Content Warning: This Long Player touches upon the matter of suicide.
Milk is the solo project of Reuben Winter (Waitaha / Kāi Tahu / Te Aupōuri / Te Rarawa / Ngāti Kuri). He first released issue(s) in 2016 and then his self-titlted album in 2019. In September 2020, Reuben took his own life. Aotearoa's music community lost a huge part of itself. He contributed his art and skill immensely for many years as he was involved in countless of projects of various genres, such as Totems, P.H.F. Roidz, Cindy, Bandicoot, Kerosene Comic Book, Niisa, and many many more.
Before Reuben passed on, he had finished his third Milk album. Iconic New Zealand label, Flying Nun, released Milk III on April 20th 2021. It's a powerful and dynamic album that Reuben has gifted all of us.
Jess spoke to several different people involved with Milk and the release, including his mother, Iona. Each person shares their memories and interpretations of the songs. The conversations include Reuben's struggle with Fibromyalgia, insight on the recording process, and the first listenings of the album.
Profits from Milk III are being split between Fibromyalgia Aotearoa New Zealand and Reuben's whānau and future fund. You can purchase a copy of the vinyl at Flying Out or on Flying Nun's Bandcamp.
Thank you to Iona Winter, Ben Lawson, Joe Locke, Grace Verweij, Emma Hall-Phillips and Daniel Smith for talking to me and sharing so much with me.
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Music Helps - 0508 MUSICHELP
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