South African pop-punk and indie-alternative artist Mila Smith has officially dropped her highly anticipated debut album, Not My Circus.
The nine-track project cements her status as one of the country’s most exciting emerging voices, fusing distortion-heavy energy with candid, diary-style songwriting.
Here’s a breakdown of Mila Smith’s Debut Album
Track 1 – “Cake”: A satirical, punky get-rich anthem produced by Theo Mulder, lamenting the cost of living crisis and unapologetically desiring wealth.
Track 2- “Wishing On A Daydream”: A sapphic-yearning ode to an oblivious crush, featuring a driving bassline perfect for fans of The Beaches, Chappell Roan, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Track 3 – “The Adults Are Talking”: The ultimate hater anthem that calls out a “pick me” with the energy of a child throwing a tantrum.
Track 4 – “Work Like That”: The album’s focus track, blending distortion-driven pop-punk with vulnerable indie critiques of viral fame and algorithm culture. Fans of Internet Girl and ThxSoMch will feel right at home.
Track 5 – “Why Does This Always Happen To Me?”: A deeply autobiographical Monday morning anthem capturing the universal frustration of a day where absolutely everything goes wrong.
Track 6 – “Shot Me Down”: A vulnerable turning point on the record, exploring the insecurity of navigating the gray area between friendship and romance.
Track 7 – “Waiting On You”: Produced by Ben Reid, this track delves into the chasm of absence and the process of grieving a figure that never was.
Track 8 – “Pollyanna”: Described as the lo-fi cousin to “Stranger”, this dreamy, atmospheric track highlights the soulful vocals of Mila Smith and the feeling of being completely captivated by someone.
Track 9 – “Stranger”: A poignant love letter about a gut-wrenching airport goodbye, proving love can conquer distance. Produced by Jono Greyling and mixed by Mike Zietsman of PH FAT.
You can stream/download the album HERE.
Mila Smith is a Formidable Alternative Force
The 22-year-old Cape Town native launched her solo career in 2021 and quickly earned a SAMA nomination for her 2023 debut EP, You Need Therapy.
The multi-talented artist also recently made her acting debut in the queer coming-of-age film Black Burns Fast. Never one to be boxed into a single genre, Mila Smith continues to experiment, ready to leave her mark on the global alternative-indie scene one song at a time.
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