Originally from Plovdiv – the second-largest city in Bulgaria (and a thriving arts center situated on the Maritsa River) – he, too, has music in his genes. “My parents are both teachers and performers of Bulgarian folk music and my brother is a drummer,” Milen notes. “I started playing the piano when I was three. I went to a music high school and then to a conservatory. I performed recitals, competed in piano competitions, and won some awards, but at the same time I was also interested in rock music.” He continues: