Los Angeles native, singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Connie Lim, otherwise known as MILCK, released a new song and video called “Quiet,” after several years of independent releases and gigs on stage.  The 30-year-old singer and songwriter focuses her music on the realness of domestic violence and anorexia, both of which she suffered from at the age of 14.  

“Quiet” was originally supposed to be released in 2015, with assistance from frequent collaborator Adrianne Gonzalez.  This song is a message for people of all backgrounds, races and religions who have remained strong while dealing with trauma and grief. It utilizes soft piano chords and a strong delivery.  

MILCK explains, on her website, “It’s unbelievable to think now, but I was initially told to hold the song,” she explains. “I couldn’t keep compromising anymore though. It’s my story as a survivor of abuse. I was finally letting myself out of the chains. Recording ‘Quiet’ was a very genuine moment of therapy for me. It’s very real. I thought if the honesty healed me, maybe it can heal someone else?”  

In another interview with Billboard, she said, “I had been trying to write this particular feeling into song for years now.”

MILCK teamed up with 25 female singers at the January 2017 Women’s March in Washington, D.C. to deliver seven flashmob performances of “Quiet” on the streets. Alicia Keys and Janelle Monae performed at the Women’s March as well.  MILCK had only practiced with the singers once before they performed on the streets of Washington, D.C.  A fan’s video of one of the performances went viral, with over 14 million views in just two days.

 At the end of the week, she performed on “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” and was then featured on Vice, Rolling Stone, Associated Press, NPR, Buzzfeed, Vanity Fair, Refinery29,and even more popular media outlets.  This sparked the #ICantKeepQuiet project on social media, with celebrities Debra Messing, Emma Watson, Tom Morello, Denis Leary and Tegan & Sara sharing the video.  The funds of the project’s merchandise are benefiting the Step Up chapter in L.A., which provides after school and mentorship programs for underprivileged girls ages 13-18.

“I’m just being myself, and I don’t want to assume that I can sing for everyone. I want to sing what I feel. If people connect, that’s awesome,” MILCK said.