Marlana Sheetz Of Milo Greene On New LP ‘Control’, Dancing & Dreaming Of Destiny’s Child: Idolator Interview

Jonathan Riggs | January 27, 2015 8:29 am
TLC Interview
The ladies talk to Idolator about their upcoming album and their enduring legacy.

Milo Greene stole hearts in 2012 with their self-titled, cinematically dreamy debut that included haunting jams “Autumn Tree” and “1957.”  In the wake of their success, the four lead singer/songwriters of the band — Andrew Heringer, Robbie Arnett, Marlana Sheetz and Graham Fink — challenged themselves to grow and evolve for their next record.

Out today (January 27), Control features a more driving, danceable sound that showcases each member both individually and in harmony with the others on bops like “Lie to Me,” “White Lies” and “On The Fence.”

As they’re prepping to go out on their first headlining tour, Marlana Sheetz chatted with Idolator and gave her thoughts on everything from what it’s like to be in a band with no clear leader, her surprising musical influences and her childhood dream to join the House of Dereon.

Fill in the blank: Control is an album best listened to while ___________.
MARLANA SHEETZ: Dancing! I’m one of those people who, when I’m drinking, go around telling everyone how good of a dancer I am. [Laughs] It’s so embarrassing.

Is it true that Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine inspired one of your Control songs?
MS: I grew up listening to a lot of Gloria Estefan, thanks to my mom. Miami Sound Machine is just so, so cool to me. I mean, so many people think it’s so cheesy but I love that their sound is so percussive, up-tempo and danceable, which were elements we wanted for this album. So I busted out my ancient keyboard that has these really cheesy beats on it. The Latin beat was super dorky—there are cowbells [impressively imitates multiple cowbells] — but I was like, this is the perfect starting point! The song is called “Lonely Eyes” and it’s probably my favorite on the record. Robbie and I started writing that one a long time ago and had the melodies and stuff, but I put that beat over what we had written and it worked perfectly. That super cheesy Latin beat is still in the recording, too. So that’s my valentine to Miami Sound Machine! [Laughs] It doesn’t quite sound like them, but it sounds like the closest Milo Greene would get. I love it so much. Any song that just stays on one drum groove and rides it out is an instant favorite.

What makes you proudest of this album?
MS: Our growth and how we were able to even make a second album. That in itself is huge. It’s been three years since our debut, Milo Greene, came out and the fact that people were interested enough to want to hear more from us is very exciting. I’m proud that we are four people with very different opinions who were able to come together and make something. That is very difficult and, in my opinion, a miracle!

Speaking of, Milo Greene has four lead singers who are also songwriters. What’s everyone’s role?
MS: We’re still figuring it out. It’s tough because everybody wants their voice to be heard, but we all have very different opinions on writing and producing and sounds. It’ll probably keep changing and developing as time goes on, but I’d say Graham is definitely the level-headed guy who keeps us grounded. He was a psychology major so he’s always analyzing us and helping mellow us out. Andrew is the glue in the recording process when we’re all in the room and I’m like, “I’ve got this idea, let’s get it down, but I don’t even want to think about the computer.” Andrew’s like: “On it, got it, done.” Robbie is the comedian who will trip on a cable and make me laugh. He keeps it all lighthearted. As for me, I question everything and just stress everybody out. I need them to calm me down. [Laughs]

Who would be Milo Greene’s ultimate dream act to open for?
MS: “The Purple One”! Just to be in the same room as Prince would be insane: he’s the guy who enters into his show in a bathtub coming down from the ceiling. That would be incredible to see every night.

A lot of this album was born out of tough life situations, like ending relationships and growing up. How do you get the courage to put your life into song and sing it every night?
MS: It’s actually funny how the timing of writing for this record worked out perfectly. When you have things you want to say and enough time has passed so you’re beyond the point of being hurt or upset, you can turn it into a song that becomes fun to perform, regardless of its original meaning. When I’m writing, it’s very personal, but I get excited to go out onstage and dance and sing and see people’s reactions. Control is an album that feels very upbeat and happy, but is very dark and sad in some ways. I think that a lot of people will be able to relate.

What music makes up the soundtrack of your tours when you’re not onstage?
MS: Touring can get very exhausting, but no matter how tired we are, we can’t let the people who come to see us know that. So a couple tours back, whenever we needed to get pumped up, we would play Robyn in the van. We had shakers and shit everywhere because it’s a total mess and disgusting in there and we would just pick up whatever we could find and play along with her songs. Also, the song before we go on is usually Bell Biv Devoe’s “Poison.” We’re backstage like, “Poison!” “Poison!” “Poison!” That one gets us pumped and ready to go before every show.

You’ve said before that when you were growing up, you wanted to be a member of Destiny’s Child.
MS: Definitely! I would’ve loved to do all the dancing. I wouldn’t have challenged Beyoncé to be in the front — I’d be happy just being along for the ride!

If this album were a movie, what would the plot be?
MS: I’d be really literal with it and make a movie about what it’s like to be in our band. Not only are we trying to create music on our own, but also with each other. Everybody needs to get their two cents in, so you have to wonder, “Who’s actually in control of this band?” Personally, I think it could be an amazing HBO series dissecting the challenges and craziness of life on the road: how it’s a drama and a comedy and exciting and strange and everything else.

For this tour, is there any chance you’ll cover Janet Jackson’s “Control”?
MS: That would actually be a really good idea. There will be some attempt of a new cover this time around, but I don’t want to make any promises in case we try to do it at rehearsal and it sounds like shit. Let’s just say that Janet would be very fitting for this record.

Control is out now. Click here for more info on the album, band and tour.

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