The Firestarter Five with MILCK

Five quick questions to dig a little deeper

MILCK (Connie Lim), age 37, Los Angeles, Memphis, Boulder
Website // Instagram // TikTok // YouTube

MILCK (CONNIE K. LIM) is a recording artist, writer, producer, and evergreen student of life who is known for her anthemic songs that bring life to others' emotions, from global, grassroots movements to the closing scene of a Grey's Anatomy episode. Her latest single “Oh Mother” was featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered for their mother’s day podcast. Her viral song “Quiet” was named a Billboard’s No. 1 Protest Song of the year, and an official selection on NPR's American Anthem series. Harper Bazaar has named “Quiet” as a top 50 feminist anthem of all time.

In addition to her own project, MILCK loves to write and produce for other artists, like John Legend, LeAnn Rimes, Natasha Bedingfield, and Phillipa Soo.

The impact of MILCK’s work has been honored and showcased by the city council of Los Angeles, Planned Parenthood, and Netflix’s This is Pop series. She is currently working on a commissioned musical with La Jolla Playhouse, exploring the comical and profound journey of an outcast daughter attempting to heal from ancestral trauma.

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Is your life what you thought it would be? Why or why not?

I didn't have expectations about what life would be, partly because I didn't have the confidence as a child to dream of what I wanted. The only thing I could verbalize that I wanted was to feel free from the prison bars of a job I didn't feel passionate about, or a marriage I didn't feel seen or heard in. Currently, I feel very free with my work, and make an income from my ideas. I spend more time thinking about what I can create, versus what I can consume. And I think those are the things I wanted. So yes, I am living a lot of the VALUES that my inner child wanted myself to be living.

In terms of how those values are being lived out? My life has turned out differently, because I didn't realize I could be as widely accepted as a woman of color artist in the western world. A lot of progress has taken place to create more opportunities for me in the states.

What are you most proud of so far in your life?

I am most proud that I have been able to make my own life as an entrepreneur and artist who creates art with meaning and care, despite the fact that I faced a lot of obstacles and doubt on my way. I get to be free, and design my schedule and goals on my terms.

What worry do you carry around that doesn't serve you?

Will I regret not having children? Will I die alone and be forgotten by society if I don't buy into some of the norms for women?

What is one thing you want to achieve before your life is over?

I want to feel truly capable and confident in my ability to navigate this world.

What do you want your legacy to be?

I want people to say that I lived a life that was true and loving. I want people to say I gave more than I took. I want girls of the future to sing my songs as a way to feel better and stronger. I want young adults who are not related to me by blood to have seen me as their family, and as an impactful teacher in their lives.