We were lucky to catch up with Mikki Zip recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mikki, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Over the years, I had to realize that my confidence truly had to come from me. You can never rely on other people to boost or help your self esteem. In Nashville, so many people are chasing this same dream of being a singer/songwriter, you have to decide what makes you different. It gets easy to compare, but at the end of the day you are the only one that is you. Also, with music, every listener likes something different. So if someone doesn’t love your music, someone else might think its the greatest thing ever. Music and art is subjective. Finding confidence in your uniqueness is so important.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Mikki Zip and I’m a singer/songwriter in the Nashville area. I am originally from Syracuse, NY, but moved to Nashville at 13 years old, about 10 years ago. Since moving here, I have played gigs, solo and with my band, all across Middle TN and out of town in some states like FL, KY, and NY. On August 11th, my song “Long Live Longnecks” will be hitting the streaming platforms! I’m so excited to share this new tune with everyone. It is totally southern rock and inspired by some of my favorite artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Koe Wetzel, and Hardy. As I continue playing and writing songs, I’m always looking forward to where music will lead me next!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the qualities I have gathered through the years are some of the most important things on my journey. I have learned to have a lot of perseverance and independence. Perseverance has made me push through any set backs and keep going no matter the circumstances. Even something as small as a rough gig, I realize that there will be another in the coming days and it could be the best yet! Therefore, I always have to keep going. Independence has been important because it has taught me not to rely on others for my happiness, confidence, or even career moves. If you want it, make it happen. The knowledge and skill of playing the piano at 6 years old made it so much easier for me to pick up the guitar and play my acoustic shows. Now… I was not the biggest fan of playing the piano and I can get through just some chords today, but knowing the keys and notes made it easier to write and pick up the guitar. In regards to advice, I would say remember these key factors of perseverance and independence. At the end of the day these both go back to the fact that this is your dream. I have heard the saying all over Nashville that nobody cares about your dream more than you, and it’s so true. Only you can truly work hard and make it happen.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents have always been self starters, owning multiple of their own businesses since I was born. They taught me to be a hard worker and not quit till the job is done. My parents and grandparents have supported me like no other while I have chased my dreams. My parents have never been “yes” people. I can always look to them for opinion or constructive criticism, which has been important as I grow as an artist. I am so thankful to have parents that I can turn to when I need them whether inside the realm of music or out. While you’re chasing a dream, I believe its always important to have an amazing support system, whether friends or family. I am lucky to have that in my life!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mikkizip.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikkizip_official/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikkizip/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mikkizip6368
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikkizip?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
B&W and Bench Photo- Julia Pegis @compassandcaravan All other photos- Eli Silva @e.s.refract
