Los Angeles – Milo Greene, an LA indie pop quintet, has returned with their brand new single, “White Lies.” It will be featured on their forthcoming sophomore LP, Control, due out on January 27 via Elektra. Their latest track is a ferociously dark-pop gem that diverges from the band’s previous folk-rock and harmonies-driven resonance. Best New Bands had the pleasure of catching up with one of the principal vocalists, Marlana Sheetz, who supplies the buoyant and dominating vocals on “White Lies.”

Sean Kayden: Where does the inspiration come from when developing new material? Is it from your own life experiences or those you know or hear about?

Marlana: It can come from any and all places… Personal experiences, friends’ and family experiences, music by other bands and musicians, movies, a good bowl of cereal, anything really.

When crafting a song, do you put the music at the forefront and then add the lyrics or do you construct an idea for the lyrics and then create the music from there?

It can work both ways. There is no right or wrong with music writing. It’s so subjective. You can do whatever you want. I tend to love writing lyric and melody over grooves. We did that a lot on this new album.

Your new single “White Lies” is more on the darker side of pop. What motivated you to take this new change in direction?

This album is similar to that of our last, in that there is a sort of an emotional contrast of elation and despair between the lyrics and music. “White Lies” is the epitome of that. It’s a fun and groovy pop song, but the lyric content expresses a hurt nostalgic tone. That is the musical theme Milo Greene will likely stay consistent with time and time again. We have, and will continue to write with pop sensibilities in mind, the production on the other hand will always change. We need to keep things interesting for ourselves.

On the first album, the band described their sound as cinematic pop. It had the elements of folk, pop, Americana, and rock all kind of blended together. It was such a beautiful endeavor. Clearly, you are big on harmonies. With “Control,” how does the new record differ from your point of view?

The first record showcased a lot of group harmony vocals. We wanted it to feel like a four-headed monster wash of voices. This time around we wanted to play with our voices as individuals and make each of our unique voices distinguishable from one another. There are still massive stacks of harmonies on this record, but you will also hear each of our voices making their own solo appearances throughout.

What would you like both fans and those unfamiliar with the band to know more about Milo Greene?

This band is made up of 5 contrasting individuals. Our music tastes and styles are very different from one another, and those tastes and styles are constantly changing. It’s a challenging collaboration that we work very hard at. Every album will likely sound different than the one prior.

How would you like your music to affect the listener?

When I listen to my favorite music, I like to create my own images and pictures in my head. I find a way of attaching my personal life to it. It’s sort of like reading a book. I want people to create their own story and feelings with the songs. My songs may mean one thing to me personally, but I love that it can mean something completely different to someone else.

What is the band’s own vision for 2015 and thereafter?

I think we would all love to continue to expand our audience as much as possible. I’m sure we will be on the road for much of next year. After that, I imagine it’s back to the musical drawing board once again.

On a lighter note, if you had to make a cover album, what band/record would you choose?

I would have a different answer to that question everyday. Today… I’ll go with Pulp. ‘Help The Aged’ would be the opening track.

Milo Greene is currently supporting Bombay Bicycle Club on tour throughout the month of October. For more information, check out the band’s Facebook.

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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