FACES. | MILA KILLA

Mila Killa | DJ & Event Curator.

eightonethree: Growing up in Tampa, how has the city influenced your sound and the way you curate your sets?

Mila Killa: Tampa has influenced my sound in many ways. I grew up really inspired by Peruvian music and sounds from different parts of the world, and when I came here, that naturally blended with American music. Growing up in Tampa, I was surrounded by hip-hop, rap, and local music, like cranking music. Even in middle and high school, I was exposed to so many different styles, like bounce music from New Orleans, which is really popular here. All of those sounds and experiences have shaped the way I approach my sets. When people listen to them I want them to feel like they have a place to dance.

eightonethree: What do you think Tampa is missing in its music or nightlife scene, and how are you contributing to that?

Mila Killa: Tampa’s nightlife has come a long way, but one of the biggest gaps has been variety, especially when it comes to the range of sounds and experiences available at parties. For a while, things felt a bit one-dimensional, with fewer spaces dedicated to exploring different genres or giving DJs the freedom to really experiment. That’s starting to shift. What I’m doing with my party is helping push that diversity forward, introducing different sounds, encouraging people to step outside their usual vibe, and creating an environment where DJs can fully express themselves without being boxed in. It’s not just about playing music; it’s about building a space where creativity feels natural and welcomed. What’s exciting is seeing that energy ripple outward. More people are starting to launch their own events centered around different genres and ideas. If that continues, Tampa’s scene can keep growing into something much more dynamic, where there are more spaces, more voices, and more opportunities to experience music in all its forms.

eightonethree: You also founded Killa Studios. What inspired you to step into the event management side of the industry?

Mila Killa: I actually founded Killa Studios while I was working at a kava bar called Bula Kavananda shout out to them. I became their event coordinator, and they really supported me from the start. I asked if I could produce events under my own brand while working with them, and they said yes, which gave me the space to build Killa Studios. At the time, I was already connected to a lot of artists, my friends were in the scene, so it felt natural to start bringing people together and creating events. From there, it just grew. I started working on bigger things like Bloom on Franklin and other festivals, and that experience helped me realize what I really wanted to focus on. Eventually, I decided to hone in on my own vision, which was creating a dance party centered around the sounds I love to play and listen to. That’s what led me to fully focus on Samba. I still take on other projects here and there, but Samba is really where my energy is now.

eightonethree: With events like ¡SAMBA!, how do you approach curating a lineup and creating an experience that feels unique?

Mila Killa: For events like Samba, I usually start by booking a DJ I’ve really been wanting to bring in, someone whose sound I genuinely love and who I know will bring a unique energy. Being in the DJ world, I pay close attention to who’s pushing different sounds and creating a real experience, and that’s who I gravitate toward. From there, I build the lineup around that artist. I like to curate a mix of DJs who all connect within the same world of sound but still bring their own distinct vibe. For example, this month I’m bringing in Fullbodydurag from Detroit, who leans into a more ghetto tech style but also plays across genres. Then I’ll pair that with other DJs like Starya from LA or Betty and T who all tap into global sounds, but each in their own way. So it’s really about starting with one strong anchor and then surrounding them with artists who complement that energy while still making the night feel dynamic and unique.

eightonethree: I’m sure a lot of people reach out wanting to be part of your events. How do you navigate that and decide who to bring into the lineup?

Mila Killa: Honestly, I never fully shut it down. If someone feels inspired by the party and wants to play, I love that, it means the vision is connecting. At the same time, Samba is a very specific kind of event, so I’m intentional about who I book. It’s a world sounds party, so I naturally lean toward DJs who already play within that space or can genuinely tap into it. I’m definitely open, though. I’ve had DJs send mixes or show me their work, and I really respect that. I’m always paying attention to people who are putting in the effort, whether that’s refining their sound, releasing mixes, or just staying consistent. That’s usually what makes me say, ‘okay, let’s bring them in. I also like to create opportunities for newer DJs. An opening slot is a great way to introduce someone who’s just starting but has potential. So I’m open across the board, it just has to make sense for the party. You can be amazing, but if it doesn’t align with the overall vibe, it’s just not the right fit for that moment.

eightonethree: What’s your current strategy for growing Killa Studios and your brand as DJ MILA KILLA?

Mila Killa: Right now, my main focus is really on growing through consistent marketing, more content, more video, more interviews, and bringing in hosts or influencers to help expand the reach of the party. It’s all about getting more eyes on what we’re building. I’m also starting to lean more into partnerships and sponsorships. For example, last month we worked with Coppertail Brewing Co., and I definitely want to keep building more relationships like that.At the same time, I try not to force things. I work hard, but I also trust my intuition. When I get a strong idea, I follow it and let that guide my next move. A big goal right now is taking Samba on tour. I feel like it’s the right time. I’ve DJ’d in a lot of different places and brought in talent from all over the U.S., so I’ve built connections in different cities that I can tap into. Even recently, I brought in a DJ from Spain, which opened up a whole new network. So overall, it’s a mix of growing through marketing, building partnerships, and expanding Samba beyond Tampa.

eightonethree: What’s next for you, are there any new sounds, cities, or experiences you’re excited to explore?

Mila Killa: Right now, I’m fully locked in on Samba coming up next Sunday. literally in a week 

eightonethree: Do you get nervous?

Mila Killa: It’s not so much nervousness, it’s more the anticipation. There’s just a lot to get done, finalizing schedules, booking travel like Airbnbs, making sure everything is in place. But I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, I’m excited. As long as I’m prepared, I feel good. This next one is special too, it’s my birthday month, and I’m celebrating alongside Boy Wonder, which feels like a big moment for me. I’m also bringing in artists I really admire, like Fullbodydurag and West, people whose work I genuinely love, so that makes it even more meaningful. Beyond that, the focus is really on growing Samba and seeing how far it can go. It’s my baby. At the same time, I want to keep growing as Mila Killa, traveling more, DJing in different cities, and tapping into bigger opportunities like festivals and larger shows. In May, I’ll be DJing in Orlando with my friend Icon, which I’m really excited about. So yeah, it’s a mix of continuing to build Samba while also expanding as an artist and seeing where it all takes me.