This is the kind of release that tells everyone else to “step it the fuck up.”
To celebrate the compilation’s release, we chatted with Milano to get an insight into the mind and creative process of one of the true Lost Dogz OGs (with some exclusive lore to boot). Check out what he had to share with us below.
What was your first experience with electronic/dance music (as a listener, not a producer)?
One of my best friends showed me a Flosstradamus song in his new jeep at the skatepark. I’d never heard anything like that before and I kinda got hooked. My first electronic show was actually Pretty Lights though, in like 2012.+9
Likewise, what was your inspiration for becoming a producer? Any artists in particular that really drew you in?
Once I experienced it live, the way the speakers rattled your body honestly blew my mind. I became obsessed with weird noises. I saw artists like Flume, Herobust, Mr. Carmack, RL Grime, and was just inspired to try and create.
Do you play any live instruments?
0 live instruments for me. Just an obsessed kid with a computer!
How did you and Lost Dogz link up? When we interviewed Untitld, he mentioned that you had said “no” the first time he asked you to join, so what made you change your mind?
Hahahaha I saw the SoundCloud with a super clean banner. And it just looked fun. Had 0 tracks, 0 followers, and hit him back up and said “yoooo I’m actually down.”
I actually usually don’t go into a song with much of an idea ever.
Walk us through your creative process a bit. How do you go from turning an idea for a tune into reality?
I actually usually don’t go into a song with much of an idea ever. Unless it’s a remix. But I usually start by writing drums. Then going backwards and creating elements to go into those drums (an intro). As far as sound design I never really have a goal and kinda like to go off the rails with wavetable synths and resampling. Always ends up being a happy accident that sparks creativity.
A lot of artists are pivoting toward the use of AI in their workflow. What are your thoughts on the trend?
I think as long as we use AI as a Tool and don’t let it actually write or create the art. It can be useful. I’m a huge Kaelin Ellis fan and love the way he plays with AI in his videos!
Do you try to differentiate the sound of your festival sets vs. club sets? If so, how?
Not really. Festival sets might be a little “more planned” as far as a cool intro, VIP’s, etc.. but other than that I’m just always playing my music, my friends music, and music I think will get people weird.
What can fans expect from you over the course of the next year? Any new releases, special sets, streams, etc. in the works?
Just going to be writing as much music as possible and working with my manager to try and take this project to the next level.
Let’s say you’re only allowed to listen to one music genre for the rest of your life (non-electronic). What would you choose?
Probably Classical rock, or Rnb.
I’m a big fan of the album art for your self-released tracks. Do you make them yourself or do you commission someone to help?
I do make most of them! I’ve had a few friends and fans help me out a few times though.
What made this the right time for a new Lost Dogz compilation? Can you tell us a bit about your track on the album?
We haven’t dropped a Lost Dogz comp since we went on the “off the chain” tour back in 2019. We all just got busy with our own projects and growing up to be honest. But we’ve stayed in contact almost everyday for the last 6 years and thought it would be a perfect time to come back.
My track is called “gibs” and it’s actually one I was sitting on for a while. Very influenced by Daggz. I think it’s very simple and gets the point across that I love simple wet music lol.
We keep each other going and writing music and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
What’s been the biggest highlight of your music career?
Without a doubt meeting my Lost Dogz brothers. We keep each other going and writing music and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. As far as experiences, getting to perform at Shambhala was an absolute moment for me and always will be.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that your fans might not already know. Anything at all!
I am obsessed with spicy foods and wanna create a hot sauce company one day.
You can keep up with Milano by following his socials here.
