The Midway State recently released their debut record - an album full of driving beats, personal stories and engaging melodies. I recommend the track "Fireflies".. Nathan Ferraro recently took some time to tell us about the band and the project. For more on The Midway State please visit: http://www.themidwaystate.com
Thanks, Nathan.
Do you have a particular musical philosophy?
We don’t have a specific musical philosophy. We make music that we think is great at the time and we are constantly, constantly, always trying to get better and make it better. We’re never satisfied for long.
Growing up, did you want to be a musician?
I honestly learned a lot about astronomy when I was young and I wanted to be involved in that, when I turned 14 and learned to play guitar though, then I wanted to be a musician. Since 14 I’ve always wanted only to write and play music.
Did you come from a musical family?
Yes, my mom taught me to sing and play guitar a bit when I was younger, my dad, though he’d never admit it, loves poetry and words. There was always the music of Neil Young, Cat Stevens, Carol King, etc as I grew up and those are my main influences I think.
How do you define good work?
In terms of music I have to listen to it. Then inside I’ll define whether or not I think it’s any good. I don’t always give my opinion though, with art, that’s a slippery slope.
You guys are from Toronto. Do you have a favorite local place to play shows?
I grew up seeing shows at the Kool Haus, so naturally, I LOVE playing there. It’s always surreal.
The album is called “Holes”. Why?
We called the album Holes because that theme came up in so many of the songs, it was organic the way it came to be and we all felt that it fit. I can’t imagine the record being called anything else.
What was the overall tone you were going for on this record?
This was our first LP and so we didn’t have a particular tone in mind when making it. We’re a pretty melancholy and blue band, and I think that colour comes through a lot in holes, but mostly, we just try to have each song get what it wants.
Were you inspired by anything specific while you were making this record?
We recorded this record over about a 6 month period, in that time we traveled to Europe and through all of North America playing shows and what not, we met so many people and were in so many incredible places that whenever we’d get home to the studio in Toronto, mainly the down time and calmness would inspire us. Honest.
Why did you decide to do your recording in Toronto?
So we could concentrate. I’ve always been the most creative when I’m home, alone, sad, quiet. Being in another city is mostly distracting for me and all of us, we knew that we needed to be inspired and calm.
Why the decision to go with producer Gavin Brown?
We decided to work with Gavin because with him our band wouldn’t be what it is. He is our 5th member and he gets what we are trying to do.
Did the label have a vision of what they wanted this record to be?
Nope, well maybe, but we never really asked and they never told us…
What was the most challenging part of this project?
The most challenging part of making the record is finally letting go. Its saying “its done.” If it were up to me I’m not sure it’d ever really have been finished.
What is one of the defining moments of your career so far?
When I was 17 and I came in from school and before dinner I wrote Unaware. That was when I started to learn about song writing.
Who has influenced your playing style most?
I love Bruce Hornsby as a piano player.
What do you think of the new records you have heard so far this year?
MGMT is one of my new favorite bands. Their record is incredible.
Have you noticed any trends in the work?
Yes, I hear less and less guitars in music these days. But, I’m sure they’ll be back soon!
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