This Musician's Anti-Trump Anthem Went Viral In 2016, But What Followed Wasn't So Rosy: The Daily Beast

Over six years ago just after Donald Trump was elected president, the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. saw the rise of a little-known song, “Quiet,” by L.A.-based musician MILCK (real name Connie Lim), which quickly became the unofficial anthem of the movement, The Daily Beast reports.

Originally written in 2015 as a personal coping mechanism for Lim’s past experiences of sexual assault and abuse, “Quiet” gained global recognition after a flash-mob performance at the Women’s March after Trump’s election. The song’s success led to Lim signing a major-label deal with Atlantic Records.

However, the journey wasn’t as smooth as it appeared. A new 30-minute documentary, “I Can’t Keep Quiet,” reveals the series of challenges Lim faced post-viral breakthrough. According to The Daily Beast, the industry’s inability to understand and promote Lim’s identity as an Asian woman and sexual assault survivor led to difficulties in her career.

Reclaiming Her Artistry

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter and Stop AAPI Hate movements in 2020, Lim decided to reassess her artistry. She left Atlantic Records in January 2021, returning to her independent roots and launching her own label, Gentle Rebel Records. Despite the struggles of operating without major label backing, Lim is proud to create music on her own terms.

Looking Forward

Lim has used the documentary to revisit and “reclaim” “Quiet,” proving that her original creation was enough. She continues to use her music to respond to current events and encourages others to share their stories, believing that truth-telling can lead to beautiful, unexpected outcomes.

Read the full story on The Daily Beast.

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