Midlake

Midlake formed in 1999 in Denton, Texas, of the idea of six Jazz students from the University of North Texas, a sextet that their main keyboardist, Evan Jacobs, left the following year because of his departure for Austin and which Eric Nichelson (Guitare / Claviers) was acting in, finally full time. The band was composed, in addition to Eric, Paul Alexander (Basse / Claviers), Eric Pulido (Guitare / Claviers / Chant), Tim Smith (Chant / Claviers / Guitar), McKenzie Smith (Battery) and Jason Upshaw (Guitare). The latter is only one year in training. In 2001, Midlake published its first ep in self-production, Milkmaid Grand Army, which sold 1,000 copies on their different dates in their country. Hence, they draw the attention of Simon Raymonde ( Cocteau Twins , This Mortal Coil , Running Craze ) who signs them on the English label Bella Union ( Explosions In The Sky , Susanne Sundfør , Laura Veirs , The Dears ...). After a few concerts in Europe, Midlake released his first album in 2004, Bamnan And Slivercork . The musicians also receive the support, non-negligible, of actor Jason Lee (My Name Is Earl, Dogma, Vanilla Sky) in the post of supporter, promoter and collaborator since he makes the video of the single Balloon Maker. Finally, abandoning its psychedelic delusions, the band produced in 2006 what proved to be, despite this change, the album of the consecration: The Trials Of Van Occupanther with fewer keyboards, more acoustic guitars, electric guitars, piano, for a result resolutely turned towards the 1970s. A follow-up was given to him in 2010 with the album The Courage Of Others and Midlake at the Veilles Charrues festival the same year. Little line-up change in 2012 with the departure of Tim Smith, but the arrival of Jesse Chandler (Claviers / Piano / Flute) and Joey McClellan (Guitare) redynamizes the band that composes Antiphon that released in 2013 at Bella Union and Ato Records. Almost ten years without news from the band, Midlake returned with the album For The Sake Of Bethel Woods in 2022.