Milk Teeth

Milk Teeth! If grunge is your bag then this four piece Gloucestershire band will be right up your strasse. With catchy, earthy, honest ballsy tunes that worm their way into your head, they’re on the road to great things. I spoke to guitarist Billy about the glue that holds the band together, why they’re called Milk Teeth and their new EP ahead of their gig at Epic in August.

You’ve only been together for four years but are doing very well. What would you all be doing if Milk Teeth had never existed?

Ummm I couldn't be sure what everyone else would be doing but I guess I would be working some awful job trying to stay positive.

Your album Vile Child came out in January last year, and was a reflection of your earlier years and what you went through then. Would you say you’ve put that to bed to an extent, and are now ready to write afresh for the next EP and album?

I wouldn't say we're putting it to bed. Some of those songs are still relevant to us, and with every record you write it's always gonna be about how you were in that moment but you can't forget what you had before because you've got newer material.

You toured America last April – was it how you expected it to be?

Yes and no. I knew it was going to be a lot of fun, but I had no idea we'd get the reactions that we did out there.

Why are you called Milk Teeth?

When I was six I had all my milk teeth out in one go because they were too big for my mouth. I asked if I could keep them - then the next day at school I hid my teeth in various parts of the classroom to freak everyone out.

There’s a definite 90’s riot grrrl and grunge feel to your music – it reminds me of the music I was into at your age 20 years ago, The Pixies, Belly etc. What was the starting point musically for the band?

We're all definitely fans of those bands! But it wasn't a conscious decision to be a "grunge" band. We just write the music that we'd like to hear.

The first single from your new EP Be Nice, Owning Your Okayness is about a relationship where you didn’t want to have to give up on it but needed to. Why did you choose that title?

Most of our song names don't actually have any relevance to the songs. This was a quote from some small American TV show called The Simpsons and it just felt right.

You seem to have a very sensible and professional view about how you want the band to progress in order to have a lengthy career. What help and advice have you received that have helped you so far?

Don't be a dick. Be nice or go away.

There must have been many times when you’ve had to put your normal lives on hold for the band’s schedule. How understanding have your friends, family and partners been about this?

That is a struggle for every musician. It's definitely not easy for someone, especially partners to be okay with you leaving them for months of the year, but luckily we all have a very strong and understanding bunch of people behind us.

What have you been listening to recently?

I've had the new Higher Power record on repeat since it came out!

What can we expect from the rest of Be Nice, and from the next EP?

You can 100% expect eight songs. I think both records showcase us as a whole. We're not just a grunge band. We're not just a punk band.

You did loads of touring from the word go on weekends whilst also working during the week. What was the hope for the band at the start, or were you just out for some fun?

We wanted to headline Wembley!

What’s the glue that holds you together through exhaustion and difficulties?

Wetherspoons and Starbucks

Are you playing some festivals this summer? Which is your favourite?

I really really enjoy 2000 Trees! This year we're on the main stage which we're super stoked to play.

What’s been the crowning moment for the band thus far?

Signing to Roadrunner.

Milk Teeth play Epic Studios on 1st August. Tickets available from ueatickets.ticketabc.com