Here’s a band clearly with an abundance of ideas, the bravery to step beyond standard structures and the creative ability to interweave a pathway through. They’re an Aussie trio made up of Hannah and Harry (two classically trained musicians) and Tim. Middle Kids are fresh blood in the indie-pop world; their debut EP was recorded in their house and it’s due out soon, with singles Your Love and Edge of Town already getting music lovers buzzing with anticipation. Hannah Joy spoke with The Echo.
As solo artists, what was the impetus to come together as a band?
None of us had any friends so we started a band and now we each have a few friends.
How does it change the way your write songs?
There’s a great collaborative dynamic where different ideas come together and create something special OR create tension (which then hopefully resolves and eventually creates something better).
How do you three write together, or work up a song from the get-go to the studio, or the stage?
We have a loose process. Hannah writes songs and starts recording parts, Tim comes in and makes a huge mess, and then we get Harry on the track to finish it off like a fresh coat of paint.
How has the support of stations such as Triple J and FBi Radio helped build your following?
Triple J and FBi are wonderful supporters of local music, and their support is a huge factor in helping get our music out there. We count ourselves very fortunate that these stations exist.
Home recordings used to be called ‘demos’ but now they’re the actual release. What is it about the sound you get in a home studio that you might not get in a fancy high-end recording studio?
The home-studio sound is very immediate and raw, and there is a lot of room for spontaneity. It’s easier to sound unique because you just won’t be able to pull off sounds that a studio could, so you end up with things that sound new. We like the studio as well though!
What is the music you come home to listen to after a long day?
The gentle hum of the kettle.
What are some of your highlights so far?
We’ve loved being on the road together! We feel super lucky to have been able to play music in different places along with some really great bands we admire. But in a more real, powerful way, some of the best highlights have been the different burgers we’ve eaten around the world.
What about the weirdest thing to happen at a gig?
We were playing at a venue where whenever Tim played a note on the bass guitar it would turn the wall light off so throughout the whole set the light was going nutso in response to his massive grooves.
What should we expect for your show at Falls Festival?
Seven songs at four minutes each and two minutes of banter and high kicks to take us to our 30-minute set time.
Middle Kids play Falls Byron, Sunday 1 January.
