milquetoast: A Band That Plays by Its Own Rules

At Williams College, a group of talented musicians have come together to create something raw, dynamic, and unapologetically their own. milquetoast is an all-female band that refuses to be confined by genre, blending influences from metal, punk, and gothic rock which ultimately create a sound that shifts with their moods and inspirations. For roles, Alexa plays bass and sings and sometimes plays guitar, Leila mostly drums but also sometimes plays guitar and sings, Laura mostly plays guitar but sometimes drums and sings, and Hisami plays guitar! With roots in high school bands, jam sessions, and mutual love for heavy music, milquetoast found each other through a shared desire to perform and make music that feels true to themselves. 

Although milquetoast’s eclectic sound may seem to set them apart from the rest of musicians, their fearless approach to performing and songwriting is. Whether they are playing at campus parties or experimenting with new material, milquetoast brings an energy that is both unpredictable and electrifying. Their name is taken from a song by the metal band Helmet, reflecting their playful approach to identity. This is like the Japanese band Boris, who also borrowed their name from another artist’s track. While they are still working on releasing their official music, milquetoast is always writing, evolving, and pushing boundaries. Band member, Laura, has already explored music through her solo EP, Unseen Hands Intersect Faded Memories, a project that leans into gothic rock and post-punk influences. Her work showcases the range of sounds that inspire the band, hinting at the depth and versatility milquetoast brings to the stage. 

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

Laura– We play whatever we feel like playing! Sometimes you’ll get metal, sometimes you’ll get rock, sometimes you’ll get something folky, etc etc. 

Alexa- Whenever someone asks me this question up front, I have no idea how to answer it. I personally draw from a total hodgepodge of inspirations in my playing and singing so it’s hard for me to tell you straight up. But, if someone asks in passing, I’ll tell them “kinda punk??”

Teaser of the song “misako” from milquetoast’s upcoming album  

What are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

Alexa-as stated before, we draw from a multitude of influences. When starting the band over a year ago, I was greatly influenced by groove and sludge metal with a punk edge, with bands such as White Zombie and The Melvin’s being covered. More recently, with Laura’s EP coming out (go stream it!!!!), a lot of our sound has been rooted from the gothic rock/post-punk of the 80s and 90s. Laura and I are die-hard fans of Type O Negative and I definitely look to Peter Steele when playing bass and singing at the same time, especially. But we’ve played (and hope to continue playing) just about anything!

Unseen Hands Intersect Faded Memories by LYRA

What does the songwriting process look like for milquetoast? Is it collaborative, or does one person take the lead?

Leila– In my experience, we usually bring songs to the band individually, then flesh them out in more detail all together. That way, original songs can be collaborative, but still with a unique and varied sound.

Alexa- Additionally, some of us have brought songs from previous bands/projects to rework into our sound.

Can you share any memorable moments from your journey as a band so far?

Leila– Gaining Hisami as a member and becoming a full girl band has been really fun. Practice is very low stress and goofy, and we all build off of each other. 

Alexa-drinking milk on stage during the benefit concert this past September was fun and silly. Would love to do more bits like that. Oh, and also when we covered Ed Sheeran last year!

What has been the most challenging part of your music, and how have you navigated it?

Leila– Female musicians struggle a lot to be taken seriously. Often, a female band member is assumed to be the singer rather than an instrumentalist. When my boyfriend performed with us as an additional guest, the visiting band we were playing with assumed he was the band’s leader and addressed him rather than Laura or Alexa or myself. I feel pressure to perform at a high level despite the fact that I don’t have extensive experience or training, and would prefer to just use music as a form of self expression. 

Alexa-putting up with creeps and perverts