You might have thought you had figured out the group Millennium until they invited you to take a walk on the ‘wide’ side. Their second single ‘Wide Thing’ off their upcoming album is an interesting hip-hop/rock fusion, mildly reminiscent of The Troggs 1966 chart-topping hit ‘Wild Thing’. Like the 60’s anthem, Millennium is betting heavily (no pun intended) on this hip-hop/rock track to have the same, well, wide appeal. Beyond a doubt, this is a song that people can groove to, even as they ponder the possible meaning of ‘wide thing’, sung over and over again throughout the pulsating, bass-heavy chorus. Reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with Millennium to learn more about the inspiration behind their latest hit and plans for the future.

ALEXIS: When did you first discover your love of music?
STRYKER: We're all classically trained musicians from a young age so I think we discovered that love early on, even before the influence of radio. Sapphire was classically trained on piano throughout her childhood and I grew up playing piano, cello and bass. We’re fortunate to work with two other very talented musicians, drummer Brad Dawson and guitarist Gaku Murata. Brad's got impeccable timing and an impressive command of different musical styles. Gaku is a quiet guy who lets his guitar do the talking and he can solo longer than anyone I know.

ALEXIS: Your song 'Wide Thing' has been a big hit on radio for its third straight month. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
STRYKER: I thought, 'Damn I sound nasally' (laughing). No, we were all very stoked to hear it. We were even more grateful for the response it received from listeners.

ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind 'Wide Thing'? Was there a particular experience or moment that inspired you to write this song?
STRYKER: A friend of mine was thumbing through a porn site on his phone looking at pictures of girls with these enormous rhino butts. I kept looking over at him, like, are you serious? You're into that? He was. Not long ago, hip-hop culture was all about excess: big money, big cars, big chains and big women. With this song, we wanted to revisit that era and reminisce on the gloriousness and ridiculousness of it all.

ALEXIS: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as 'Wide Thing'?
STRYKER: God no. There'd be no hope for us if they were. Wide Thing is a parody and I'd be lying if I said we weren't a little uncomfortable with the subject matter. But that's what art is all about- evoking emotions. We like to explore many different moods and styles in our music, whether it's pop, rock, hip-hop, reggae, funk or dance/electronica.

ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourselves as artists? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
STRYKER: We're each pretty different. Brad is real cool and down-to-earth, Sapphire is fun-loving and carefree, Gaku is calm and self-disciplined, and I'm probably more serious and dark as an artist.

ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
STRYKER: We were the first musicians in our families to do this professionally. Our dads wanted us to go into medicine. That's such a cliché isn't it?

ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
STRYKER: Being full-time musicians with Millennium means we can exist outside of the system.We don't have a boss to answer to so we can live in a creative flow that is very appealing and natural. The downside is, you have to be very self-directed and self-disclipined or the years can roll by with little to show for it.

ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
STRYKER: Personally, I've been most influenced by artists from the 70's and 80's, such as Phil Collins & Genesis, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Don Henley and others. Each of these artists was a songwriter, musician and singer - something you don't see much nowadays.

ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
STRYKER: Believe in yourself.

ALEXIS: What's next for Millennium? Is there a follow-up single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
STRYKER: Yes, we just finished editing the music video for our next single 'Roll'. It's a ballad about having the person you love walk out on you. Obviously it's very different from 'Wide Thing'. However, before we release the new single, we'll be putting out a rock mix of 'Wide Thing' with just vocals, drums, bass, guitar and keys. I like releasing acoustic versions like that because it reminds me of what made us fall in love with music in the first place.

ALEXIS: I look foward to hearing the new songs! Thanks for taking time out to share your story with me. I wish you and the group continued success and good luck!

Millennium Website: www.WhoIsMillennium.com
Wide Thing Music Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX0ZxbvVDPA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhoIsMillennium
Twitter: /www.twitter.com/WhoIsMillennium

© 2024 Greycastle News Corporation