New Album Release
Today, the GRAMMY®-nominated trio Midland releases their highly anticipated album Barely Blue, produced by the talented Dave Cobb and distributed via Big Machine Records. The official music video for the title track is also available, offering a glimpse into the album’s emotive essence. This heartbreak anthem captures the nostalgic vibe of ‘70s Laurel Canyon while infusing it with a touch of hopeful melancholy.
Exploring the Heart of Barely Blue
“‘Barely Blue’ is the title track of our new album which really colors the foundation and emotion of this rollicking, melancholic collection of songs with a backbeat and memorable choruses. The song itself is almost like a ‘70s country disco dance track meant to be played loud in the club or at the party,” shares Mark Wystrach, lead singer of the group.
Jess Carson elaborates on the album’s journey, stating, “Barely Blue is a destination album. We went East, past Nashville this time to an idyllic island outside of Savannah, Georgia that inspired Johnny Mercer to write ‘Moon River.’ We took a collection of songs we had written over the course of a few years and recorded them live in the studio with Dave Cobb. There was a spirit there that comes through on the album, recording late into the night, taking breaks to sit by a fire around the intercoastal waterway. It is the ‘storybook South’ as Dave calls it, with Spanish moss hanging from Live Oak trees. There’s a timeless feeling there that I like to think these songs share. It is our most human album yet; we didn’t go for a slick perfection. Instead, what you get is a musical journey of the heart.”
Watch the Video
Celebrating the Album’s Launch
Last week, Midland marked a significant moment with their national television debut, performing “Lone Star State of Mind” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. They kicked off the album release week with a career-spanning feature in Esquire and celebrated the RIAA 5x PLATINUM certification of their hit “Drinkin’ Problem” at the Grand Ole Opry. Additionally, they held a special preview event for fans in East Nashville, where rising star Kaitlin Butts joined them for a rendition of “Vegas.”
The band also launched their cross-country Get Lucky Tour and will hold an album release show tonight in Chicago, with future performances scheduled at iconic venues such as Red Rocks on October 12 and ACL Live in Austin, TX on December 19 and 20. For a complete list of tour dates, visit their website.
Critical Acclaim
The new album has been met with enthusiasm from notable outlets including Billboard, Holler, Rolling Stone, Music Row, and BrooklynVegan, among others.
Produced by the nine-time GRAMMY-winner, this eight-song collection showcases the trio’s signature celestial harmonies. Lead singer Mark Wystrach, bassist Cameron Duddy, and guitarist Jess Carson delve into themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and the complexity of love and loss, offering a refreshing take on masculinity.
Earlier this year, Midland collaborated with Orville Peck on “The Hurtin’ Kind,” featured on Peck’s duets album Stampede Vol. 1. They also released a cover of “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” for the star-studded Petty Country album.
