Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Milam.
Hi Chris, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Music has taken me from my hometown of Memphis, to Nashville, to NYC, Memphis again, and touring all across America for fifteen years. I’ve released three albums–Kids These Days (2017), Meanwhile (2020), Orchid South (2024)–and been lucky enough to meet, perform with, and collaborate with some of my heroes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course not! It’s incredibly hard for independent artists to make a living, and it’s only getting harder. Piracy, then streaming devastated income from sales and royalties. COVID impacted touring. Ticket prices discourage fans to attend shows. And now AI music has flooded the marketplace.
So, first they took the money from the musicians. Now they’re taking the musicians out of music.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an artist–specifically, a singer/songwriter. I’ve always been a writer, and since music is the love of my life, I mostly write songs.
Early reviews were Paul Simon comparisons, so (at least then) I was known for a certain kind of lyrically-driven folk with dynamic melodies. I’m deeply proud of all three albums, and I’m additionally proud that they’re all different. Some artists like to iterate on the same theme, or sound, throughout their careers, but that’s not me. I work hard not to fax a fax.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was very fortunate to have the childhood I had: loving, supportive family, stable home life, etc. I was an outgoing kid, generally happy, very active. My holy trinity was music, sports, and Kelly Kapowski.
I’ve always been impatient; I like to think that’s improved. I’ve always had issues with authority; that hasn’t gone anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chrismilam.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/chrismilammusic
- Other: https://bit.ly/cmorchidsouth
