Blew Milk Soap Takes On the Big Break Contest

Warren's own local band, Blew Milk Soap, is back and ready to take on the world. Well maybe not the world, but the band is ready to take on the Rhode Show's Big Break Contest at least.

The band, comprised of 24-year-olds Rob Coyne (drums), Jayson O'Connell (bass), and 25-year-old PJ Russo (guitar and lead vocals), was a huge hit in their high school years, taking Battle of the Bands first place title in 2004. The band built a fan force over the next four years but individually, the band member's musical interests strayed in different directions, causing the end of Blew Milk Soap.

"For years people were asking when we were going to get back together," Coyne said. "Finally we decided to just start jamming together again."

The band officially got back together for a special St. Patrick's Day performance at , and they have not looked back since.

"We don't have any new stuff yet because it has taken us a lot of time to re-learn the songs we wrote when we were 14," Coyne said. 

But the band has high hopes that with age comes improved and diverse musical talents, and maturity.

"We're a lot older now, so we can take it a lot more seriously," Coyne said. "We are going to start writing different stuff and making our music sharper."

As for the Big Break Contest, the members of Blew Milk Soap think they have what it takes to make it to the finals.

"Our songs are really easy for anyone to understand," Russo said. "They are honest and about having a good time in life. Any person can interpret them the way they want to."

Blew Milk Soap is up against more than 50 other bands from all over Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Beginning Monday, March 28, the Rhode Show's website will feature five bands every week to be voted on to be sent to the next round. The winning band will get a gig at Twin River, and a professionally made music video that will be aired during the finale of American Idol. 

Over the next few months, Blew Milk Soap will continue to practice the old songs and work on new material in hopes of being selected as the Rhode Show's contest winner. Blew Milk Soap's next public appearance will be Friday, April 1, at Judge Roy Bean where they will be opening for People of the Sun.