We catch up with alternative pop outfit milk. ahead of their show at The Bodega on Wednesday...
How would you introduce your band to someone who has never heard of you before?
Morgan: I always describe it as alternative pop, just to account for all of the sonic variation we’ve got between songs. We just try our best to make interesting pop tunes that we enjoy listening to and playing live. It can range from subdued acoustic songs to far more angular rock - it has never been easy to categorise.
Are there any other bands whose fans you think would like your music?
Morgan: I reckon fans of The Cure, Dijon, The 1975, Sylvan Esso, Porches, acts like that. We’ve always been inspired by them all, and this has endured as we’ve developed.
How did you come up with the name milk.? Is it a statement on the dairy industry or simply a favourite beverage of yours?
Mark: Neither! This is a question we get a lot. The band name comes from the symbolism surrounding how milk is used in cinema - what is typically a symbol of innocence and purity is often ironically turned on its head in cinema. We found this to be interesting and almost funny and sought to do the same with our lyrics and sonics.
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
Mark: I think we gain a lot of inspiration from one another. Early in our careers, we would’ve taken inspiration from those that we looked up to️ artistically but in recent projects we’ve been looking inward and taking it from each other. Often, one of our musical approaches will help another out of a rut.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Mark: Not really. We try to keep ourselves relaxed so that we can be present on stage and not be worrying once we start the show. Hanging out and talking in the green room is often about as exciting as it gets. Rock and roll.
Have you ever visited Nottingham, or performed here before?
Morgan: We’ve never been to Nottingham! Really looking forward to this show - we’ve seen lots of bands we’re into play shows in Bodega and we’re happy to be part of its history on some level.
What’s your favourite thing about being on tour?
Morgan: My favourite thing is the opportunity it affords us to connect with fans in various cities and to see in a more tangible way the significance our music has to those who care. The community we’ve built is a lovely thing to witness at live shows. I’m especially looking forward to playing Lafayette in London, as it looks like a beautiful room and our last London show was a really memorable one for us all.
milk. will be performing at The Bodega on 15 February
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