Millie Milord’s stage name Millie Baby Doll was given to her by a fan. While she was performing, a denizen from the audience yelled out, “Will you be my baby doll?” She didn’t get offended. She was touched enough to call herself that professionally ever since.
The church was Milord’s first platform as a singer. At the mere age of five, she was singing Creole hymns in her native city of Petit Goave, Haiti, and dreamed of building a career as a solo singer. Flash forward to the present, and her dreams have come true. In addition to writing her own songs, she has worked with producers like like Wyclef Jean, Kevin Little and Nardo Ranks.
Millie Baby Doll professes to be a huge fan of zouk, konpa and reggae, but the singer whom she says has had the most influence on her is pop songstress Celine Dion.
Can you recall your first ever performance in front of an audience? Yes. It was a talent show. I remember I was so nervous, but ecstatic at the same time. I received my first trophy that same night for best performer of the night.
What do you love most about being a performer? I love been on stage not only because it’s fun but also because I get to perform in front of thousandths of people and of course my fan’s especially the kids the love that I received from them makes me eager to go on.
You appear very confident and sure of yourself in your videos. What advice do you have for all the girls out there, on how they too, can project confidence? My advice to all the girls out there is to be you and recognize your talents and good qualities. No matter how down you feel, try to pat yourself on the back a little and remember the things you excel at. Focusing on your better attributes will distract you from perceived flaws and boost your sense of worth. Think of your good qualities in looks, friendships, talents, and most of all, personality because producers will try to take advantage of you no matter how good you are and they will try to make you do things that you don’t want to do—but that’s up to you to decide what you want and what are you after. I desire a singing career with all my heart. Therefore, when producer after producer focuses on my body, rather than my talent as a singer, and make it clear that I must have sex with them in order to receive any attention as a singer, I resent it and you should do the same as well because whatever you do will follow you for the rest of your life.
When you do a music video, how much control do you have on your image? [With] all my music videos, I have full control on how I want [them] to look like, but [they don’t] always turn out the way I want [them] to.
Do you think that producers have different expectations for female and male performers? Definitely, yes. The idea that producers are only considered with getting a female singer on to their casting couch and seducing them is definitely a stereotype, but I have found it to be a cliché that is actually quite accurate. Many of the producers with whom I have come into contact have made it quite clear that if I did not submit to their sexual advances, I had no hope for finding employment or building my career. I believe that this is one of the major problems [in the music industry and] why there is a gender gap in the entertainment industry and it is one we all heard about frequently. There are significantly fewer good roles for women than there are for men. This pertains to all aspects of this industry including film, TV, and music. But again, that’s up to you to decide. I thank God and my mother for the woman I became.
Out of the songs you’ve sung, do you have a favorite? Yes, and my favorite is “Let me be your Baby Doll”.
What have you learned so far in your career that you’d like to pass on to others? I learned that people are going to judge you no matter what. Just keep your head high learn from your mistakes. Fix them and move on with your life.
Are you involved in the writing and producing of your songs? Yes, I wrote all my songs except “Ice cream man”, featuring Wyclef Jean and The Call—featuring Kevin Little. They wrote their parts and I wrote my part.
What do you plan to accomplish over the course of your career? I am hoping to help young artists like myself to go after what they want no matter how hard it gets—and of course I am planning on] producing a few more albums in the future.
You can purchase Millie Baby’s dolls music HERE, and you can connect with her on Facebook HERE.