The Morning After

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Posted: 8/30/2007 9:57:05 AM

Milka released a new CD on August 3, 2007 titled "The Morning After". The new album features re-recorded hits such as Tainted, Awake, Addicted 2 U, and El Nino, as well as some fresh new hits. This is their first album recorded in a real studio so the sound quality is excellent.

Visit Milka's myspace page to listen to their new tunes.

Got Milka?

Posted: 5/24/2006

If you haven’t had Milka yet, get some soon, because this local band is awe-inspiring.

With roots from Central Florida, Milka consists of 4 men and a front-woman each with different musical backgrounds, that have joined together to create a unique style of rock.

Not only is their music captivating, but their performance brought me into their world. I began by sitting down taking notes, trying to see what was different about them, trying to understand why their audience was so drawn to them. My note-taking lasted through about 15 seconds of the first song. Then, I was inclined to get off of my seat and into the crowd.

Their musical roots come from blues, jazz, metal and latin music. If I had to describe them I would say it's an alternative rock mixture with a latin spice. The songs will begin softly then just blow your mind with an intense sound.

Before a recent show I met with the band for a short interview to find about them and the future of their music. The big news was they recently signed an record deal with Big Shot Music.

The band members are very individual, yet very close. They have a great sense of humor.

They have two things in common: they dread working a day job and love Jagermeister shots.

When I asked which one of them got the most ladies they each pointed at one another.

This high-energy band always rocks the entire stage with killer performances. I asked if there are any preparations before the show to get motivated. Guitarrist Nick Utter answered, "besides a few Red Bulls, it is just natural at this point."

I tried to get a feel for who makes the decisions for this majority male, female fronted band, I got the answer I expected, well somewhat . . . Milkanette Ramos, the lead singer, described herself as the "Hitler" of the group when stuff had to get done right away she got the boys together to get the job done! They elaborated that everyone has a part to make it happen, and it wouldn’t be possible without their manager .

During the interview they revealed they signed with Big Shot Music on August 9, 2006. They chose to go with the independent label company for they liked their music just how it was and had no intentions of changing what they did.

"Just keep doing what you do" is how Ramos described them. Some changes will be made in a positive way with the new label, drummer Jeff McAlear explained, "it is going to provide more time in the recording studio and they will not be pressed for time as the first two albums were."

The band is recording its third album, hoping to be completed by the second quarter of 2007. Ramos wants to title it "Durty," because they all have a few dirty habbits they were not shy about sharing with me. Although they were a little uncertain on how their mothers would perceive them.

The band is working on its next album. They are uncertain to which songs are going to make the final cut, or the title of the album. They do know it will be a mixture of both Spanish and English songs.

Dave Wade explained there would be a bridge between the two styles, although I am not sure what that means. The group wants up to 15 songs with a heavy start. They say the Spanish tracks will be nothing like Shakira’s converted songs.

Milka has already brought their presence to most of the East Coast, but for now they want to spend more time on their new album. They hope to revisit all of their fans and do much more touring after it's released.

About ten years ago I had a similar fascination with Creed as they played at Floyd’s Music Store in Tallahassee for an $8 cover. I told everyone they would succeed and indeed many didn’t listen. Well this is the second local band that I am going to state that for and I am predicting that they are going to be as big. If you do enjoy rock music, go out and support this Central Florida band. They will wow you on the first show and they always bring something different to the stage.

Reina, the manager, says she is very proud of the band, and knows their recent success would not be possible without the local support. "Central Florida fans have been with us through it all," she said. "They have supported us through everything we had to go through to get to this point. They have believed in our music with or without a label. We have a very strong album coming together and they will be very happy with the outcome. We will never forget our love here no matter where this road takes us. Hold on for the ride." Guitarrist Dan Manata added, "Thank you, thank you, thank you" for all the support from Central Florida fans.

Links

• milkaRocks.com - official Web site
• MySpace: Milka - Milka's Space
• Alicia Lyman - Milka's photographer
• AKA Lounge - Bar that features Milka