Named by The Guardian as 'One To Watch', Just Millie is a talented artist finding her feet in the industry and progressively making waves whilst carving out her career.

Performing since the age of 13, Just Millie has evolved into a charming young artist now 20 years of age, and enjoyed success with debut single 'Spanner In The Works', climbing to number 13 in the iTunes Singer/Songwriter charts upon release and rubbing shoulders with artists including Ed Sheeran, George Ezra and Ben Howard.

Though she's a talented artist that's not her only passion - she also makes jewellery for a living. Find out all about that and more in our new and exclusive interview with Just Millie below.

You've been performing since you were 13 - tell us about your journey since then to where you are today.

Being brought up in the pub trade and gigging around the local Southampton circuit ever since that age, I've been lucky enough to tour twice in The French Alps and in New York. I've had some amazing experiences and I'm just ready for the rest of the journey.

How best would you describe yourself as an artist and musician?

I try to be confident, I think I'm great at what I do, but I'm always thriving to be even better. I've been described as humble but with a kick of attitude.

Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your music?

From all types of different genres, my biggest pulls acoustically are obviously Ed Sheeran and Ben Howard, but I love a bit of Jamie T, Lily Allen and a lot of influences have been drawn from Amy Winehouse.

What is it about the world of music that you love so much?

It feels like home when I'm up on stage. I feel like it's where I belong, because there isn't any other feeling like actually affecting people with music, it can do amazing things, and I want to be a part of that.

Your new AA side single 'Lanterns/Not OK' is out this week - tell us about those tracks and why you chose to release them.

'Lanterns' is just a beautiful song, the melody is something special and it's all about going against the grain and standing up for what you believe in, which is how I choose to live my life. Whereas 'Not OK' has fairly sad lyrics but chooses to stay positive with the tempo choice - making it upbeat. That's also something I go for, making the best out of a bad situation.

What kind of creative process do you go through when making new material?

To be honest I wouldn't say I have a process at the moment. I take inspiration from all walks of life, one day an idea just clicks and the scribbling on pages begins.

You don't only sing but you make and sell jewellery, how did you find your way into this business?

I think you've got to be a business person as well as a musician. I've got a strong sense of style, and started to hand make feather earrings to wear on stage. People started asking where I was getting them from, soon after we got onto making them commercially to sell at gigs along with CDs and other merchandise.

How do you find balancing those two aspects of your career?

Not difficult, as I enjoy being the creative aspects of both fashion and music.

Is it difficult to balance your career and personal life?

If I'm honest, yeah, music is my entire life. I'm a strong believer that hard work must pay off, so sometimes I find it hard to switch off from my music career. But that's because I love what I do and wouldn't have it any other way.

What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?

My double A-single is due for release on the 24th of July with the release of music videos for both tracks. I'm scheduling to go back into the studio in September to record a new single which I can't wait to share.

Just Millie's new AA side single 'Lanterns/ Not Ok', released on Groovefinder Records on July 24.


by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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