Jana Mila writes songs with powerful lyrics and surprising, catchy melodies. Songs she delivers with conviction. Indie Americana Pop – that's how Americans describe her music. Last year, she flew to Nashville with a bunch of self-written songs and came home with a dream debut and a record deal in hand.

How did that happen? Five years ago, Jana posted a video of one of her own songs on YouTube. It eventually made its way to Ilse DeLange, who immediately picked up the phone. Ilse took Jana under her wing, giving her the opportunity and space to quietly work on and refine her music. The collection of songs grew steadily, until her Dropbox was almost bursting with more than 70 (!) songs. Time for a plan. For Ilse, the plan was simple: "Jana, I think you're amazing – exactly who you are and how you sound. I want to capture that in the studio. First, the music, then everything else. Specifically: I’m giving you total freedom to work with producer Todd Lombardo (who’s worked with Kacey Musgraves, among others) and the best musicians in Nashville to record your dream debut." And that's exactly what happened. The folks at the renowned American no-nonsense label, New West Records, agreed. After receiving the album, they were on the phone with her the very same day.