I don’t think I’ve faced my greatest challenge yet. It’s out there somewhere. I’m ready for it.
Combative and compulsively dance-y, Shopping, are a post-punk trio from London who deal in a deliciously playful and supple brand of anarchic musical freedom. We catch up with their drummer, Andrew Milk, to discuss what’s what inside his head.
Hello Andrew, what are you working on at the moment?
Hiya, we are currently on a European tour to get the word out about our new album ‘The Official Body’ just released on Fat Cat Records.
What has been your biggest life challenge – what did you do to overcome it?
I don’t think I’ve faced my greatest challenge yet. It’s out there somewhere. I’m ready for it.
What would constitute a ‘perfect’ day for you?
Get up late but not too late, realise all my deadlines are taken care of, all commitments completed and I’m also on a special resort island with really great WiFi and a dog rescue shelter on site, a stone’s throw from the beach and there’s a Martha gig on later that evening, Good Throb are playing too and all my pals are getting the boat over for it.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
I don’t think there’s one thing I’m most grateful for. I am very lucky to have so many amazing opportunities and access to things due to simply being born white, male and from the UK but that’s different. I’m grateful for my mother being such a caring and loving person. I’m grateful to have music in my life that connects me to so many amazing friends and inspirational people.
Complete this sentence: “Ace mental health for me means…”
Not being afraid, to be honest with yourself and others.
What do you eat to stay healthy?
I’m mostly vegetarian but I’ve decided to take cod liver oil as I’m worried about my joints.
If you could wake up tomorrow with a new ability to aid your health what would it be?
Ha – definitely the ability to turn any food I eat into the exact nutrients and vitamins my body needs with minimal waste.
Do you have a daily routine of exercise or do you make it up as you go along?
Not really, if I’m not touring or running around for work I’ll spend twenty minutes exercising at home when I wake up.
Here at The Mind Map, we remember playing football and ‘tag’ – running around the playground every day and loving it – can you share a similar memory?
I never had any interest in sport but the kids in my neighborhood were really active in lots of ways, we played British bulldog which I think is banned from schools? Generally, summer spent riding our bikes around and getting out into the countryside are nice memories I have.
Do you think the egg and spoon race should be an Olympic sport as well as running for a bus?
These sound like excellent additions to me
Who was your best friend at school? What was the funniest thing they did?
My best friend at school was Ciarán and he was pretty hilarious – very quick-witted kid. I don’t remember a “funniest thing” though? Ah sorry. I’m in my thirties, this was so long ago.
Pumps or trainers for PE?
Trainers
Name your top five best vegetables.
Great question, I like lists. Cucumbers, potatoes, sprouts, red onion, parsnips
Name your top five best fruits.
Nectarines, grapes, kiwis, cherries, and avocado.
What three songs lift your spirits?
Britney Spears- Till The World Ends
Ray Rumours – Staying In
The Magnetic Fields – Strange Powers
What is your favourite self-help book, or motivational quote?
Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azzerad: the Beat Happening and Minutemen chapters.
What advice do you offer to friends when they are feeling overwhelmed?
Be honest with yourself, with how much you can actually take on and make those hard choices to step back from commitments that are bringing you the least joy/ most stress if that’s possible. If you can’t step back then be open about needing help/ more time or whatever you need to feel more in control again.
@weareshopping