NASHVILLE, TN — In the new issue of Entertainment Weekly, Austin-based trio Midland is hailed as one of ten recording artists “Who Will Rule 2017.” The endorsement from one of the most trusted entertainment news publications comes just as SiriusXM’s The Highway selects the band’s debut single, “Drinkin’ Problem,” as a “Highway Find” in advance of its official radio debut in late February.
Made up of singer Mark Wystrach, lead guitarist Jess Carson and bass player Cameron Duddy,Midland is the embodiment of Seventies California country, all smooth Eagles harmonies and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics. (See an introductory video to the band here).
“Drinkin’ Problem” evokes Gary Stewart — one of Midland’s biggest inspirations, along with Merle Haggard — as Wystrach croons, “They call it a problem, I call it a solution / just sitting here with all my grand illusions.“
“It’s talking about something that’s real, but it’s told in a way that it can be tongue-in-cheek, depending on how the audience experiences it,” says Wystrach.
The three friends are currently keeping the roads hot as they travel the country in an old RV while opening for Aaron Lewis on his SINNER TOUR.
After releasing their Dann Huff and Shane McAnally-produced EP in late October, Midland was met with praise from Rolling Stone Country who labeled the band as an “Artist You Need To Know” citing their sound as “Solid. Country. Gold.”