Mila Jam has just unveiled the electrifying new music video for her latest single, “Keepin It Pretty”. Directed by Sammy Martel and choreographed by the visionary Leo Moctezuma, it is an explosion of color, movement, and attitude that features a standout appearance from Swedish singer Manda Malina. She joins Jam on the track, turning the dance floor into a celebration of resilience, beauty, and identity. The single also features comedian and actress Ilana Glazer, bridging the worlds of music, comedy, and culture to create a collaboration that is as unexpected as it is memorable.
Jam previously collaborated with DJ Ultra Naté and Pose actress Angelica Ross on the electro pop anthem “Fierce” and made international headlines when she released a reworked version of songwriter Paul Shaffer’s 1982 high energy dance hit “It’s Raining Men” as a celebration of trans and non-binary folks, “It’s Raining Them”. This summer, she appeared on ABC’s Celebrity Family Feud as part as the first-ever all trans team on the show, “Team Cox”, alongside Laverne Cox, Ts Madison, Joslyn De Freece, and Miss Peppermint, and performed for thousands as the Minneapolis Pride headliner. At the end of this month she will be sharing the stage with Saucy Santana at Virginia Pride.
Ahead of today’s release of the video for “Keepin It Pretty”, the New York-based pop recording artist, songwriter, and activist spoke with the The Queer Review about how it came together.
The Queer Review: How would you describe the track to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
Mila Jam: “It’s like if Lizzo’s “Juice” and a housey Gaga song featuring Ariana Grande had a pretty baby!”
How do you want to make people feel when they listen to it?
“It’s an empowering celebration dropping the BS games men play. I want everyone to feel kunt when they hear it! I call it pretty pop. It’s cheeky and so easy to strut to. It’s about owning who you are in every way possible; inside and out. It’s a reminder that beauty comes from strength, authenticity, and the courage to shine no matter what.”
Who did you collaborate with on the track and how did you come to work with them?
“Swedish pop singer Manda Malina and actress and comedian Ilana Glazer. Manda and I met through my manager, Nico. I love Manda’s fresh and current pop sound. And believe it or not, Ilana Glazer has been a fan of my music for a while now, so I asked her to collab and she loved the idea!”
What was your vision for this music video?
“I met with my director Sam Martel and iconic choreographer Leo Moctezuma—who has worked with the likes of Madonna, Britney Spears, and Jennifer Lopez—and told them that I wanted to create something super glossy and polished. Very David David LaChapelle meets Janet and Britney.”
What do you enjoy about the video making process?
“I love putting the puzzle pieces of production together. Starting with a vision and taking on the challenge of bringing it to life while keepin’ it pretty”!”
What was this video like to shoot?
“We actually shot it on the hottest day of the summer on a Brooklyn construction site. Someone almost passed out because the heat was that unbearable, but the result looks delicious so it was all worth it.”
Are there any other creatives who worked on it who you’d like to mention?
“Working with my DP Kyle Farscht, who has created many award-winning short films, was incredible. He’s literally a force. Also, major love to costumer Timmy Schues and my stylist Anthony Manfredonia.”
Were there any inspirations for the video?
“Normani’s “Motivation” and Ciara’s “Work”.”
Watch the video for “Keepin It Pretty” on YouTube now and stream the single across all major platforms.
Follow Mila Jam on TikTok @TheMilaJam, Instagram @TheMilaJam, X @TheMilaJam, and Facebook. Subscribe to her YouTube channel.
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