I Am So Popular: Open Letter To Jody Denberg
Southwest Parkway Prius Drive-By Was 18-Year-Old Punk
The Last Waltz Done Live At Club Deville
Album Review: The Alchemy of Sunset's 'Gold Dissolves to Gray'
EAST Interview: Beth Hempton of The WonderCraft
In an unusual turn of events, Denton's Midlake were heralded as the next big thing in the UK before anyone had really ever heard of them here in Texas. Signed to The Cocteau Twins' label Bella Union (which is also home to Explosions In The Sky), Midlake toured Europe behind lo-fi debut album Bamnan and Slivercork before returning home to create a defining work. They finally received some domestic notice with the release of 2006's The Trials Of Van Occupanther, an instant classic full of 70's guitar sounds and subdued melodies that prompted comparisons ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Blue Oyster Cult and America. The album ended up at #6 on Austinist's Top Albums of 2006 list and has received many similar accolades worldwide. We last saw the band here in Austin during SXSW 2007, but in September, the group will return to play the much bigger stage of ACL Fest in a prime Sunday afternoon slot. We recently spoke to Midlake guitarist Eric Pulido about newfound success, Lindsey Buckingham, and the differences between Texas' two most interesting music towns.
Relatively speaking, you guys are our neighbors, as you're just a few hours away in Denton. What do you think are the differences between the music scenes of Denton and Austin?
I really love both cities and music scenes, but because of Austin's size, I would think it easier to get lost in the sea of bands there. In Denton, there is a sense of community among bands and musicians that is easier to come by with the smaller population. There is so much amazing music that has come out of Denton over the years and because of the community amongst musicians, everyone promotes one another and the city, which in turn grows the scene.
How was it that you secured a foreign record deal (on Bella Union) before you found a domestic one? Was it the result of SXSW, demos, or something else?
The band Lift To Experience is from Denton and they were discovered by Simon Raymonde of Bella Union at SXSW. After hearing of their success and relationship with a label abroad, we were drawn to the opportunity to get our music out there. Andy Young from LTE sent our demos from Bamnan and Slivercork to Simon and he wrote back to us saying, "I want to have Midlake's babies." We thought that was a good thing and began a relationship that is still strong today.
We're curious if you think the 'otherness' or foreign nature of some American music is the reason that some obscure American artists become quite popular in England. We were amazed when living there to see artists like Austin's Dale Watson and Alejandro Escovedo playing at big theatres in the UK. Just wondered what your take on this is, since you've experienced similar foreign recognition and acclaim...
I do think that there is a romanticized view of Texas and the US as a whole in other countries (even though the stereotype is that we're not well liked in the world.) I think it's a common feeling though for anyone to have. I know I do it (i.e., the grass is always greener...) Regardless, I'd like to think that this facet alone wouldn't bring success for a band. But it does add to the multiple things that help you to stand out from the bazillion bands trying to make it these days. If us being tagged as 'The Bearded Boys from the Bowels of the Backwoods' causes people to check out the album, I'm cool with it.
As fans of Lindsay Buckingham, we actually got interested in Van Occupanther because of all the comparisons. How did you guys feel about Fleetwood Mac being the 'go-to' reference for the album's tonality? Was there another, better reference that everyone missed?
I love Fleetwood Mac and we've all been influenced by them greatly, so the reference is welcomed and encouraging. Although there were many influences to the album, I think Fleetwood Mac is the easiest 'go-to reference' when describing the sound. That whole era of music produced so much greatness, and set the benchmark in sound and shape for the album.
You've traditionally used a lot of video imagery in your live performances. Who decides what gets used, and what's your favorite image you've been using?
We actually have gradually tamed things a bit since the days of having a different video for each song and everything. Now, we just have a printed screen of the album cover. We may come back to the videos one day, but we felt like we couldn't make it look and feel exactly like we envisioned, so it was best to be more simple. We promote the 'less is more' ideology...for now.
How did your recent collaboration with The Chemical Brothers on "The Pills Won't Help You Now" come about?
Although none of us have actually spoken to either of the guys, we heard that they were turned on to Van Occupanther and wanted to use Tim's vocals on a track for their album. They sent him a couple of ideas to choose from and Tim wrote and recorded some vocals over one of the tracks. They dug it, and had him re-track the vocals for the final product. I think it's a beautiful song. We have actually started doing our own version live, and it's a fun one to play.
Van Occupanther has certainly resonated with many people and has really expanded the band's audience. Do you have a favorite experience from the touring or opportunities that have come about from this album?
That is difficult, because the year has really brought on some cool experiences for all of us. I think the one that sticks with me the most is when the album had first come out and we were fortunate enough to support The Flaming Lips on tour. They are some of the greatest people you will ever meet...not to mention, they're musical heroes of ours. We were supporting them in Paris, and when we finished our last song, the crowd continued to cheer. Wayne even came out and rallied the crowd some more until we came back out to play another tune. The feeling was so amazing.
Midlake have been regular visitors to Austin for SXSW shows and gigs at The Parish Room. Are you looking forward to (or dreading) playing on a hot, sunny afternoon in the enormous Zilker Park?
If I was to complain about the heat when getting the chance to play with artists like Crowded House, Bjork and Bob Dylan...slap me.
Midlake will play the Austin City Limits Festival on Sunday, September 16th at 4pm.
[Midlake Official Site]
[Midlake MySpace]
"Late Late Show" image via Midlake's MySpace page. Photographer uncredited.
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
tweet this
post to facebook
Lift To Experience were amazing.