Olivia Millin Is Done Blending In: J-Pop’s Rising Star Talks Self-Worth, Strength, and Standing Her Ground

 In an industry that thrives on polish and perfection, Olivia Millin is carving out a lane built on honesty. At just 20 years old, the indie J-Pop sensation has turned personal rejection into lyrical rebellion—using her voice not just to entertain, but to empower. With chart-topping hits like “TTYL” and a growing global fanbase, Millin stands at the intersection of Japanese precision and Western candor, blending cultural nuance with raw emotion. In this candid conversation, Olivia opens up about resilience, artistic integrity, and the quiet girl inside who never quite fit the mold—but found her place by refusing to shrink.

Olivia, you’ve said that music is your form of self-expression. When did you first realize that your voice—your story—had the power to connect with others?

I first realized that I actually could influence people with my music when I was in the face of rejection. After being turned down from quite a few singing groups because they felt my voice didn’t blend, I realized maybe I could help others who were feeling the same way, and to feel better about their situation- like maybe how their own personal stories made  them feel like they didn’t ‘blend’ either in some way. Writing my music made me feel validated like I had my own unique purpose in life but at the same time it made me realize I could share my experiences through my lyrics. I wanted to let people know they weren’t alone.

You write about strength, about walking away from what no longer serves you. Was there a moment in your life when you had to learn that lesson the hard way?

I’ve had multiple lessons like that, both in platonic and romantic relationships. I’ve had people leave me, and I’ve been in situations toxic enough to leave others. The reason I write about walking away from toxicity is because it frees me from feeling like a victim. It empowers me to mentally walk away from the hurt.

Your music blends two cultures so beautifully—American and Japanese. But as someone straddling both worlds, have you ever felt caught in the middle, or misunderstood?

I suppose I’ve felt caught in the middle a few times. I’ve battled about my image in my head, specifically about the normalized vulgarity that exists in American pop culture, and the absence of it in Japanese pop culture. I sometimes wonder if I cater too much towards one culture that I’ll lose the interest of the other. I try to balance it as well as I can.  But I feel like so long as I share lyrics that are relatable, my music ends up appealing to a broader audience.

At just 20 years old, you’ve already achieved remarkable success. But tell me—when you’re alone, without the spotlight—who is Olivia Millin?

In my daily life I love playing video games and spending time with friends. I like the freeing feeling of driving and cranking up the music. As cringy as it sounds, I love spending time with my parents and my cats and husky. Growing up as an only child, I have a pretty tight relationship with them. I do get bored quite easily though… so getting in my creative mode, keeps me busy but I also enjoy it a lot too. Sometimes I will get up in the middle of the night when a song comes into my head and start writing. I don’t talk a lot to people about what I do. My mom always gets on me for that because she feels it gets in the way of my social media content. I am working on that- but I am actually a little shy talking about myself. Interviews and podcasts are helping me express myself in that regard, but it’s not a natural thing for me. I say more about myself through my lyrics than in conversation.

In “TTYL,” there’s a line that says, “I could give up, but I won’t.” Where does that resilience come from? Was there someone in your life who helped you find your strength?

There were multiple people who’ve helped me through tough times, but I personally think that resilience came from within. I think it’s important to give yourself credit for some things, because you really do have the power to overcome anything. Yes, many people have helped me; given me advice, put a loving arm around me. But I don’t think I would’ve toughened up without going through experiences and learning from them. I think that’s something you can really only find within yourself.

You’ve mentioned Lady Gaga as an influence. What is it about her artistry—or her courage—that speaks to you as a young woman finding her own voice?

I’ve seen some of her interviews, and the misogyny, hate, and condescending behavior she’s had to deal with even after she became famous. It has been shocking to me. In addition, she’s had experience being bullied as a child, much like myself. What inspires me is that she sticks with her values and trusts her own music, artistry and brand, and doesn’t let anyone change that. Although there’s people out there that maybe wish she would fail, she continues to flourish with meaningful lyrics , catchy beats and songs that risks. She really helps me find my own voice as her lyrics power through some negativity – some I feel at times. She’s relatable, and that serves as a constant reminder for me to connect with my fans through my music.

You’ve built a following not just for your music, but for your authenticity. Is it ever hard to be vulnerable in an industry that often asks artists to fit into a mold?

Of course It’s hard to be vulnerable, it takes a lot of courage- but the best you can do is to just keep being authentic. If you build a career based on lies, it catches up to you sooner or later. If you keep focus on an authentic outcome, it makes it easier to brave vulnerability even if in front of the world’s audience. As for the industry, I think fitting into a mold is what will eventually kill a listener’s interest, or feel the inspiration, and most importantly, kill the artist spark. Fitting into a mold, in my opinion, also kills longevity as an artist because you end up sacrificing authenticity to appease the masses. Ironically, people tire of it because it’s been done already. Being authentic ensures originality and helps to sustain brand.

Finally, Olivia, if you could say one thing to the girl you were at 12, writing your first song—what would it be?

“Don’t worry kid. You won’t see success too soon, but you’ll grow and learn, and everything that you’ve been through will be for a reason. It won’t all be for nothing. Your time will come.”