Vulnerable tracks and festival fun – chatting with Mid Drift on the cusp of Laneway
Despite what their name suggests, these Brisbane-based rockers are far from mid. Having built a following for their sun-soaked energy and laidback melodies, Mid Drift have deftly worked their way into the hearts (and headphones) of many and in less than two weeks, the female-fronted 5-piece will take to the stage at Laneway Festival. But first, we had a chat with Mid Drift guitarist George Swan about everything from the band’s upcoming EP to their musical journey so far.
We’ve been loving your most recent single, ‘Whiplash’ from your upcoming EP Good At Avoiding – what was the spark behind the song, and how does it set the tone for the EP?
‘Whiplash’ came from that feeling of being caught between pushing someone away while still keeping them close and avoiding conflict. It’s about the emotional whiplash that you cause doing that. Like most of our songs, ‘Whiplash’ is pretty direct and vulnerable. That theme runs through the whole EP and we feel it sets the tone pretty well.
The full EP is coming out next month. Are there any themes or ideas that you feel inform this collection of tracks?
The EP really focuses on avoidance. It’s about the patterns you fall into when you don’t completely deal with things properly, and how those patterns start slipping into your relationships and the way you feel about yourself. There’s a lot of self reflection in it, and moments where you realise you can’t keep repeating the same behaviours and expecting different outcomes.
You’re heading into Laneway Festival — what does playing a festival like this mean to you at this point in your journey?
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This is so huge for us. Laneway is such a staple Aussie festival and one we’ve gone to so many times as punters – it was actually the first festival I ever went too. So, being on the other side of it now feels so surreal.
Can you give us one word to describe the Mid Drift live experience?
Fun!
When you’re not on stage, are there any other Laneway acts you’re keen to catch?
Honestly we’re just excited to soak it all in. What I love about festivals is when you stumble into a set you weren’t planning to see and leave with that one being the highlight of your day. That’s what we’re most keen for.
Is there a live show or onstage moment that still stands out as a favourite memory for you?
There have definitely been a lot over the past year, but one moment that sticks out the most is the first time we experienced people singing our lyrics back at us. It feels so damn special every single time. Definitely something we’ll never take for granted.
Looking back to when Mid Drift first began, what feels most different about the band now?
I definitely think we trust ourselves more. Early on we were still figuring out who we were and what we wanted to sound like. Now we’re more comfortable following instincts and letting the songs be what they need to be.
What has been inspiring you lately, either musically or outside of music?
We’ve spent close to the last three months on tour with The Vanns. Being able to see a band of that calibre play three times a week has been a huge inspiration. Also all the people we’ve met along the way. Conversations, laughs, long drives, good food, bad food, and airports hahah. We’ve been soaking it all in!
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