Video: MILCK, ‘Somebody’s Beloved’ (feat. Bipolar Sunshine)

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Bipolar Sunshine & MILCK

Singer-songwriter and activist MILCK’s social justice ballads have a certain sweep to them, even when they are relatively stripped-down. Her new single “Somebody’s Beloved,” out today, is exemplary.

The songwriter (aka Connie Lim), who first gained attention for her feminist anthem “Quiet,” collaborates with British singer-songwriter Bipolar Sunshine (aka Adio Marchant) on the new track, which arrived with a video directed by Tom Shadyac.

The video is a partnership with Shadyac’s Tennessee-based non-profit One Family Memphis, which mentors Black artists and students. Contributing to the production were program mentees Chris Dean, Elisha Jewell, Joshua Cannon and Malik Martin.

“‘Somebody’s Beloved’ is a delicate yet powerful song that we hope can at least soften the vitriol that is prevalent in today’s polarized culture,” MILCK says. “To understand how I could be a more active part of the United States’ healing from racial injustices, I started to do more research about systemic racism. As I researched Tamika Palmer and listened to her talk about the memory of her daughter, ‘Somebody’s Beloved’ started coming through me. As she spoke about Breonna’s caring and driven personality, tears and lyrics poured out. Thoughts about men like George Floyd being somebody’s father, somebody’s son kept the verses effortlessly flowing.

“Once the verses were finished, I knew the song was bigger than me. I reached out to my previous collaborator Bipolar Sunshine to see if he connected with the verses, and wanted to collaborate with me to bring his perspective as a Black man. He agreed to finish the song with me, bringing the chorus and bridge to life. He wanted to reference Billie Holiday and Nina Simone’s song, ‘Strange Fruit,’ so we started the chorus off by singing ‘Blood on leaves falling like Autumn.’ I hope that our song brings honor to these legendary artists.”

Along with the release, MILCK announced the Somebody’s Beloved campaign for charitable donations, social action and education.

||| Watch: The video for “Somebody Beloved”

||| Previously: “Ready,” “If I Ruled the World,” “Oh My My (What a Life),” “A Little Peace,” “Quiet”