Leo Milán

Latin Session Accordionist

Leo Milán on SoundBetter

Professional accordionist with 15+ years of experience, specializing in vallenato and Colombian music, as well as Latin, Caribbean, and urban genres. I have worked on numerous productions, bringing the authentic sound of Colombia and the Caribbean to every project. Versatile, reliable, and dedicated to musical excellence.

I am a professional accordionist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in vallenato and Colombian music, as well as Latin, Caribbean, and urban genres. My academic background in music allows me not only to perform traditional genres but also to adapt to more intricate styles like jazz, bringing versatility to my recordings.

My main offering is to bring the authentic sound of the accordion to both modern and traditional productions, adding a unique touch to each project. I have worked in studios with artists from various genres, from tropipop to salsa, reggaeton, cumbia, and jazz. Additionally, as an arranger and music producer, I can provide extra value by ensuring that each recording is well-structured and aligned with the client’s or producer’s expectations.

If you’re looking for an accordionist who can bring both authenticity and professionalism to any musical project, whether it’s in traditional genres or more complex styles, I’m the right fit. My commitment is to deliver top-quality recordings with an authentic, dynamic, and full-of-character sound.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Interview with Leo Milán

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: I’m especially proud of a project where I recorded the accordion for a municipal anthem. It was an interesting challenge because I combined traditional music with a more orchestral approach. My role was as a session musician and also as a producer for the arrangements.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: Currently, I’m working on recording several urban music and salsa projects, in addition to some collaborations with Colombian artists who are exploring new sounds.

  5. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  6. A: Yes, I would recommend [name of person], an incredible producer I’ve worked with on several projects. He’s very professional and has a unique vision for music.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Both have their advantages, but I personally lean towards digital for its flexibility, though I deeply respect the warm sound of analog gear. In my studio, I combine the best of both worlds.

  9. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  10. A: My promise is to always deliver high-quality work, with attention to detail and a professional approach, ensuring that each project is done with passion and dedication.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: What I love most is being able to connect with music in such a deep and authentic way. Every song has its own story, and through my accordion, I can help tell it in the best possible way.

  13. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  14. A: One of the most common questions is, "How quickly can you deliver the work?" My answer is always that the time depends on the complexity of the project, but I commit to delivering the best work as quickly as possible.

  15. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  16. A: Some people think that the accordion is only for traditional genres like vallenato, but the truth is that it’s a very versatile instrument that can be applied to many genres, from urban to pop.

  17. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  18. A: I usually ask about the style and vision of the project, the instruments they want to include, the type of sound they’re aiming for, and if they have any specific artist or reference in mind. It’s crucial to understand the project thoroughly before starting.

  19. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  20. A: It’s important for the client to be clear about what they want from the project, but they should also be open to the professional’s recommendations. Good communication and trust are key to getting excellent results.

  21. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  22. A: My accordion – can’t live without it! A high-quality condenser microphone – for capturing the best sound. My audio interface – to ensure I can record and mix properly. My laptop with music production software – so I can keep working on projects. A portable solar charger – to keep everything powered up.

  23. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  24. A: I’ve been in music for over 15 years, starting with my studies in professional music and specializing in the diatonic accordion. I’ve worked as a professor, producer, and session musician, and now I focus on recording accordion and producing music for various projects. It’s been an incredible journey!

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: My style is a fusion of traditional and modern, with a very Latin and Caribbean focus. I always try to take the music to a place where it respects its roots but also sounds fresh and contemporary.

  27. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  28. A: I’d love to work with Carlos Vives. His way of blending vallenato tradition with modern sounds is amazing, and I believe that together we could create something unique that respects the essence of the genre while bringing in a fresh touch.

  29. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  30. A: It’s always important to take care of the sound quality from the recording stage. If you record with good gear and in an appropriate environment, you'll save a lot of time in the mixing phase. Make sure every instrument is well captured, especially the smallest details.

  31. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  32. A: I mainly work in Latin music, including vallenato, cumbia, salsa, merengue, and urban music. I also do well in more complex genres such as jazz, Latin jazz, pop, and have even recorded for productions in Jordan. My versatility allows me to adapt to a wide variety of genres.

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: My strongest skill is handling the accordion in Latin and Caribbean genres. I’m very versatile and have a keen ear to give that distinctive touch to any musical project, whether it's classic or modern.

  35. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  36. A: What I bring is authenticity and flavor. My style as an accordionist and producer gives a unique touch to each project, whether in vallenato, cumbia, salsa, or urban music. I make sure that every accordion I record feels alive and emotionally connected to the song.

  37. Q: What's your typical work process?

  38. A: When I receive a project, I first listen to the reference and meet with the client to understand their vision. Then, I record the accordion, adjust the arrangements if necessary, and work on production and mixing to ensure everything sounds perfectly together. I always maintain open communication with the client to ensure they’re satisfied with the result.

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: My studio is equipped with the best in recording technology and professional gear, including high-quality microphones, audio interfaces, and an acoustically treated space to ensure the best sound quality. The accordion is always ready to be recorded with the best microphones that capture every detail of the instrument.

  41. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  42. A: I am deeply inspired by musicians like Johnny Pacheco, whose salsa legacy is immense, and Juancho Rois, who left an indelible mark on vallenato. I’m also inspired by great producers like Tainy, who knows how to fuse reggaeton with other genres while maintaining the Latin essence.

  43. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  44. A: My work mainly focuses on recording accordion for Latin, urban, and Caribbean genres, but I also do well in genres such as salsa, merengue, jazz, Latin jazz, pop, and a variety of styles. Additionally, I handle production, arrangements, and personalized accordion recordings for musicians and producers looking to add that authentic touch to their songs.

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Multiple Short Demos

I was the Accordion Player in this production

Gear Highlights
  • Apogee Symphony
  • AKG c414
  • Universal Audio Solo/610
More Photos
More SamplesI recorded the accordion for every song in this playlist.
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