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.

Click here to view previous Band Spotlights.