It’s been a year already? Well, we could be forgiven for not realising it, to be honest – time flies when you’re having fun, and when that fun includes copious amounts of strange liquor and hip music (not to mention platefuls of cookies and cakes, or did I imagine that?) the scant collection of tipsy memories may not seem as if they stack up to 12 month’s worth. Although what memories!
MILK, the bombastic party that takes place Wednesdays at Bath Street’s Flat 0/1 has indeed been rocking for a year now. To celebrate, they have a birthday bash planned, and since this is MILK, it won’t be an ordinary affair.
Typical of the quirky and creative imaginings of organisers Aileen Lynn and Hannah Currie, the theme for this must see event stands out from the otherwise fairly conventional gig/club listings in Glasgow. The bands that will appear on June 6th have been ‘missing’ for quite some time (missing…milk…milk cartons…geddit?). Drive-By Argument, Theatre Fall and Jocasta Sleeps (pictured) have reformed especially in order to help MILK ring in its first year.
So, what’s all the fuss about? In its first year, MILK has somewhat revolutionised nights out in our fair city. Where once we would prowl up and down the City Centre streets looking for acceptable bars to fall down in, perhaps taking in some music if it was on offer, now we have a place that mixes the best traditions of a vibrant and credible live music scene and, well, partying like it’s 2099. Gone is the often-found contradiction between the two. Where else can a hip young thing enjoy both a night of fine live music and a rocking club event afterwards in the same place, for the same price of a smiling hand stamp? Not only has Flat 0/1’s acoustics provided a perfect backdrop for the likes of Library Voices, Queen Jane and Friends in America, but the transition to DJ led madness as soon as the instruments have been packed away is pain free and awe inspiring. It’s the way to the future, people.
Of MILK’s success, Aileen Lynn says, ‘we wanted to marry live music with a big party and I think this is why the night became such a success. That along with booking bands we really like ourselves. There’s nothing worse than promoting music you’re not in to. And the free cookies…everyone likes a free cookie.’
It is indeed a great virtue for a promoter to share their impeccible tastes with the world, and the lineup for the 1st birthday bash may be the most impeccible yet. One just needs to look at the distinguished achievements of Jocasta Sleeps, Drive-By Argument and Theatre Fall since splitting some years ago, helping to create such treasured names as Kitty the Lion, Arches, Capitals and the LaFontaines.
Thinking about the upcoming proceedings ‘at least seventeen times a day’ (and who could blame her?), Lynn can’t wait for the first birthday party. Needless to say, neither could the fans: tickets for the event sold out within 2 hours. If you didn’t manage to get your hands on a ticket, don’t worry – I’m confident that MILK will continue to bless our social calendars for many years to come.
