Having released their debut album Well Well Well ten years ago, Sheffield indie rockers Milburn return with their latest single Take Me Home, out now via Red Essential.
Known as the band who helped kick start the Sheffield revival alongside the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Milburn’s new single feels refreshingly modern. Take Me Home sits comfortably between the anthemic sounds of noughties favourites The Strokes, indie newcomers Blossoms and Spring King and the sounds of Sheffield’s local music scene.
Over the past ten years, Milburn have received support from the likes of NME, Gigwise, Clash and BBC 6Music’s Steve Lamacq, Radcliffe and Maconie and Chris Hawkins to name but a few. After being away for ten years, Milburn recently reformed due to overwhelming popular demand. As a result, the band have sold out four massive anniversary shows in their hometown with a combined capacity of 10,000 tickets sold in under 5 minutes and a further 11,000 tickets for a sold out UK tour. They have also announced a 12,000 capacity hometown show on 2nd June 2017 at Don Valley Bowl with support from Reverend & The Makers and Cabbage.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Milburn about influences, their latest project, the digital music world and more.
Full Q&A along with links and a stream of Take Me Home below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
When we started Milburn each member was under the age of 16. At that point we were all naturally into quite up tempo indie guitar music as it suited our personalities and energy. Things are a little different now though!
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
As teenagers we all used to play for the same football (soccer) team. A full season lasts from Autumn to Spring so we found ourselves, like most kids, with plenty of time in the Summer and nothing much to do. Forming a band seemed like a good way to pass the time.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
Initially we’d write songs about the ‘everyday’ and lyrically we’d be quite literal. I suppose that’s all most of us are capable of before leaving school. As we matured, so did our writing style and we’ve found new places to draw inspiration whether it be bigger questions about ‘life’ or emotions that you weren’t prepared to admit existed at 18. Our tastes have changed drastically but I think this is only natural for anyone who really loves music and wants to continue discovering new artists.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
This project is certainly not new but more of a second chapter. Initially we got the band back together to appease the fans that had waited a number of years. It then seemed natural to explore what we’d sound like if we made a new record.
What was the last song you listened to?
Lemon Twigs – I Wanna Prove to You
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I love sifting through second hand vinyls and getting a bargain but mp3s are so easy and accessible it’s hard to resist them!
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I’m a spotify guy. No real reason, it was just the first thing that a friend put me onto a few years ago.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Luckily we have a really loyal existing fan base. However, getting our music across to fresh ears is difficult. Not only is there so much choice out there but social media – although invaluable – is largely an echo chamber of like minded individuals so often our music circulates in smaller circles than we’d like.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
WAWAW
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