The Milk
Emerging from a bunch of sleepy commuter towns in Essex and a school that banned music, The Milk crafted a sound that’s evolved from energy fuelled 60s soul to impeccable instrumentation and silken, in-the-pocket playing that hearkens back to the golden era of 1976. This quartet of childhood friends—Rick Nunn (lead vocals, guitar), Mitch Ayling (drums), Luke Ayling (bass guitar), and Dan Le Gresley (guitar)—that blend the raw emotions of their early soul sound with the sophisticated grooves of modern funk & jazz.
Their journey began with the release of their debut album, "Tales from the Thames Delta" in 2012, fusing their raw take on 60s soul music with Hip hop producer Brad Baloo at the helm catapulted them into the spotlight, securing a place in the UK Top 40 and earning them the title of Apple iTunes Band of the Year.
This breakthrough set the stage for their critically acclaimed follow-up, "Favourite Worry," however the journey was peppered with challenges. Inspired by their roots and love of 70s soul & jazz The Milk chose to work with Grammy award winning producer Paul Butler; his work with Michael Kiwanuka appealed to the bands maturing taste and development. However, on the eve of recording in an idyllic converted barn on the isle of wight an ‘accounting dispute’ between management & Major label put a hold on plans. The bands belief in the material was just and following a stint with Elton John’s management company Rocket and a new deal with London indie label Wah Wah 45 recording began producing an emotive, cinematic album filled with lush arrangements that emphasise melody and harmony, creating a soundscape that feels both intimately familiar and exhilaratingly fresh, heralded by BBC 6 Music as the Album of the Year in 2015.
The bands 3rd studio album “Cages” was released on the eve of COVID. As the world’s attention rightly turned to more important things, this album like many other greats was lost to the void. Unable to tour and consumed with the uncertainty and anxiety of the situation we all faced the band turned to music as their salvation.
Crafted in the wake of a series of personal and public upheavals—from the joys of marriages and births to the sorrows of funerals and the societal shifts brought by Brexit and the pandemic— lead single "Borderlands" from their 4th studio album is a resonant exploration of the times. This new studio album promises to deliver more of the soul-stirring melodies and sharp, sophisticated rhythms that fans have come to love, securing their place as pioneers of a new era of cinematic soul.
Over the years, The Milk has graced some of the most prestigious stages and festivals, including Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight Festival, and have delighted fans with sold-out shows at iconic venues like the Shepherds Bush Empire. Their discography now boasts three studio albums and a live album, "Live at the Union Chapel," capturing the raw, magnetic energy of their performances.
Frontman Rick Nunn's vocal prowess is a cornerstone of the band's sound. Often compared to the legendary Steve Winwood, his voice embodies the soulful spirit of the greats like Marvin Gaye and Bill Withers, bringing a heartfelt authenticity to each lyric he delivers. The Milk's performances are not just heard; they are felt deeply, resonating with an audience seeking solace in the smooth cadences of timeless music.
