Not many bands come around these days that mirror The Midway States' attitudinal approach to music. It can certainly be heard within their musical progression. Starting out with a simple acoustic guitar, a pen, a pad and passion, the band has translated into something bigger; something that is expected. These expectations are not vested in every band, but only in the bands where every song heard dazzles you more; amazes you more and brings you to the realization that these are the kids destined to make music.
That is where the expectations are pledged; applied unconsciously through the emotions that tingle up your spine upon each listen. Today, kids starting bands in their youths begin with money signs in their eyes, not the dreams of creating music that will somehow touch someone; not with the dreams of growing in writing and earning respect from the people they look up to. Dream of arenas and mansions should really be dreams of relevant art and identifiable music - these dreams separate true artists whose every breath emits music from the less passionate.
You get this impression from each member of The Midway State. Their goals have never been rooted in commercial viability, but in the viability of music's potency. From the potency of personal therapy to simply loosing yourself in the music, The Midway State’s continued goal is to make music that challenges themselves, but appeals to people: the battle between self-interest and relevance.
Their ambition and unyielding passion has been illustrated over the past year with a coast-to-coast Canadian tour that dipped down to the US. Let it be known that this was achieved at the ages of 17 and 18, all with independent support. Selling over 400 shirts and 1000 demo CD's and playing non-stop all summer, the band is back with a new demo to show what they have learned from months in the van; foodless days and a uniting bond between the band that a first tour brings. Take note of the new boundaries they are venturing into, writing a few surprising tracks fans may not be ready for, but expect from these kids. Another chapter written, chalk full of progression and the need to grow.
- Shawn Buckle
