Australian trio Middle Kids have a knack for making rich, hook-filled, down-to-earth pop tunes with a magic that evokes nostalgic adventures with mates and lazy summer afternoons. It’s a wonderful, intimate quality, and now we’ve all the more of it, with their debut album ‘Lost Friends’ about to land via Lucky Number – home to Sunflower Bean, Dream Wife, Hinds and all kinds of good stuff. Hannah Joy, Harry Day and Tim Fitz introduce their band.
You guys must be crazy excited to have your debut out soon, does it feel like it’s been a long time coming?
We’re pumped! It really does feel like a long time coming. We recorded it ourselves and with our friend Phan last year and got it mixed with Peter Katis about six months ago. Some of the album tracks have been in our set for almost a year now so it’ll be cool to play the songs live when we know people have actually heard them. I guess we’re also just excited to put out our first album, it’s kind of a mythic moment for a band.
How did you come to sign with Lucky Number? Was the album all done and dusted at that point?
We met the great people from Lucky Number on our first trip to the UK, they came to our show, and we had a nice chat. By the time we signed with them the album was essentially in the final stages of mixing. We really liked the way they interpreted what the songs and the band were about, and we couldn’t be happier about teaming up with them.
What lyrical themes do you cover across the record, have they changed much since you first started out?
The lyrical themes of Hannah’s songwriting have been pretty consistent; they really are just a reflection of her personality. She likes to deal in story-based imagery, and the songs are very relational. The lyrics often deal with pain or regret or confusion, but there is often an underlying hopefulness.
How would you like the album to make listeners feel?
Overall we think the album might make listeners feel nostalgic in a sad way and restless in a hopeful way.
What’s it like being an up-and-coming band in Australia?
The scene is quite friendly and supportive, and it’s pretty small compared to what goes on over in Europe or the USA. It’s amazing after a while because we see the same Aussie musicians out on the road or at festivals and now we’re all friends and allies. Kinda special.
What’s been the highlight of your time in Middle Kids so far?
Wow, so many. The last year has been mental. Playing sold-out shows around Australia has been a highlight. We love playing to Australian crowds, it means a lot to us, and there’s always a rebellious and fun energy in the room. We’ve supported some of our heroes like Ryan Adams and The War on Drugs, which have been special experiences. Playing festivals like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits were also incredible experiences.
Are you guys creative in non-musical ways too?
Hannah is an amazing cook and loves to work in the garden, Harry loves to write in his little book of thoughts, Tim has recently taken to putting his clothes in a scanner and photocopying the fabric, but we’re not sure if that’s creative or just pointless.
What do you do for fun?
Hang out, make stuff.
What would you most like to achieve during your music career?
We want to release an arc of albums, play for the people, and remain friends.
Recommend us some other good new bands?
Brightness, Clews and Tram Cops.
Taken from the May issue of Dork – order a copy or subscribe below. Middle Kids’ debut album ‘Lost Friends’ is out 4th May.