Meet Your Upstarters Finalists: Milly Strange
Milly Strange’s music blends together a bit of dreamy indie rock, alternative pop, and with a hazy, melodic edge.
Her songs are intimate, emotionally direct, and with atmospheric guitars and melodies that feel both vulnerable and quietly anthemic. Drawing on the rawness of bedroom pop and the warmth of ’90s alternative music, Milly Strange creates a sound that feels personal without losing its sense of self. She’s part of a new wave of Australian artists turning introspection, distortion, and understated pop hooks into something distinctly their own, and we can’t wait to see her play the Monster Children Showcase at BIGSOUND Brisbane this week.
Who are you?
Milly Strange is Milly Haig, songwriter, front person and rhythm guitarist, alongside Jai Forster Saunders on lead guitar, Keely Lawson on bass and Jimmy Baldwin on drums.
How would you describe the music you make?
Emotionally charged, I’d say. The music and lyrics all come from a strong feeling or strong imagery. I really like making music in that way, letting the feeling lead rather than trying to fit it into any one genre. Following an idea wherever it wants to go, whether that ends up somewhere dark, loud, quiet or soft.
What have you learnt about each other (your bandmates) through making music together?
We’ve all learnt to communicate in our own way with each other. So much of what we do together isn’t verbal. We are all really in tune with each others energies, it’s a really special bond.
Are there certain rituals you do when making music?
For writing, I don’t have a set ritual, I usually just have an urge to write, like visions haha, and take myself away somewhere private to explore what I need to explore.
When bringing things to the band, we’ve started carving out time to try new things without the pressure of shows, deadlines or having to finish anything. It gives the songs and sounds space to unfold naturally and on their own accord. We also cook and eat dinner together once a week, which has become a nice part of the process too.
What is the hardest thing about being a musician in Australia?
Touring! Australia is so big, and everything is so far away. Touring is incredibly expensive, which makes it really difficult to play shows interstate, let alone internationally. It makes reaching new audiences and building a following outside your home state so much harder and can be a real barrier to breaking through.
What is the dumbest ‘job’ you’ve had to work to be able to pay for gigs?
I don’t think I’ve had a dumb job… I’ve just had to work a lot of them! Working three jobs at once is pretty hectic and makes it really hard to juggle everything. It's a funny and challenging part of being a musician, having to find ways to support yourself while trying to build a career and make the actual music.
What song do you wish you had written that someone else wrote?
I’m going to say Palaces of Montezuma by Grinderman because I love the way that song makes me feel. But honestly I don’t think I wish I’d written any song that I didn’t write. I love loving songs that aren’t mine, when a song makes me feel like it belongs to me anyway, that’s the magic of music.
How important is lyricism in songwriting?
For me, it depends. In my own writing, lyrics are really important because they’re how I communicate what I need to communicate. But I also think the delivery of what I’ve written is just as important. In other contexts, I think lyrics can be secondary, sometimes the music or the way the message is delivered is at the forefront. You don’t always have to understand exactly what someone is saying to understand what they’re trying to make you feel.
What is a perfect record?
There are so many, but one that’s always in my top ten is Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York.
What would you do with the $20K if you won it?
I would use the 20k to release a new album, do an Australian tour and where possible I’d put some of it towards taking the new album beyond Australia as well!
