ARTIST INTERVIEW: MILCK

 

"I find myself learning from the frustrations and joys of my unique experience, and realizing that my frustrations and joys are very much universal, no matter someone’s race or nationality."


MILCK
TRAKTIVIST is essentially a collection of stories & storytellers through art. Through these interviews, our aim is to give each artist the ability to provide a glimpse of their art, dynamic experiences, and life perspectives.


Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Connie Lim, and my latest passion project is my artist project called MILCK. We are launching an official single in 2016, which will also air on E! Network’s show The Royals.  I’m a songwriter, producer, vocalist, pianist, performer, and recording artist. And a lover of popcorn.

In five words, how would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard it?

As a performing/recording artist, I go by the name of MILCK. That music is cinematic soul pop. It’s dramatic, powerful, and yearning for a sense of freedom, healing, and hope.

As a songwriter/producer/vocalist I am a super eclectic musician. For example I just released a deep house single with producer Fontaine Ivory. Previous to that I released a singer/songwriter track that I cowrote with Hayden Bursk, “Run Home to You”. This song got placed on LifeTime TV’s Movie Trigger Point. I produce and write for other artists, ranging from artists like soulful crooner Will Jay, to dark pop singer Mia Rashap, to indietronica project Lion-S.

Tell us a story of transformation; musical, identity, or something that has played a key role in change in your life.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YNK-YAC8MO-1TtyUwMkxC73l-v-ZDUA3JkUE7wRE6JI/edit?usp=sharing

Describe a place, either geographically, socially, or emotionally that has driven, or continues to drive, your creative process.

The place that I drift to as I meditate truly inspires me. I just started meditating for the past few months, and it’s truly changing my life. There is a place of lightness and clarity that strengthens my creative intuition. I meditate for 10-20 minutes almost every morning, and also right before every performance.

How does the “Asian American” identity play out in your musical universe?

My experience as an Asian American has a unique story, and that story affects the lyrics I write for my recording artist project, MILCK. I find myself learning from the frustrations and joys of my unique experience, and realizing that my frustrations and joys are very much universal, no matter someone’s race or nationality. I love this because it reminds me that we are all connected, and that we are here on Earth as one (though it is easy to forget that on a day to day basis).

Describe your community. How do you make your community?

My community is eclectic, and beautiful. Songwriters and musicians. Music lovers. Non industry related friends. Family. Mentors who guide me along my way. Good hearted music industry folk who help pitch and sell my music.

What is your personal definition of success? What are your keys to success as an artist?

Personal definition of success: Making a living where I am able to not only survive, but thrive and create more art off of it. The art that I make must be meaningful to me, and the relationships that I build off the process of making music must be warm, loving, and inspired. If I stay consistent, persistent, and keep learning every step of the way (no autopiloting whatsoever), I will chalk that up to be a beautiful existence on this planet.

Keys to success: meditating every morning, remembering the things I am grateful for (and thinking about them often), writing, producing, or performing music at least 5 days a week, and keeping an open mind. I’m always fully immersing myself into each environment I step into. I truly listen to people when I am talking to them, and am truly expressing if they listen. True connections can come unexpectedly, and I want to be ready for them, because they make life rich.

If you were given the opportunity to create a world, what would be in that world?

If I were to create a world, there would be much more transparency in all institutions, to help educate people on how things are truly done. There would also be a food industry that prioritizes human well-being over profit. There would also be more of a focus on family, community, and the elderly. I think it’s very important to keep the mentor/mentee relationships alive between generations.

What’s your motto or an advice you that live by?

Keep Zen and Try Again!

Discover more about MILCK:
www.connielimmusic.com
www.milckmusic.com