Band Spotlight: Midlake
This week’s Band Spotlight features Midlake, a band I can only think of describing as really, really wonderful. (Big thanks to BTD Greg for recommending them.) Read on to learn more about them, in their own words.
Band name: 
Midlake
Band members:
Tim Smith, Eric Pulido, Paul Alexander, Eric Nichelson, McKenzie Smith
Websites:
www.midlake.net
Formed in:
1999
Location:
Denton, TX
Genre/sound:
Rock/Pop/Folk
For fans of:
Fleetwood Mac, CSNY, America
Best description you’ve heard of your music:
reminiscent of 70′s Classic Folk Rock Era
Describe your best (or worst!) live performance:
Paris, France with the Flaming Lips. We opened for the Lips and the Paris crowd was amazingly enthusiastic during our set, even showing to be familiar with our music. They cheered for an encore which we were happy to do. Was an encouraging experience to say the least.
Releases:
2004 – Bamnan and Slivercork, 2006 – The Trials of Van Occupanther
Tell us about the song(s) you’re providing: Roscoe – Roscoe was written during the recording of the album and was probably the sixth song recorded. The lyrics are fairly straight forward with no real need for an explanation. I will say 1891 was the year Prokofiev (Tim’s favorite classical composer) was born (check out ‘symphony No. 5 – especially the adagio. Also, ‘Peter and the Wolf’). I won’t say much more about it as to keep the mystery alive that one might have with it.
What’s your local music scene like? Is it an influence on you?
Denton is a very musical town with the University of North Texas being here and it having such a great arts and music program. Partially due to that, Denton has grown a great rock scene which has helped grow several cool bands. The edification of a town like Denton is always nice to have.
Upcoming show dates:
www.midlake.net
So there you have it! Check out Midlake’s “Roscoe” in the radio.blog.
Also, a video contest is being held for their song “It Covers the Hillsides,” details can be found here.
There is also a video series for their most recent release, details of which can be found here and here.
If you’d would like to recommend a band to be spotlighted, or if you’re in a band that would like to be spotlighted, drop me an email at susan@kulturblog.com.
Thanks Midlake — and thanks BTD Greg for the suggestion, they sound pretty darned cool.
Comment by Supergenius — October 3, 2006 @ 4:03 pm
I’ve been meaning to pick up their album for about two months now. I’ve heard nothing but great things about this band.
Comment by BTD Greg — October 3, 2006 @ 4:15 pm
The album is really, really good, Greg. An instant favorite for me. Do you have their first one? I’m wondering how it compares.
Comment by Susan M — October 3, 2006 @ 4:29 pm
I don’t own it, but I’ve listened to a fair bit of it. It’s got much more of a Flaming Lips/Grandaddy/Radiohead vibe. Very electronicky/guitars. I like the way this new stuff sounds.
Comment by BTD Greg — October 3, 2006 @ 6:21 pm
Here is a link to a concert they put on in Europe. Scroll down a few tics and you’ll find it, or type in Midlake in the search bar. There’s other really cool concerts on this website too.
http://www.fabchannel.com/
Comment by Dallin I — October 3, 2006 @ 8:52 pm
[...] I just posted a band spotlight on this band, but I can’t resist reviewing their album as well. This might be my record of the year. [...]
Pingback by Kulturblog » Three albums I’ve been listening to all month: The Decemberists, Built to Spill, and Midlake — October 12, 2006 @ 11:20 am
Fantastic music¡ however, when I heard this band I found the music and, especially vocals, very reminiscent of A-ha. Yes, this is not a bad thing,A-ha is probably the most underated band in the world (well, they have received the Q-inspiration award 2006), and for me (and I hope that for most people) is a good new that music similar to those performed by a-ha is now very cool and very good for the critics.
Midlake is one of the best sounds at the moment, congratulations¡
Comment by Emilio — November 17, 2006 @ 5:36 am
[...] Susan M: 1. Midlake — The Trials of Van Occupanther. I once mentioned to a friend that there is some music I wish I could gather up in my arms and squeeze so tightly that it sinks into my body, into my bones, and becomes a part of me, so that I could carry it around with me all the time. I don’t feel that way about Midlake’s Trials—because it actually happened. I hear these songs inside me all the time. I wake up at night and hear them in my head. You can learn more about them here and here. [...]
Pingback by Kulturblog » KB Panel: Top 3 Albums of 2006 — December 13, 2006 @ 12:48 pm