Beth Million
Photo Credit: Clara Jeanne Reed
Beth Million’s revealing, expressive nature pours into her lyricism and storytelling, which is confessional and always true to her own emotions. To ignore the Atlanta-born, Geneva-raised, and New York-based singer’s vocal abilities, however, would be unjust because the clear-cut confidence and seamless rhythmic flow oozing out of her tracks have caught the ear of many, including hip-hop artist 80purppp; the two collaborated on Beth’s 2020 single, “Coastin’,” her biggest hit yet. A modern take on the charm emitted by 90s talents like Destiny’s Child and Ms. Lauryn Hill, her R&B instills in the listener an uncontrollable urge to simply get up and move. And while “Million” is her actual last name, she claims, “the bank account does not match it… (yet, let’s hope).” Despite her recent start in the music industry after graduating from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Beth still has a lot to prove to the world and we’ll be on the lookout for additions to her current 5-song discography! We recently spoke to Beth Million about her personal experience in the New York music industry, life lessons from her diverse upbringing, and more!
How did you get started making music?
I began singing and performing in minimal capacities when I was around the age of 12, but really started making and performing my own music about a year and a half ago. I went to college for musical theatre at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, which really furthered my training and discipline to now be pursuing music in this capacity.
You've lived in many places over the years and have probably experienced the different cultures of each. What is one important thing that you've learned from a location prior to moving to New York City?
Growing up abroad and being able to make friends from all over has allowed me to really learn so much at a young age. One of the biggest things I carry with me whenever meeting new people is the fact that no matter how educated you think you might be, always ask questions and challenge yourself to be self-aware. Implicit bias exists no matter how aware of it you might think you are and it’s important to be mindful of that. Take the people that you meet and the things that they say at face value because that’s a huge way to truly unpack and expand your own awareness of the world and the humanity of the people you meet.
Has living in New York changed your perspective on making music? If yes, how so?
Completely, a thousand times YES! I cannot stress how inaccessible making music and the industry as a whole felt to me while growing up and especially when first arriving in New York. It felt like there was a sort of cheat code you needed to have, or a sort of approval or permission that you had to get from those already in the industry to ever succeed or even think you have a shot at becoming a successful musician. This is the absolute furthest thing from the truth, and I am happy to be living proof of that. I eventually realized the only permission that I ever needed was my own, and owning that is what will get people to listen to you. Living in New York is entirely about the hustle, so if you have that and a driving ambition then you have everything you need to start your career.
Who are some of the artists that have shaped your sound?
As a huge fanatic of late 90’s and early 2000’s RnB, I really cherish the music made by Ms. Lauryn Hill, Destiny’s Child, and Usher. Their ability to build out catchy melodies and construct confessional lyrics are what became the roots and foundation of my interest in creating my own music.
Describe your music in just three words.
Honest, empowering, and catchy.
What was it like working with an artist like 80purppp?
Incredibly exciting! I have been such a fan of his music for a minute, even before I really started making music of my own. Being able to see someone you respect in your field and having them add onto the story you’re telling is fulfilling to say the least. It was cool being able to take a song I had spent a while working on and hand it over to someone who I trust musically and to hear it back through the creative lens of his added verse. He’s a great person to work with, he really helped give the song and subject so much more depth and dimension.
Talk about a real-life experience that led to a song.
As someone who often uses music as a form of closure or a tool to unpack situations, I would consider myself to be a pretty autobiographical writer. With each song being so personal and my attachment to my music, all of my projects really hold onto intimate moments of my life. My song “Rewind,” for example, was a song that I never wrote with the intention of ever recording or releasing. I had written it for my boyfriend’s birthday and used the song as a way to be a sort of time capsule of our relationship. A few weeks later I had been in a studio session with my friend Julian, who had been showing me some beats he had made. I kinda started mumbling the lyrics to myself, and it just ended up working. You always know it's the one when the stank face comes on, you know what I mean?
"Layers" seems to have turned a new leaf for your musically. Were you intentionally going for anything different from the release?
I actually wrote the song over a year ago and spent a good amount of time performing it live with my band before ever recording it. Having such strong familiarity with the song allowed me to step into the studio and play around with a completely different lens. There are a few structural differences that we went with and we added a whole outro, which gave a result that I am so happy with. I wanted it to kind of have an early Rihanna “Pon de Replay” energy where you hear it and can’t help but wanna move to the song. It’s been so exciting to put “Layers” out and it feels great to be so content with the end result.
What can we catch you up to on your day off?
You will likely catch me in loungewear with my crooked glasses on (that I really need to get fixed now that I think about it) and an iced coffee and cinnamon raisin bagel in hand, preparing to either journal, draw, or sing over random karaoke tracks for the fun of it.
What's next for Beth Million?
More. A lot more. I have so many projects that are currently in all levels of production that I am SO excited to share with everyone. Some special songs. Some very special features. A very special music video and of course a very special EP that I can aggressively hint at now. A lot to look forward to, I promise.
