Turn You On To... Midlake

I Wanna Turn You On To...

Midlake

Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Photos: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Who they are...

Tim Smith, Paul Alexander, Eric Pulido, Eric Nichelson, and McKenzie Smith.

What’s their story...

Their souls must have been lingering around the halls of Abby Road Studios in the late 60’s or early 70’s, taking very accurate notes during the specific time period when the Beatles and Pink Floyd shared the studios, while recording ‘Yellow Submarine’ and ‘Piper at the Gates of Dawn.’ It makes perfect sense to me that they recorded their first album in their home town of Denton, Texas, and then mastered it at – you guessed it – Abby Road Studios.

Actor Jason Lee (Mallrats, Dogma, Almost Famous, My Name is Earl) took the band under his wing for the release of this debut album, Bamnan and Slivercork. He even appeared with them for their first national television appearance on ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson’ in June of last year. Since they released the last record, The Trials of Van Occupanther last year, they’ve been steady touring and promoting it world-wide.

Sounds like...

Radiohead with a smudge of Built To Spill. Most articles I’ve read have compared Midlake to prog’ rock era Fleetwood Mac (minus Stevie Nicks).

Why I want to turn you onto it...

I wish that the reason for me writing about Midlake right now, was because they were playing sometime soon in Florida. Alas, they are currently touring Europe, coming back to the states for Austin City Limits in September. But, I want to turn you onto Midlake, so that you can open your ears to their unique, retro-psychedelic songs, and you can keep your eyes peeled for them in the future.

The one friend that I had in L.A. who was probably the most similar to me – or even more knowledgeable – (in terms of music taste) once gave me a few cds to check out on my own (I love this kind of homework). Midlake was one of them. Of course, I lost it sometime during my move across the country and stumbled upon it the other night when spending some quality time with myself and my music. And – wow… I’m so very thankful I did.

Their experimental use of layering different sounds throughout their music is pleasantly hypnotizing. With songs like “Kingfish Pies,” “Young Bride,” and “Golden Hour,” who wouldn’t want to roll one up and completely loose yourself in the music?

Check them out on myspace: www.myspace.com/midlake

Their main website: www.midlake.net

Appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43nXelgzfZA

Note: Since this article, Midlake appeared in Orlando, Florida on January 7, 2010 - playing a show at The Social. They are super-nice guys, all eager to hear about my passion for their music. Photos are below.