Middle Kids Explained

Middle Kids
Landscape:yes
Origin:Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Years Active:2016–present
Current Members:
  • Hannah Joy
  • Tim Fitz
  • Harry Day

Middle Kids are an Australian alternative indie rock band from Sydney. The group consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Hannah Joy, bass guitarist Tim Fitz, and drummer Harry Day. Since forming in 2016, the band has released their eponymous debut EP (2017), the album Lost Friends (2018), the New Songs for Old Problems EP (2019), and their second studio album, Today We're the Greatest (2021). In February 2024, they released their third album, Faith Crisis Pt 1.

Career

2016–2017: Formation and debut EP

Middle Kids originally formed after Fitz offered to produce some songs for Joy's solo project after attending a show she played. Prior to Middle Kids, Fitz was also a solo artist; he released five EPs between 2011 and 2014 under his own name. They enlisted local jazz drummer Harry Day (who went to school with Joy) for a recording session, in which they recorded their debut single, "Edge of Town".[1]

The song's radio premiere on Triple J in May 2016 was followed by a feature in Rolling Stone. Shortly after the video clip's premiere on Stereogum,[2] the song was added to Elton John's Beats 1 show.[3] The trio won FBi Radio's Northern Lights competition (which sent them to perform in Reykjavík, Iceland at the Iceland Airwaves music festival).[4]

The band recorded and released their debut self-titled EP in February 2017. They also toured with Paul Kelly and Steve Earle in November of that year.[5]

2018–2019: Lost Friends

In May 2018, the band released their debut album, Lost Friends. It was primarily recorded in their Sydney home, produced by band member Tim Fitz, and mixed by Peter Katis.

It debuted at number 10 on the ARIA Charts. A Pitchfork review described the sound as "radiant, anthemic indie rock, balancing doubt-ridden lyrics with clear-eyed execution".[6] Lost Friends was nominated for the ARIA Award for Best Rock Album at the ARIA Music Awards of 2016. It won the prestigious J Award for Australian Album of the Year.[7] The lead single "Mistake" was voted into the 2018 Triple J Hottest 100.

Middle Kids played their USA TV debut on Conan. Additionally they have performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!,[8] The Late Late Show with James Corden and Busy Tonight.[9] [10] They have played live sessions for KCRW, KEXP, KTBG,[11] WFUV, and Triple J (in which they performed a cover of "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House for Like a Version).

The band have toured extensively in the US, performing at South by Southwest, Lollapalooza, Governors Ball Music Festival, LouFest, Firefly Music Festival, Austin City Limits Fest among others.[12] [13] [14] [15] They also opened on tours for the War on Drugs,[16] Ryan Adams,[17] Cold War Kids,[3] Local Natives.[18]

The band supported Bloc Party on a European tour in 2018 and played a live session in the UK at the BBC Maida Vale Studios.

The band released the EP New Songs for Old Problems in May 2019. These were released by Domino in the US, EMI Records in Australia, and Lucky Number in the UK.[19] [20] [21]

2020–2022: Today We're the Greatest

In October 2020, Middle Kids released their first new song in 18 months, the lead single "R U 4 Me?".[22] A second single, "Questions", was issued in January alongside the announcement that their second studio album, Today We're the Greatest, would release on 19 March 2021. The record was supported by three more singles and an Australian tour beginning in May 2021.[23]

The band returned to the Triple J studio in May 2021 to perform their second Live a Version, a cover of Olivia Rodrigo's 2021 single "Drivers License".[24]

2023: Faith Crisis Pt 1

In June 2022, Middle Kids spent five weeks in Bournemouth, United Kingdom to record their third album with producer Jonathan Gilmore.[25] In June 2023, they released the lead single "Bootleg Firecracker", their first new track since 2021.[26] It was followed by "Highlands", issued in July.[27] In February 2024, Middle Kids released their third studio album, Faith Crisis Pt 1.[28] [29]

Discography

Studio albums

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
Album detailsPeak chart positions
AUS
[30] 		SCO
[31]
Lost Friends 10 —
Today We're the Greatest
  • Released: 19 March 2021[32]
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
5 87
Faith Crisis Pt 1
  • Released: 16 February 2024
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
20
[33] 		—

Extended plays

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
EP detailsPeak chart positions
AUS
Middle Kids
  • Released: 17 February 2017[34]
  • Label: Middle Kids, Universal Music Australia
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
26
New Songs for Old Problems
  • Released: 24 May 2019[35]
  • Label: Middle Kids, EMI
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
44

Singles

Title! rowspan="2" scope="col"
YearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
US
AAA
[36]
"Edge of Town"[37] 2016— Middle Kids
"Never Start"[39] 2017—
"Old River"[41] —
"Mistake"[42] 2018—
  • ARIA: Gold
Lost Friends
"On My Knees"[43] —
"Bought It"[44] —
"Don't Be Hiding"[45] —
"Real Thing"[46] 2019—New Songs for Old Problems
"R U 4 Me?"[47] 202036Today We're the Greatest
"Questions"202135
"Cellophane (Brain)"[48] —
"Stacking Chairs"[49] —
"Today We're the Greatest"[50] —
"Bootleg Firecracker"[51] 2023—Faith Crisis Pt 1
"Highlands"[52] 36
"Dramamine"[53] 27
"Driving Home for Christmas"[54] —
"Bend"[55] —Faith Crisis Pt 1
"Terrible News"[56] 2024—

Awards and nominations

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music.! |-| 2018| Lost Friends| Best Rock Album| ||-| 2021| Today We're the Greatest| Best Rock Album| | [57] [58]

J Awards

The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J.

! |-| 2018| Lost Friends| Australian Album of the Year| | [59] |-| 2021| Today We're the Greatest| Australian Album of the Year| | [60] [61] |-| 2023| "Bootleg Firecracker"| Australian Video of the Year| | [62]

National Live Music Awards

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia's diverse live industry, celebrating the success of the Australian live scene. The awards commenced in 2016.|-| 2017[63] [64] | Middle Kids| International Live Achievement (Group)| |-| 2019[65] [66] | Middle Kids| Live Indie / Rock Act of the Year| |-

Notes and References

  1. Web site: From Overnight Success To The Set Of 'Conan', Middle Kids Are Going The Distance. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20170708184506/https://themusic.com.au/interviews/all/2017/02/22/middle-kids-hannah-joy-brynn-davies/. 8 July 2017. themusic.com.au. 19 September 2017.
  2. Web site: Middle Kids – "Edge Of Town" Video . 1 June 2016. Stereogum. 16 December 2019.
  3. 10 New Artists You Need to Know Now. 21 April 2017. Rolling Stone. 16 December 2019.
  4. Web site: Middle Kids in Iceland: Video & Photos from FBi's Northern Lights winners. 16 November 2016. FBi Radio. 16 December 2019.
  5. Web site: Radojkovic . Mick . Paul Kelly, Steve Earle, Middle Kids @ Sydney Opera House . theMusic.com.au . Handshake Media . 12 February 2021.
  6. Web site: Middle Kids. Pitchfork. 16 December 2019.
  7. Web site: J Awards 2018. www.abc.net.au. 16 December 2019.
  8. Web site: Watch Middle Kids kill their US TV return on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Newstead. Al. 27 April 2018. triple j. 16 December 2019.
  9. Web site: The Late Late Show with James Corden: Armie Hammer/Amber Heard/Middle Kids/Cardi B. IMDb.com. 13 December 2019.
  10. Web site: r/indieheads - [FRESH PERFORMANCE] Middle Kids - Edge of Town (Live on Busy Tonight)]. reddit. 16 December 2019.
  11. Web site: Middle Kids 'The Full Session' 90.9 The Bridge in Studio. 31 January 2021. YouTube.
  12. Web site: World Cafe Next: Middle Kids. NPR.org. 17 September 2017.
  13. Web site: Sydney Band Middle Kids Have Won FBi's Northern Lights Competition . 1 September 2016. musicfeeds.com.au. 17 September 2017.
  14. Web site: Middle Kids. SXSW.com. 17 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170918021923/https://www.sxsw.com/artist/middle-kids/. 18 September 2017. dead.
  15. Web site: Middle Kids – "Edge Of Town" Video . 1 June 2016. stereogum.com. 17 September 2017.
  16. Web site: Middle Kids are Aussie music's next big thing. 3 May 2018. The West Australian. 16 December 2019.
  17. Web site: Live Review: Ryan Adams + Middle Kids – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne (26.05.17). the AU review. 17 September 2017.
  18. Web site: Local Natives + Middle Kids @ Theatre Rialto - 28th May 2019. 29 May 2019. Montreal Rocks. 16 December 2019.
  19. Web site: Middle Kids Arrive with Ambition on Epic Debut Single. Rolling Stone Australia. 17 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063943/http://rollingstoneaus.com/music/post/middle-kids-arrive-with-ambition-on-epic-debut-single/3752. 18 September 2017. dead.
  20. Web site: Middle Kids EP. dominorecordco.us. 17 September 2017.
  21. Web site: Middle Kids - New Songs For Old Problems. Dork. 16 December 2019.
  22. Web site: Langford . Jackson . 15 October 2020 . Middle Kids return with new single 'R U 4 Me?' . 16 October 2023 . NME . en-AU.
  23. Web site: Gallagher . Alex . 14 January 2021 . Middle Kids Announce New Album 'Today We're The Greatest' And Tour, Share New Single . 16 October 2023 . Music Feeds . en-US.
  24. Web site: 21 May 2021 . Middle Kids cover Olivia Rodrigo for Like A Version . 16 October 2023 . Triple J . en-AU.
  25. Web site: Stokes . Grace . 30 August 2022 . Middle Kids Discuss Recording Their New Unreleased Album, Touring With Friends & Eating Dodgy Pies . 16 October 2023 . Scenestr . en-gb.
  26. Web site: Deville . Chris . 30 May 2023 . Middle Kids – 'Bootleg Firecracker' . 16 October 2023 . Stereogum.
  27. Web site: Lochrie . Conor . 27 July 2023 . Middle Kids Make 'Yearncore' Music on New Single 'Highlands' . 16 October 2023 . Rolling Stone Australia.
  28. Web site: 18 October 2023 . Faith Crisis Pt 1 . 18 October 2023 . JB Hi-Fi.
  29. Web site: 18 October 2023 . We are SO proud and excited to announce our new album…Faith Crisis Pt 1... . 18 October 2023 . Instagram.
  30. Web site: Discography Middle Kids . Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien. 2 May 2019.
  31. Web site: Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100: 26 March 2021 – 1 April 2021. Official Charts Company. 27 March 2021.
  32. Web site: Middle Kids announce new album, 'Today We're the Greatest' . . 14 January 2021 . 15 January 2021 . Jackson, Langford.
  33. Web site: ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart. Australian Recording Industry Association. 26 February 2024. 23 February 2024.
  34. Web site: Middle Kids announce debut EP, drop new single . IINAG . 18 January 2017 . 15 January 2021 . Jay, Deborah.
  35. Web site: Middle Kids announce New Songs for Old Problems EP, share 'Real Thing': Stream . . 28 March 2019 . 13 April 2019. Corcoran, Nina.
  36. Adult Alternative Airplay - January 23, 2021. 7 February 2020. Billboard.
  37. Web site: Middle Kids - Edge of Town. YouTube. May 2016. 2 February 2021.
  38. Web site: Feb Single Accreds 2024. ARIA. March 2024. 18 March 2024.
  39. Web site: Middle Kids Are Off to a Flier on "Never Start". DIY Mag. 17 January 2017. 2 February 2021.
  40. Web site: ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2019 Singles. ARIA. 8 February 2020.
  41. Web site: Middle Kids - Old River (Official Video). YouTube. April 2017. 2 February 2021.
  42. Web site: Middle Kids Newest Single "No Mistake" . indiebandguru. February 2018. 2 February 2021.
  43. Web site: Middle Kids find beauty in disappointment on fierce new song "On My Knees". thelineofbestfit. April 2018. 2 February 2021.
  44. Web site: Check Out New Song "Bought It" from Middle Kids. thelefortreport. April 2018. 2 February 2021.
  45. Web site: Middle Kids Share "Don't Be Hiding" Video Ahead of US Tour. noise11. 27 June 2018. 2 February 2021.
  46. Web site: First Spin: Middle Kids give us the first taste of brand new mini-album with "Real Thing". ABC. 29 March 2019. 2 February 2021.
  47. Web site: R U 4 Me? – Single by Middle Kids on Apple Music. Apple Music. 14 October 2020. 16 October 2020.
  48. Web site: Middle Kids Share New Single, "Cellophane (Brain)". Rolling Stone Australia. 11 February 2021. 11 February 2021.
  49. Web site: Sinlgles to Radio issues 1331. The Music Network. 5 March 2021. 5 March 2021.
  50. Web site: Middle Kids share "Today We're the Greatest" title track with stunning new video. NME Australia. 17 March 2021. 22 November 2021.
  51. Web site: 2 June 2023 . Dom Dolla, Tove Lo & More: This Week's Best New Music . 2 June 2023 . The Music.
  52. Web site: Middle Kids Make "Yearncore" Music on New Single 'Highlands' . Rolling Stone Australia. 27 July 2023. 31 July 2023.
  53. Web site: Middle Kids – "Dramamine" . Stereogum. 18 October 2023. 18 October 2023.
  54. Web site: EXCLUSIVE: Middle Kids Share Festive Single 'Driving Home For Christmas'. The Music. 9 November 2023. 9 October 2023.
  55. Web site: Middle Kids – “Bend”. StereoGum. 30 November 2023. 1 December 2023.
  56. Web site: 11 January 2024 . Middle Kids Share 'Terrible News' As Final Single Before Album Release . 11 January 2024 . Music Feeds . en-US.
  57. Web site: ARIA Awards nominees revealed: Amy Shark & Genesis Owusu lead the charge . . 20 October 2021 . 24 October 2021 . Kelly, Vivienne . https://web.archive.org/web/20211020000045/https://themusicnetwork.com/2021-aria-awards-nominees/ . 20 October 2021 . live.
  58. Web site: Genesis Owusu, The Kid Laroi, Spacey Jane, RÜFÜS DU SOL big winners at the 2021 ARIA Awards in partnership with YouTube Music . Australian Recording Industry Association . 24 November 2021 . 24 November 2021 .
  59. Web site: The J Award 2018. Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2018. 15 August 2020.
  60. Web site: Triple j reveals J Awards nominees. The Music Network. 1 November 2021. 1 November 2021. Kelly, Vivienne.
  61. Web site: Genesis Owusu leads this year's 2021 J Awards winners. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 18 November 2021. 20 November 2021.
  62. Web site: Check out all the nominees for the 2023 J Awards . Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 1 November 2023. 1 November 2023.
  63. Web site: NLMA reveal 2017 Nominees. NLMA. 9 October 2017. 5 September 2020.
  64. Web site: Winners 2017. NLMA. December 2016. 5 September 2020.
  65. Web site: HERE ARE YOUR 2019 NATIONAL LIVE MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES!. NLMA. 22 October 2020. 5 September 2020.
  66. Web site: AND THE WINNERS OF THE 2019 NATIONAL LIVE MUSIC AWARDS ARE…. NLMA. 5 December 2020. 5 September 2020.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Middle Kids".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.