Meet milk.: The Irish Band Making Waves in Alternative Pop
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
Milk. [stylized as 'milk.'], a four-piece pop band from Dublin, Ireland, stormed onto the music scene in 2019 with their debut single "Drama Queen." Since then, they've been causing ripples with their distinctive sound, fusing pop sensibilities with electronic beats. The lineup comprises Mark Mckenna as the frontman, Conor King on bass, Conor Gorman on guitar, and Morgan Wilson on drums.
Their journey has seen the release of three EPs, each reflecting their evolving musical style and innovative approach. Milk.'s music is a blend of pop elements and electronic vibes, drawing parallels to established acts such as The 1975 and the Japanese House.
Initially making their mark with performances in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Austin, the band is now geared up for an expansive tour across the United States. Spanning from Boston, Massachusetts, to San Francisco, California, this tour marks a significant milestone for Milk., being their most extensive series of shows in the U.S. to date.
Milk. came together during the college days of Mckenna and Gorman, laying the groundwork for the band. Wilson on drums and King on bass later joined, solidifying the quartet. Their cohesive collaboration has molded the band's unique sound and captivating stage presence.
With evident influences from electronic beats and layered arrangements across their discography, milk. has carved a distinct space in today's pop scene. Their journey from Dublin to the United States mirrors their rising popularity and the global embrace of their music.
3, The EP
Titled "3," Milk.'s latest EP marks the band's significant evolution and artistic prowess. This collection of tracks solidifies their distinct sound, offering listeners a compelling musical journey.
Among the standout singles on the EP are "I Might Bore You" and "Human Contact," released in August and October 2022, respectively. These previews provided a taste of what awaited fans on the complete "3" EP.
In addition to these singles, the EP presents five new songs. Fresh and captivating, tracks like "London" and "I Think I Lost My Number," released in 2023, add new dimensions to the overall tapestry of the EP.
With these tracks, milk. continues to showcase their knack for intricate melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and diverse sonic arrangements. Alongside other compositions on the EP, these songs offer a dynamic listening experience, encapsulating milk.'s musical journey.
Just before the "3" release, milk. dropped "Emotionally Abusive," hailed by frontman Mark Mckenna as one of the band's finest. This poignant guitar ballad delves into the layers of a tumultuous relationship, exploring moments of regret and self-awareness candidly. The song captures the bittersweet essence of love and self-discovery within a complex relationship, creating a compelling musical experience.
The lead track, "It's The Internet's World We're Just Living In It," serves as a contemporary anthem exploring the complexities of the digital age. Addressing themes of self-identity and the influence of online platforms, the song encapsulates the constant influx of information and opinions characterizing our online lives. With introspective verses and a catchy chorus, it paints a vivid picture of our interconnected world, inviting listeners to reflect on their place within the digital realm.
"3" promises a rich blend of musical styles and thematic depth, showcasing milk.'s growth and unwavering creativity. This EP reaffirms their commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering an immersive musical experience for both loyal fans and new listeners alike.
USA Tour: Denver
On the day of the EP’s release, December 1st, began Milk's 2023/2024 Tour, which kicked off in Boston, Massachusetts at Brighton Music Hall. Following the 3 shows they played in the US in March, this tour marks the band’s biggest round of US shows to date. The setlist for the show features 18 songs, which includes the entirety of the most recent EP, 3, and fan favorite; the band’s 2nd single, Temperature. For this tour, we were able to make it to both the Denver, Colorado show on December 9th and the West Hollywood, California show on December 14th.
December 9th was Milk’s first time playing in Denver, Colorado, the achievement being held at Marquis Theater. This Denver venue has previously hosted bands such as The Struts, Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man, and milk’s most compared to artist and influence, The 1975.
Opening for milk. On this tour was longtime friend of theirs, Jacob Ray, as well as local acts in each city the band has been playing. For Denver, this was pop-punk artist Jake’s A Gentleman.
In the intimate setting of Marquis Theater, Jacob Ray steps onto the stage, armed with nothing but an acoustic guitar and the sincerity in his voice. As he plucks the first chords of his song "further," the venue is filled with a sense of connection and anticipation. Jacob's set unfolds with a captivating blend of acoustic melodies and heartfelt lyrics, perfectly complementing the cozy atmosphere of the venue. The audience is drawn into his performance as he weaves stories behind each song, sharing intimate tidbits about their creation and origins. Through this personal touch, Jacob Ray not only showcases his musical talent but also establishes a genuine rapport with the audience, turning the concert into an immersive experience.
The atmosphere at Marquis pulses with energy as the next act, Colorado-based band Jake's a Gentleman, takes the stage. With a lively pop-punk set, the band wastes no time in picking up the pace and injecting a surge of exhilaration into the crowd. Despite their front-man opting not to introduce himself by name (spoiler alert: it’s not Jake), the audience is captivated by his dynamic stage presence, charisma, and the infectious enthusiasm that radiates from the performance. The pop-punk tunes resonate through the venue, creating a high-energy atmosphere that serves as the perfect segue, priming the crowd for the main act – milk.
In the electric atmosphere of Marquis in Denver, anticipation reached its peak as milk. took the stage around 9:15 pm, enveloping the venue in an air of excitement. The band wasted no time in immersing the crowd in high energy, delivering a mesmerizing performance that showcased the depth and versatility of their musical discography. With the release of their new EP, "3," the audience was treated to the full spectrum of milk.'s latest creations. The band, true to their commitment to their fans, flawlessly executed every song from the EP, creating an immersive experience that resonated with the crowd.
Mark McKenna, the charismatic frontman, injected moments of humor into the evening, charming the audience with his wit. As the band prepared for a brief interlude or guitar tuning, McKenna seized the opportunity to make light of the situation, playfully mentioning the fictitious song "Mark Tunes His Guitar" being an unexpected addition to the setlist. The crowd, already enamored with the band's musical prowess, erupted in laughter, appreciating the light-hearted banter that showcased not only the band's musical talent but also their camaraderie and ability to connect with the audience in a fun and unscripted manner. Moments like these added a delightful touch to the overall experience, making the concert not just a performance but a shared and enjoyable journey with the fans.
A highlight of the night came when milk. surprised and delighted their fans by including the fan-favorite song "Temperature" in the setlist. While not part of any released EPs, the track has clearly carved a special place in the hearts of their listeners. Its live rendition added an extra layer of energy and nostalgia to the evening, elevating the concert to a truly unforgettable experience.
Mckenna momentarily stumbled over the second verse of the song "You & I." However, far from diminishing the experience, McKenna's endearing honesty and self-awareness shone through. Following the song, he lightened the mood by openly acknowledging his mishap, revealing that he had consistently fumbled the lyrics during rehearsals but had miraculously gotten it right in live performances—until Denver. With a touch of self-deprecating humor, McKenna playfully suggested that the enthusiastic Denver crowd might have made him a tad nervous, eliciting both laughter and empathy from the audience.
In another playful moment, Mark engaged the audience by addressing the notable line "it's about a quarter past three" from their song "Drama Queen." With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, McKenna queried the crowd, asking if we knew what time the line meant. As the audience correctly identified the time, McKenna seized the opportunity to playfully tease their sound guy, humorously pointing out that not everyone was on the same page. McKenna also engaged the crowd with a playful remark about the city's high altitude. He mused about the thin air in Denver, questioning if locals ever felt superhuman when venturing to lower altitudes. Expressing a touch of humor and vulnerability, McKenna playfully suggested that, in contrast, he felt "so human" in the Mile-High City—an amusing and relatable observation that resonated with the Denver audience.
As the night progressed, milk. continued to showcase their innovative sound, captivating the audience with a blend of electronic beats, emotive lyrics, and dynamic stage presence. The show reached its climax with the debut performance of a brand-new song titled "Don't Miss It." The room was infused with a palpable sense of shared exhilaration, a testament to the band's ability to connect with their fans and create an unforgettable live experience. As the lights dimmed, the crowd lingered, soaking in the residual energy of a night filled with exceptional music and camaraderie.
USA Tour: Los Angeles
Less than a week after their electrifying performance in Denver, milk. found themselves on the West Coast in Los Angeles, preparing for a show at what they deemed a bucket-list venue—the iconic Troubadour. Steeped in musical history, The Troubadour has hosted some of the world's most legendary artists, including Joni Mitchell, Elton John, and Bob Dylan, making it a storied and revered space in the music industry. For milk., the chance to grace this hallowed stage was undoubtedly a special moment, symbolizing a significant milestone in their musical journey. The anticipation surrounding the show at The Troubadour was not only a testament to the band's rising success but also a nod to the rich legacy of artists who had previously graced its platform.
Once again, Jacob Ray, a longstanding friend of the band, opened the show with his acoustic charm, setting an intimate and inviting tone for the evening. Joining the lineup for all three California shows was the LA-based indie rock band NITEFIRE, whose electrifying stage presence ignited the venue. NITEFIRE's dynamic performance added vibrant energy to the night, complementing the diverse sounds of milk. and creating a well-rounded and captivating concert experience. The convergence of these artists on The Troubadour's stage not only celebrated California's music scene depth but also highlighted the collaborative and supportive spirit defining the music community.
Milk.'s performance at The Troubadour in Los Angeles was nothing short of magical, with the iconic venue lending an extra layer of significance to the night. Mark McKenna, ever the engaging frontman, took a moment to humorously acknowledge the audience's familiarity with his guitar-tuning interludes. Making a light-hearted joke about how his tuning escapades had inadvertently become a tour hit, Mark infused the evening with laughter and camaraderie.
The energy within The Troubadour soared as milk. delivered a captivating performance, each member pouring their passion into every note. The setlist, featuring tracks from their latest EP "3" and other fan favorites, resonated with the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that encapsulated the essence of a truly special night. The band's contagious enthusiasm, coupled with the historic backdrop of The Troubadour, turned the evening into an unforgettable experience, leaving both the audience and the performers on a high note that echoed long after the final chords faded away.
What’s next for milk.?
As the curtains close on milk.'s inaugural official USA tour, the band leaves behind a trail of unforgettable performances, high-energy crowds, and a growing legion of fans eager for more. From the intimate setting of Marquis in Denver to the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles, each venue bore witness to the unique magic that milk. brings to the stage. The tour's success has not only solidified their presence in the American music scene but also set the stage for what promises to be a remarkable 2024.
But the journey is far from over. With three more shows slated in the UK, Ireland, and France, milk. continues to captivate audiences across borders. The global resonance of their music, combined with their infectious stage presence, positions them as a band to watch in the upcoming year. Their ability to seamlessly blend electronic beats, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic stage energy sets them apart, and as the world eagerly awaits their next moves, milk. emerges as a musical force destined to make waves in 2024 and beyond. Keep your ears tuned and your eyes peeled, for the journey of milk. is only just beginning, and the echoes of their melodies will undoubtedly reverberate far and wide.
Listen to milk. on all available streaming platforms and find tickets to their upcoming dates here.