New York Based singer/songwriter Beth Million chatted with us about all things related to her recent release 'Layers' , her favorite things to do on a Saturday, how she got her start in music and more! It went a little something like this...
How did you get your start in music?
From really early on I knew I wanted to be in the performing arts in some sort of capacity. I grew up in Geneva, Switzerland and eventually moved to New York City to study musical theatre at NYU Tisch. During my sophomore year I wrote my first song “Dirty Little Secret,” which served as a huge jump into really pursuing music. I began writing more, sought opportunities to perform, and reached out to any instrumentalists within my network who I thought might be interested. Over time I formed my official band and from then on I felt like I had no reason to not pursue this dream to its fullest. Now it’s been a year and a half since the start of that journey and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon!
What does music mean to you?
Music has been the vessel through which I have been able to process practically everything. It has this unique ability to evoke a change within me as a listener while also temporarily distracting me from the immediate physical world around. I have always had a really visceral reaction to music, listening to any song could trigger me to get up and dance, or to reach an emotional depth. I genuinely don’t know what I would do without it and feel so blessed to explore the creation of those beautiful melodies and words and their impact it has on people’s perception of their outer world.
Tell us the story behind your song/ what inspired it?
I actually wrote and started performing “Layers” over a year ago now, which is exciting because anyone who’s been to my shows will (hopefully) recognize the track. At the time I was getting over a toxic relationship, so a lot of the lyrics came directly from random sentences I had underlined in my journal from that time. I was really trying to grapple with what exactly it was about someone that could make them so addictive, and the only way I felt I could get it out of my system without hurting myself was to indulge from a distance. “Layers” at its core is about unraveling someone in the most literal sense. It explores the near addictive allure that develops with a romantic partner where the sensuality lies in the intense focus and curiosity that exists among each other.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Saturday?
A sunny Saturday off is my happy place. In a world where it’s also the perfect medium between breezy and sunny I like to bring a notebook, my laptop and a book to my neighborhood coffee shop and sit outside with a hearty breakfast bagel and coffee and get to creating.
What artists influence your sound?
I’d say my sound is influenced by the addictive melodies found in early 2000’s RnB music and the lyricism and instrumentation in Neo-Soul music. Artists like Usher, Monica, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and Jill Scott are huge influences, I grew up listening to them and admire their work so much. What’s your dream superpower?
I wish I could fly more than anything in this world! I’d imagine it feeling so liberating to just go off into any direction at any given moment. I also find a lot of peace of mind when on the roof of my apartment, it’s where I get my best writing done. Imagine what I could create being even higher up! What is one album that changed your life?
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a masterpiece start to finish. Period.
What songs do you sing in the shower?
My guilty pleasure is singing musical theatre repertoire while taking a scalding hot shower. Anything from Hamilton to Last Five Years is on the table so it really depends on how I feel when stepping into the shower, and then from there it’s a Tony Performance. No more, no less.
What’s up next for you?
Well, I have my debut EP dropping early next month which I’m incredibly excited about! I also filmed a very special music video a few weeks ago for a track that’s already out which is currently in post-production and will hopefully be released early next year if all goes to plan. Basically, content, music, and visuals. Lots of them. A lot to look forward to!
As always, thanks for reading/listening and support the artist below!
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