Sighted as ‘One of the best vocalists in the UK’ by BBC Introducing and tipped as an ‘Artist to watch in 2018’ on BBC Radio 2 last month, Soul powerhouse Mica Millar launches The Defender Campaign ahead of the single’s official release on 4th April 2018.
Composed, arranged and produced by Mica with additional production contributions from Drum & Bass pioneer Goldie (MBE) and James Davidson (together known as Subjective), the hard-hitting third single is released as part of a campaign launching on International Women’s Day to celebrate societal heroes and raise awareness of social and cultural issues. Collaborating with Director Simon Brooks, Producer Dan Jackson (ITV), Art Director Gian Grainger and Producer Karen Gabay (BBC/ITV) the unique and innovate concept is sighted by Mica as being ‘born out of the song’s narrative and title’ which inspired her to explore true stories of altruism and empathy and incorporate them into the songs official music video. A call was published on social media and eventually the stories Mica received, were narrowed down to just two.
On the 8th and 15th March the individuals will share their experiences with the rest of the word though video’s shared on Mica Millar’s social media profiles. The first, a harrowing tale of a woman who was kidnapped by her father at the age of seven and, through the altruistic actions of a stranger, was finally reunited with her mother after almost a decade of separation. The second, the story of a violent attack on a man in Manchester and the unlikely people who came to his aid. Mica is now calling for members of the publicwho have been saved or helped by a stranger to share their stories online using the hashtag #thedefendercampaign. Two further stories will then be chosen to feature in both the music video and an accompanying behind-the-scenes documentary that will follow later this year.
Performing The Defender alongside exclusive, unreleased material from her forthcoming album as well as previous releases My Lover and Not The First, Mica’s UK single launch shows will take place at Band on The Wall, Manchester on 4th April, Leaf on Bold Street, Liverpool on 8th April and The Wardrobe, Leeds on 10th April. The events will see Mica perform live with a string duo and all female backing vocal trio who form one half of of her extensive ten-piece line up. Mica will also perform a pre-tour iluvlive showcase at Zigfrid Von Underbelly, London on 12th March.
Previously, Mica’s powerful and emotive live performances have seen her sell out UK headline shows and perform at some of her hometowns most we renowned concert halls including The Lowry, The Contact Theatre and The 02 Ritz. Highlights during 2017 have also included headline Festival Square at Manchester International Festival and performing with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra live on BBC Radio.
2018 ‘The Defender’ Launch Shows
Wednesday 4th April – Band on The Wall, Manchester
Sunday 8th April – Leaf on Bold Street, Liverpool
Tuesday 10th April – The Wardrobe, Leeds