Millie Manders And The Shut Up have built a reputation for fearless lyricism and emotionally charged performances. Blending punk, ska, pop-punk and classical influences, their songs explore mental health, activism and personal resilience – themes that resonate deeply with a fiercely loyal community of fans. Liza-Lou Campy spoke to Millie, as she prepares for the band’s UK tour, to reflect on vulnerability in songwriting, the evolution of her band, and why getting on stage still feels electric.
Your writing feels emotionally fearless. Do songs ever take you somewhere unexpected?
All the time, especially when I try to write something happy…it nearly always turns sad. And if I aim to be subtle, it can come out far more brash than I intended. Recently, I asked my Patreons for three words to write from. I built this spidergram full of galaxies and cosmic imagery, but it unexpectedly became a song about domestic violence. I’d been thinking about the femicide epidemic and recent cases in the UK and Germany. What started abstract revealed something much deeper emotionally.
How do you shift between heavy songs and lighter or explosive ones on stage?
There’s a level of theatre to it. Off stage, I’m Millie; on stage, I’m Millie Manders. That separation gives me some self-preservation. After an emotional song, I might stand by the drum kit with my back to the audience for five or ten seconds. I breathe. Have some water. It’s a small reset before centring myself again.
Does stepping on stage still feel like a moment?
Every single time. I’ll never tire of raising my hand to say hello and hearing that roar back. There’s nothing like being welcomed into a room of people who are there for you and for each other. It genuinely feels like a community. People meet at our shows, and through Patreon ,some even travel across countries to see each other outside of gigs.
Is there anything you’re excited to rediscover on this tour?
We haven’t played Key Club in a couple of years, so I’m excited for that. Scotland is always special. Colville will feel very different from 2021, when everything was socially distanced. Darlington has a lovely intimacy. Liverpool’s fanbase is growing, which is exciting.
Have you written anything recently that surprised you?
Yes – aside from the three-words song, we’ve written something very personal about my experiences in the music industry. It came out quickly, lyrically and melodically. I hope people connect with it the way we do.
Has writing changed with the new band lineup?
This lineup wrote the entire second album together, and we’re writing the third. We prefer being in a room collectively, but after backing out of a winter tour, finances got tight, so we’ll be doing more remote writing too.
Is there a creative leap you’d still like to take?
I’d love to perform with a full orchestra. I’ve also always wanted to do a “Swing P”: take four songs and record swing versions. And I’d love to transform something classical, like ‘Ave Maria’, into a metal track with classical vocals.
If someone walked into your show knowing nothing about you, what would you want them to leave with?
A smile. I want people to feel uplifted and part of a community. That community doesn’t include bigots, homophobes, ableists, or anyone being a bit of a dick.
What advice would you give to someone, especially women, who want to get into music but struggle with anxiety?
I’ve been medicated for anxiety. As a child, I’d wet my pants before going on stage. I’ve always lived with fear. Practice until you can play your music blind; that’s your protection. Surround yourself with people you trust. Accept you’ll mess up; everyone does. If you don’t try, you’ll regret it. At 30, I decided I didn’t want that regret. I quit my job, went back to uni, and properly pursued music. If you’re scared, most musicians are. Get on the stage!
Millie Manders And The Shut Up Head to The Forum in Darlington on Thursday 16th April. Tickets, priced at £17.50 in advance, are available at theforumonline.co.uk.
