Pip Millett is feeling hopeful, continuing on her journey of growth, as we catch up with her a few weeks after releasing her new album. “The reality is there’ll likely never be a point when everything is better,” the Manchester-born singer/songwriter tells 10 Magazine Australia, in response to her album title, When Everything Is Better, I’ll Let You Know.  “I don’t mean for that to sound depressing, because it really isn’t. There’s always room for growth and therefore always space for something to get better. I find that to be hopeful. I’ll continue to put the work in and try my best to appreciate all the lovely things in life.” Working on the album over the last few years, she explored mental health through her thoughtful lyrics and created a commanding sense of self-love and self-assurance that's solidly connected with those listening. We spoke to the artist ahead of her Australia tour, which kicks off in Melbourne on January 18:‍

Tell us about creating When Everything Is Better, I’ll Let You Know. When did you begin writing it? What was inspiring you?

"I began writing the album a few years ago but there was never really a definite starting point for it, it just kind of happened. I like that about the album though. It felt quite natural and didn’t feel forced (until I was finishing it that is). As with all my writing, what was inspiring it was my life. A lot has changed in the three years I’ve been making this album. With change comes great discomfort and I guess what I’ve written about is that discomfort. There’s heartbreak, depression, anxiety, joy and hope rolled into one album."

Who did you work with on the album?

"On the album there’s production from y/Sir, Charlie Perry, Josh Scarbrow, Venna, Josh Crocker, Eg White, Lester Salmins, Chase & Status, Fred Cox & Owen Cutts."

How do you think you have evolved both sonically and as a person since your last big release?

"This time round I don’t feel that there’s any particular sound throughout the whole project, but Motion Sick had a particular feel to the whole thing. As I evolve as a person, through personal growth my sound definitely changes. I think I’m more confident in what I’m creating now and I hope people can hear that."

Who are some of your key influences? Why these artists and how do they inspire you?

"I think my influences change a fair bit but I think I’ll always be influenced by older artists like Bob Marley, Bobby Womack, Gladys Knight and the Pips. These kinds of artists inspire me through the way they write and the way they express such raw emotion in the way they sing."

We’ve read you love fashion and were interested in a career in it. What would you have loved to do in the fashion space?

"I love parts of fashion. I enjoy how people can express themselves through clothing, I enjoy altering clothes and there’s pleasure in having something unique and feeling good in it. What I don’t like is fast fashion but in a world where so many peoples wages aren’t in line with the cost of living, they’re left with very little choice. What’s lovely to see is more people buying second hand. I think if I’d worked in fashion it would’ve been for my own business. The stories I hear of the fashion world don’t appeal to me."

Who inspires your style? People, brands, designers etc…

"I look to Bella Hadid for inspo. When in doubt ask yourself “what would Bella Hadid do?”. I think I take inspiration from lots of places. If I’m on a good night out, I’ll likely run into people dressed in beautiful clothing. I like when people don’t seem to fear what people might think of an extravagant outfit they’re wearing. That’s when it’s clear they’re dressing for themselves and no one else. I love that." 

What is something you’re passionate about, aside from music? 

"At the moment I’m passionate about doing anything that brings me joy. This year that’s been life drawing, roller skating and eating tasty food."

What’s next for you?

"Next up for me is getting back in the studio and working on some music. I’ve missed writing so much and desperately want to be hidden away working on my next project. That’ll soon come but for now I have my shows in Australia and New Zealand!"

Listen to Pip Millett HERE.

@pipmillett