Back at the start of Janaury we highlighted Manchester newbies Milestones as one of our 50 bands to watch in 2015, even though we didn’t know much about them. However with their debut EP ‘Equal Measures’ set to be released on April 6th we decided to change that.
The band formed last year with the aim of combining the pop punk elements of bands such as Neck Deep with pop-rock sensibilities shown by the likes of You Me At Six. We can assure you ‘Equal Measures’ does just that and then some. From the instantly hooky ‘More To Me’ to the soaring one two of ‘Equal Measures’ and ‘Nothing Left’ to the bouncy finale that is ‘Sleepless Nights Are Put To Bed,’ this young band have kicked off their time together on a high. Milestones certainly have a promising future.
Before they headed out on their first UK tour, we spoke to guitarist Andrew Procter to learn more about Milestones, their beginnings, ‘Equal Measures’ and why you should check them out at Fury Fest and the Empire Festival in May.
Already Heard: I understand the band only formed last year. How did Milestones come to be?
Drew: Me and our drummer Andy Makin were already in a band but wanted to start something new and a little more mainstream to what we had previously worked on. We came across Matt (Clarke – vocals) through the local Manchester scene and found he had very similar goals and interests to us, we then started writing songs and instantly clicked musically. We found Mark (Threlfall – bass) shortly after this and decided on the name Milestones because it represents our work ethos as a band which is always striving to achieve more.
AH: In April you’re releasing your debut EP ‘Equal Measures.’ From hearing the EP, it achieves its aim of not trying to sound like your stereotypical pop punk release. What was the initial plan when you started writing the EP?
Drew: We wanted to add elements of the pop punk genre to our sound but take influence from other artists within the alternative scene too and experiment with more commerical music.
AH: You worked with Phil Gornell on the EP. What did he bring to the songs on ‘Equal Measures’?
Drew: Phil brought a new edge to our sound, his expertise of our genre allowed us to mature as musicians which resulted in the best outcome sonically for the EP.
AH: At the end of last year you premiered your track called ‘More To Me.’ It seems it’s have had a good response so far?
Drew: Our response to ‘More To Me’ has been mainly quite positive which just makes us more excited for future releases.
AH: Why did you pick ‘More To Me’ as the first track to release?
Drew: We felt the track was the best representation of Milestones both musically and lyrically.
AH: In the lead up to the EP release you’re heading out on your first tour with Yeah Detroit! How important is it for a young band like Milestones to get out there and play as shows?
Drew: Touring is huge for bands like us and is something we take seriously in terms of professionalism while still having a lot of fun in the process. It gives us a chance to reach new audiences and grants bigger opportunities for the future.
AH: After those shows you’re playing a couple of festival appearances; Furt Fest in Liverpool and Empire Festival in Sheffield. Why should people come down early and check out Milestones?
Drew:Because our sound has something to offer that a lot of bands don’t and our performances are energetic.
AH: I hear you’re already planning your next release. When can we expect to hear more about that?
Drew:
We intend to be back into the studio around June/July for our next release.
AH: Do you have any final words to round off this interview?
Drew: Milestones Movement.
‘Equal Measures’ by Milestones is released on 6th April.
Milestones links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86)