Mila Bea Invites Us Into the Milaverse With “What We Want and Need From Love”
Photo by Amiera Raushan
18-year-old indie-pop singer-songwriter Mila Bea rose to popularity at the beginning of this year by posting self-edited videos of her songs and covers on TikTok. Through her intimate songwriting and distinct creative vision, she has built quite the following, inviting listeners into a whimsical world, “the Milaverse,” which extends far beyond her music
Her latest single, “What We Want and Need From Love,” produced by Dan Nigro, is a soft, vulnerable exploration of heartbreak and the complicated process of moving on. Written on her bedroom floor in January 2026, the track follows the feeling of denial turning into acceptance, confronting the realization that love alone cannot make a relationship work. As she writes on her blog, Mila shares, “It is the shocking realisation that you cannot convince someone of your worth, and the frustration of loving someone who is guarded. More than anything, though, it is a song about accepting that love is a multi-headed beast.”
While the song grapples with the frustration of unreciprocated love, it ultimately finds comfort in understanding and accepting one's own needs. Rather than dwelling on something somewhat hopeless, Mila uses songwriting to reflect on the experience with self-compassion. “Writing it helped me look back with tenderness, becoming more accepting and kind towards the way I love, and the things that I want and need.”
One of the things that sets Mila Bea apart as an indie artist is her creative direction. From her videos to the creation of a personal blog, Mila has clearly spent time building a visual identity that feels like an extension of her own mind. Her music video for the track continues to develop this distinct style, incorporating hand-drawn animation and handmade props that give the visuals the whimsical, DIY feel that is becoming Mila’s signature.
The single release marks a new beginning for Mila Bea, following the release of her first album in 2024. Additionally, Mila will join Lizzy McAlpine on the Australian and New Zealand leg of her tour, kicking off in February 2027.
Listen to "What we want and need from love" below:
