Words and photos by Kenzie Trikouros.
Almost every town has a Milk Street. Turn left, then take your third right- you should end up there—but don’t actually follow my directions.
The story begins when Jonah Wakefield and Gabe Chambers were leaving a Joyce Manor concert in Boston.
While trying to quickly leave the venue and avoid traffic going back home to Maine, the two ended up face to face with a massive street sign that read, “Milk Street.”
This obnoxiously large street sign sparked inspiration. Jonah and Gabe had been restructuring their band and needed a name.
Immediately the other name ideas didn’t even matter.
They also needed a new drummer, and Harry Burns was their first choice.
“He was the best drummer in our local scene,” Jonah said.
“Aww,” Harry replied.
Harry completed the band, forming the Milk St. we know and love today.
What is Milk St.?
Jonah leads on vocals and guitar, Gabe plays bass, and Harry drives the beat on drums.
Milk St. and their raw northeast emo sound entered the music scene in 2022 with the release of their debut album, Spaced. Jonah’s favorite song to play live is it’s title track.
Their 2023 album, V3RMONT, features their most streamed song on Spotify, “Peyote,” which I also love for its New Jersey shoutout.
This song is about finding yourself and what makes you feel at home.
Jonah wrote the lyrics for “Peyote,” some of which were written when he was just 16.
“I went to my dad’s one day… I was leaving and he said, ‘Peyote can make you see Jesus Christ himself, brother,’” Jonah said, “I was like, that’s good ass line.”
Overall, V3RMONT explores the journey of confronting past mistakes and learning to cultivate healthy relationships amid challenging family dynamics.
Influenced by bands like Joyce Manor and Fidlar, Milk St. blends northeast emo with garage indie rock, honest lyrics, and high energy.
Day and Night in Asbury Park
Jonah, Harry, and Gabe toured multiple states and even Ontario, Canada, for over twenty days on their Hawt Dawg tour. Milk St. rocked the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, their last stop on the tour.
I had the awesome opportunity to spend time with the guys before the show! We walked the boardwalk and took pictures along the way.
Side note: Jonah, Harry, and Gabe are so much fun.
After our portrait moment, I interviewed Milk St. as they sat in the trunk of the tour van.
The Wonder Bar was filled with fans and some curious locals, ready to hear what the band had in store.
At the merch stand, they had a scrapbook for fans to sign- commemorating memories from the tour and the support they’ve received along the way.
Their performance was electric, filled with raw emotion and undeniable energy.
Milk St. Rocks the Wonder Bar
What’s Next for Milk St.?
The three gentlemen of Milk St. are always playing shows in their home state of Maine, so check out their Instagram for show dates!
Milk St. is currently on their fall Folkin’ Around tour. They’re making stops all along the East Coast including Asbury Park, New Jersey, and North Conway, New Hampshire.
Their newest record Oscar Mayer Weiner with Brook Pridemore is out featuring 2 songs from each band.
“Patchouli Snail Trail” and “Hawt Dawg” are by Milk St. on Side B of the record.
For my local fans: Milk St. will be in New Brunswick in the end of November! Be there or be square.
Thank you so much to Jonah, Gabe, and Harry for hanging out and being so kind! Can’t wait to work with y’all again.
Follow Milk St. on Instagram! Listen to their songs on Spotify wherever you get your music.
