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Midlake

Subba talks to Midlake about Bella Union, English Folk and ZZ Top

Ex Cocteau Twin Simon Raymonde recently said on 6Music that if he hadn’t found Midlake he may have closed down Bella Union. It now flourishes and is amongst the most important independent labels of recent times. This is no small part due to this incredible Texan folk quintet. The group of music students from Denton, Texas formed in 1999. Influenced by artists such as Jethro Tull, Radiohead and Grandaddy, They followed their EP, ‘Milkmaid Grand Army, ‘with a debut album, the whimsical ‘Banman and Slivercork’ in 2004. Their quirky single ‘Balloon Maker,’ immediately marked them out as something different. This lo-fi psychedelic electronic piece found them moving more in the direction of The Flaming Lips. While their sophomore album ‘The Trials of Van Occupanther,’ told character tales and pulsated with keyboard lead harmonies, hooky guitar riffs, and driving beats. This time they looked towards Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young for inspiration. From this album came ‘Roscoe,’ a song so perfect it must surely be up there with the best songs of this decade.

Earlier this year the band came back with a much anticipated third album. They turned their eyes towards the Sixties English-folk scene. There were echoes of Fairport Convention, Pentangle, and Steeleye Span throughout. The resultant piece of work was colder and bleaker, but no less enticing. Throbbing bass lines, flutes, bells and acoustic strum featured heavily. While the beats, layers and expansive crescendos were somewhat pared down. The narrative of escaping modern society became apparent on mournful yet beautiful songs like ‘Acts of Man,’ ‘Winter Dies’ and ‘Fortune’ The title track features the couplet ‘I will never have the courage of others. I will not approach you at all. I was always taught to worry about things. All the many things you can’t control.’ In contrast to these lyrics the album is actually a very brave piece which I’m convinced will stand the test of time.

Midlake live are something to behold. I say this having seen them play in varying environments. Every time different but always deeply focussed. They both challenge and entertain the audience. Now beginning to enjoy the notoriety afforded to Fleet Foxes they recently headlined the Park stage at Glastonbury and were touted as ones to watch by industry types and fans alike. Amongst other appearances Midlake play Latitude Festival on July 10th

Eric Pullido gives us the lowdown on all things Midlake.

Why the name Midlake?
Well, the quick answer is 'Why Not!?'. But in reality, it was just a neutral name that Tim came up with that everyone could agree on. It’s hard to come up with a name that doesn’t sound silly, and even when you think you've found one, later on you feel silly! Didn't a wise man once say 'What's in a name?'

You've been releasing albums since 2004. How would you say your work has developed over the past years?
We've always worn our influences on our sleeve and are sensitive to what we're listening to and being inspired by. Whether it was Grandaddy and Radiohead in the earlier days, Fleetwood Mac and America on the last record, or now bands like Fairport Convention and Pentangle, we've always just tried to be moved by the bands we love and interpret that emotion or sound in our own voice.

I delighted in the concept of a Balloon Maker when I discovered your first album. Where did the name Banman and Slivercork come from?
It was from a note that Tim received at the music shop where he worked. A young boy was getting an instrument repaired and his bad spelling in the note he wrote to Tim became fodder for our album. I hope he didn't mind!

You were all music students and jazz musicians I believe. Did any of you consider doing anything else? Do you compete with each other as musicians?
I think everyone wanted to be in a band and make music. Now granted, the styles may have changed, but the desire was always to create something special. I think our competitive nature isn't so much with one another as it is to just make a great record. We always feel like we can do better, but I guess that's the nature of the beast.

What was the inspiration behind the characters and stories for The Trials of Van Occupanther?
Well, I'm not sure what Tim would tell you, but I think much of his writing is autobiographical. And when it’s not directly about an experience, it’s an emotion or feeling that he's had that I'm sure most everyone can relate with.

Do you see the new album as more personal in comparison to the last one and how to reconcile that with the change in style to a more traditional folk sound?
Yes I do. I think the lyrics being written in a more first person aspect make it more personal. I can see meaning in 'Van Occupanther' as well but I think it’s easier for the listener to interpret what the lyrics are about on 'Courage'. And yes, I can see the more traditional folk style in music being in line with the lyrical content.

Would you say that The Courage of Others is perhaps more of a grower than Van Occupanther?
It’s tough to say. I guess it’s contingent on the listener. I can see someone saying that though because music these days is all about 'the hit' rather than the album as a whole. This album doesn't have that aspect as much as 'Van Occupanther' so it may take more time for some.

Are there songs on that album that equate to the last one? For instance ‘Children of the Grounds.’ reminded me very much of ‘Head Home?’
We try not to compare any record to another and just let it be what it is, but I can't say that there are stand out tracks like Roscoe, Head Home, or Young Bride like people felt on the last record. I can see how 'Children of The Ground' would be considered closest to that vibe (it was written back in those days but changed a bit), but again, I try and let each album be its own.

Bella Union is turning out to be the record label of the decade. What other bands do you rate on that label?
I love the whole roster, but do have a soft spot for John Grant. We were lucky enough to record/produce with him on his latest record, and it was a wonderful experience.

What was the decision behind releasing ‘Acts of Man,’ as a single? It complements the B-side ‘Rulers Ruling All Things.’ I find this song incredibly moving and probably my favourite from the album.
Thank you! We wanted to get something out ASAP since we'd taken so long between records. We felt like it was a great way to let people in to the record and introduce them to where we were now.

The theme of the album appears to be of escaping modern society and returning to nature. Can you perhaps elaborate on this with reference to some of the songs?
Tim does write the lyrics so I apologize that he's not answering these as he could do a better job, but I know that he nor any of us worship or idolize nature. It’s just a simple and pure way to express an idea lyrically. 'Acts of Man' is a great representation of how many things that happen in this world are sad or unappealing and it makes you desire to escape. You can obviously say that in many ways, but nature has always been something Tim leans on.

Having looked to English folk bands for influence, how does what is called the nu folk scene in Britain figure on your radar? What do you think of Laura Marling, Johnny Flynn and Mumford and Sons for instance?
I think folk music of the 60s and 70s will inspire and influence music until the end of time. How you interpret those influences into your own voice is what separates your band from another. I don't think any of us are reinventing the wheel (which would be hard to do) but rather just being moved by a style and then writing some music.

You tend to promote local Texan artists like Sarah Jaffe and Stephanie Dosen who supported you on your last two tours. Do you see that as important and who helped you out when you were getting started?
We love the town that we live in (Denton, TX) and enjoy supporting and promoting many of the artists from here by taking them out on tour. Stephanie isn't actually from Texas but we love her and enjoyed touring with her back in 2007. We have toured with locals Sarah Jaffe, Robert Gomez, and Matthew and The Arrogant Sea and it was as much of a joy for us as it was for them. A band called 'Lift To Experience' from Denton were the ones that turned us on to Bella Union and we are forever grateful.

Texas certainly gathers together a wealth of the world’s musical talent as showcased at SXSW. What other Texan bands would you particularly recommend to our readers?
The list is long, but the aforementioned bands are a great place to start!

I consider Roscoe to be my favourite single of the past few years. Are you particularly proud of that song and can you tell us about the song writing process?
Yes, definitely. Songs can come about in different ways, but Tim usually has an idea of sorts that we work on together and develop. A song seems to always be a continually developing process but some come easier than others. Roscoe was one we felt really good about from the beginning, but we had to record it a few times to get it right!

I saw you recently playing at The Williamson Tunnels in Liverpool, which was certainly one of the most unusual venues I’ve ever experienced. Water was dripping on my shoulder for the entire duration of the gig. It was a damp but brilliant night. Any other unusual venues/touring experiences you can tell us about?
We've been fortunate enough to play several cool venues, but that one does stick out to me as well. Not to mention, it was really cold! We played on a small ship once in France and that one was definitely one to remember...or forget depending on how you look at it. ; )

Who particularly influenced and inspired you as young musicians?
Well my dad was a big influence because he got me into classic rock and folk music. I've always loved everything from Abba to ZZ Top so I felt like I got a good spread of music from an early age. 'The Band' is probably my all-time favourite band but the list is long of music I love.

There seems to be a significant move away from traditional indie music in Britain and a move towards folk and alt country. How do you feel about your own growing popularity? Do you feel any affinity with bands like Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Band of Horses, Blitzen Trapper at all?
I'm a fan of many of those bands, and am honoured to be considered in company with them. And although I'm aware of the similar influences that we all have, our goal is to be influenced by what moves us. Also to create something that we're proud of and hopefully others enjoy. Regardless, we are really happy and thankful of where we are and hope to continue to grow and make better music. I'll keep you posted on how that works out.

'The Courage Of Others' is out now
Catch the band on tour:
31 Oct 2010 Lemon Grove Exeter University Exeter, United Kingdom
1 Nov 2010 UEA Norwich, UNITED KINGDOM
2 Nov 2010 Roundhouse London, GB Find Tickets
5 Nov 2010 Academy Oxford, UNITED KINGDOM
6 Nov 2010 O2 Academy Leicester, UNITED KINGDOM
10 Nov 2010 Junction Cambridge, United Kingdom

myspace.com/midlake
Thanks to Johnny @ CO-OP & luke @ Bella Union

Mandy Williams