Milly is a 21-year-old Biloxi, Mississippi blue-eyed soul singer, who combines just the right amount of R&B and pop into her music to make it Top 40 worthy, without losing its core.
Her easy-going single “Bounce” is a vibey jam that should be labeled as a mood in itself.
Pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, hit the play button to the right, and read on to get to know Milly Illicit.
StarShine Magazine: What’s the one thing you want the world to know about you and your music?
Milly Illicit: One thing about me to know is that I love life. The purpose of life is living, right? My music is similar to this mantra living a fulfilling life to me is expressing in the ways I know how … through music.
SSM: Tell us about your song “Bounce”!
Milly: “Bounce” is my first song so it is special to me. The song pretty much wrote itself. The moment I heard the melody I started singing “Bounce, Bounce, Swish, Swish, Just do it” and I immediately took out a pen and a piece of paper and started writing. My whole intention with the song was for it to be fun … something everyone could listen to and enjoy.
SSM: How has being a Southern girl from Mississippi influenced your music?
Milly: Living in the South has been such a blessing. Things move a little slower here in the South. Living in such a small community, it allowed me to really discover my talents without loads of pressure. Mississippi is rich in music so everywhere I turned I was singing in a band of some sorts. I got to experiment in all types of genres like southern rock and R&B/Soul. This experience and support from my community are what has influenced me to create my own sound. At an early age, I knew singing was going to be the driving force of my future.
SSM: Who are some of your biggest influences, both musically and personally?
Milly: I have always been an oldies junkie so musically I’d have to say, Etta James. Personally, I have many influences. Of course, my friends and family but ultimately I am very inspired by people who pave their own roads and aren’t afraid to take, what what some would call the “unconventional route”.
SSM: What’s coming up next for you in your career? Anything we should keep our eyes—and ears—out for?
Milly: Up Next … Well, I just signed my first production deal with Jetsetter Music Group. I am working on new music with songwriters/producers Eric Johnson and Danny Jay, and new music videos as well … so look out for those. Also, keep your eyes and ears out for some live performance dates!
SSM: What would be your dream duet?
Milly: Dream duet would have to be Shawn Mendes. He has such a great voice.
SSM: If you could dedicate one song to the world, what would it be and why?
Milly: “Where is the Love?” by The Black Eyed Peas. This song has a great message and it speaks to a lot of issues we still have going on today in this world. Love is important and we should filtrate more of it into the world.
SSM: Finally, what would you like to say to your fans and future fans?
Milly: I am very grateful. My fans and future fans mean a lot to me. I want to make them proud and I want them to feel like they are a part of this journey … because they are! They are the people who have the power to elevate me to reaching my full potential. Fans and future fans, thank you for all of your support!