Today, the GRAMMY-nominated country trio Midland released the deluxe version of their acclaimed album Barely Blue. This expanded edition adds two new duets to the original tracklist, including “Vegas” featuring Kaitlin Butts and “Lone Star State of Mind” with Paul Cauthen. These collaborations bring fresh layers to the songs, enhancing the album’s signature blend of George Strait-inspired country music and harmony-rich vocals reminiscent of the Eagles.
The deluxe release comes on the heels of the band’s high-profile performance at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, part of their ongoing Get Lucky Tour, which will continue throughout the year. With praise rolling in from critics and fans alike, the band is showing why Barely Blue is being hailed as their best work yet.
New Tracks with Country’s Rising Stars
Mark Wystrach, Midland’s lead singer, described the newly added duet “Vegas” as an “homage to the wildest town in the world,” capturing the intensity and unpredictability of Las Vegas. Kaitlin Butts’ contribution adds a layer of raw emotion to the track, making it a memorable nod to classic cowboy songs from icons like George Strait.
Band member Cameron Duddy also spoke about their collaboration with Paul Cauthen, characterizing him as a “sonic desperado” whose larger-than-life personality is perfect for a song centered in the heart of Texas. Together, they breathe new life into “Lone Star State of Mind,” a track that celebrates the resilient spirit of the Lone Star State.
Midland – Lone Star State of Mind (Deluxe Version / Audio) ft. Paul Cauthen
A Year of Performances and Milestones
Midland kicked off Barely Blue Deluxe’s release with a live rendition of “Lone Star State of Mind” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! This performance was one of many highlights for the band, who recently celebrated a career-spanning profile in Esquire and the RIAA’s 5x PLATINUM certification of their hit song “Drinkin’ Problem.”
Their momentum continued with a recent appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, where they shared the stage with country music legends. The new tracks on Barely Blue Deluxe add even more depth to an already impressive collection of songs, which have drawn widespread acclaim.
A Blend of Timeless Country and Modern Stories
Produced by nine-time GRAMMY-winner Dave Cobb, Barely Blue Deluxe explores themes of love, loss, and resilience across its ten tracks. The band brings their signature “celestial harmonies” to the forefront while diving into the emotional tides that define the country lifestyle. There’s a vulnerability in the lyrics that allows the album to resonate deeply with listeners, breaking down traditional ideas of masculinity to reveal a raw and unguarded side.
Midland’s Continued Evolution
The deluxe album isn’t the only recent project showcasing Midland’s growth. The band recently collaborated with Orville Peck on “The Hurtin’ Kind,” a song featured on Peck’s Stampede Vol. 1 album, and contributed a cover of “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” for a tribute album to Tom Petty.
Barely Blue Deluxe Track Listing
- “Lucky Sometimes” – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Osborne
- “Barely Blue” – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Osborne
- “Better Than A Memory” – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Pete Good, Josh Osborne
- “Old Fashioned Feeling” – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Osborne
- “Vegas” – Ryan Beaver, Jeff Hyde, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell
- “Baby It’s You” – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Rian Ball, Marv Green
- “Halfway To Heaven” – Jess Carson
- “Lone Star State Of Mind” – Jess Carson, Sean Douglas, Zach Skelton
- “Vegas (featuring Kaitlin Butts)”– Ryan Beaver, Jeff Hyde, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell
- “Lonestar State of Mind (featuring Paul Cauthen)”– Jess Carson, Sean Douglas, Zach Skelton
Midland Tour Dates
- 10/19 – Brownwood, TX – Feels Like Home Festival
- 10/24 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center !
- 10/25 – Garden City, IA – Revolution Concert House !
- 10/26 – Kennewick, WA – Toyota Center !
- 11/2 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port !
- 11/29 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall !
- 11/30 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory !
- 12/6 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels @
- 12/7 – Albuquerque, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center @
- 12/19 – Austin, TX – ACL Live Moody Theater !
- 12/20 – Austin, TX – ACL Live Moody Theater !
@ – Support from Tanya Tucker
! – Support from The Wilder Blue
Midland continues to evolve their sound and expand their reach in the country music world, proving time and again that they are a band that cannot be overlooked.
