Sydney’s Milan Ring recently shared her new single and video ‘BS’, featuring London rapper Che Lingo, out now via Australia’s Astral People Recordings. In a sentiment sure to resonate with fans around the world, Milan Ring says of the track, “Life keeps throwing us BS but how are we going to deal with it?”. A singer, rapper, guitarist, producer, mix engineer, and mentor in the Sydney scene, Milan Ring meticulously curates each and every aspect of the creative process, from the first chord struck on the guitar to the final mix. She has worked in the studio with artists including SZA, DRAM, Chance The Rapper's group The Social Experiment, BJ The Chicago Kid, LL Cool J, The Avalanches, Cosmo’s Midnight and more.

Milan Ring sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My mum was a professional dancer so she was always dancing around whilst I was in the womb and I like to think I just was absorbing all of that music and rhythm! One of my earliest memories of being in love with music was in primary school making up choreography and singing to the crazy sexy cool album by TLC, they were a huge influence on me, still are.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future

Still waiting for hologram Jimi Hendrix but in the meantime, I’m really liking Lucky Daye at the moment. And I’m a big fan of Loyle Carner and would just love to work with him one day.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

Music is all about human connectivity and interaction ~ from artist to artist & in the live space with our audiences.

I cancelled my first EU/UK tour, cancelled & refunded my aus tour and cancelled a whole bunch of sessions too. It was definitely a bummer & live music has taken a mad hit. The brighter side is that it has forced us all to be innovative and create new ways to work. I did some zoom sessions, a few live stream gigs, and spent time sharpening the tools in my kit, producing, mixing, playing guitar, singing etc.. I’ve been fortunate to still be able to release music & I feel the time has also allowed me to have a more healthy work life balance & focus on surrounding myself with the right energy & the right people.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I’ve been told my music is indie R&B, which combines a lot of different influences of mine like Aaliyah, James Blake, Jimi Hendrix, Tame Impala & more. Or if I were to describe it, i’d say it's a warm fuzzy yellow blanket lol!

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Just a few weeks ago I got to finally do my very own headline show after last year's Covid cancellations. It was a sold out hometown show, and was just the best night. Every one connecting & dancing & singing and I had the most beautiful team supporting me. I was buzzing for weeks after that one.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Its the best job in the world but you need to work fucking hard and have some tough skin too. Have a daily practice if you can, you need to balance the creative and the business, know your values and your goals and never stray far from them. & to quote Aaliyah - if at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try it again, ha!

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Ngaiire is one of my favourite Sydney Artists and POOKIE is one of my favourite Melbourne Artists! Definitely check them both out, they are incredible.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Giveon - when its all said and done… the time

Lucky Daye - table for two

Summer Walker - over it

I’m defs in my R&B love song feels at the moment.

I also tend to have a Khruangbin marathon day every couple of weeks.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I listen to a lot of podcasts and audio books and love to do so whilst cooking and going for bush walks, in the warmer seasons I go to the ocean a lot & I also just love going to a local cafe or sitting in a park with friends, eating. Basically just chillin.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Some herbal tea, my reading glasses and my beautiful old pup Nas - yea, I’m basically a nanna.

Photo Credit: James Evans