We are The Midnight. Our new album Monsters is out today and we just announced our 2021 Europe and U.K. headline tour. Ask us anything!
Hi, we are Tyler Lyle and Tim McEwan - collectively known as The Midnight. We met by chance in LA a few years ago and have been putting out music together ever since. Our 4th album MONSTERS came out today and we just announced our 2021 headline tour of Europe and the U.K. We have the best fans in the world and we are excited that everyone is here. Ask us anything!
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Hey everyone! If you want to put on your comfy pants, grab a beverage and get Monsters cued up. We'll all press play together at start time (that's 1pm for me on the East Coast/ 10am PST/ whatever time zone you're in). THIS IS YOUR FIVE MINUTE WARNING. We can't wait!
That's all, folks! Thank you to everyone who joined! You all rock and we love you!
- Tim & Tyler
Hey, guys! Hope you're doing well and congrats on releasing Monsters. It kept me up way past my bedtime last night because I couldn't stop listening to it. :)
Which song was the most meaningful to you or most enjoyable to make off the new album and why?
Are there any VSTs or instruments that are imperative to making your music? Or any that you would recommend to aspiring synthwave/outrun musicians?
Cheers! Hoping to see you guys live someday. :)
My fav part is trying to convey the exact emotion that the song or track makes me feel. That's always the challenge.
My fav VSTs are Serum, Zebra2, Spire, TAL-U-NO-LX, Diva and the Roland Cloud Jupiter 8 and Juno 106 emulations. But my new NEW fav synth is U-He's emulation of the Prophet 5 "Repro 5". KILLER for retro and vintage warms sounds. hands down my fav synth at the moment. - Tim
Hey guys, huge fan here. Just wanted to say that in spite of all the mixed reviews I’m seeing, I totally get what you’re doing with Monsters. The wonder of childhood innocence is gone and has been replaced by the melancholic growing pain of the transition to adulthood.
Saw you guys in concert last year in LA at the Novo and that was the inspiration to start my synthwave project Shadowrunner.
Tim, as a producer, if you had one piece of advice that you could give yourself when you were younger, what would it be?
Edit: I also have to gush a bit about Helvetica. I must have listened to this track like 17 times now.
We know you! You have great tunes!
We knew going in that there was a very particular type of fan who wasn't going to love this album. BUT we really love Tango in The Night and Lo-fi Hip Hop and World Music and Nirvana and sappy happy love songs. We're a 'combine not confine' kind of band. We'll make those fans happy too, but we need to stretch the boundaries of our sound at this point in our journey. First to see who'll stretch with us and Second to see what's hiding inside of us that we haven't been able to see until now.
-Tyler
Wow! Thanks so much Tyler!! Means the world coming from you!!
And yeah, that’s basically what I’ve been telling people. Artists can’t and shouldn’t stay in a box. Inspiration needs to be followed to retain authenticity. Just because you guys are essentially (in my opinion) the original driving force behind the genre doesn’t mean you should be slaves to its arbitrary parameters. Expectations are meant to be broken and ceilings are meant to be shattered. I think you guys have accomplished this with Monsters and, even as a typically curmudgeony critic, I’m enjoying it more each time through.
Thanks for the reply and can’t wait to see you guys in LA again! 💜
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Question for Tim - did you mix the new album yourself?
The quality of the mix for Monsters was really great (especailly Dream Away)
Yes, this album was produced and mixed by myself. Mastering was done by the amazing Emily Lazar at The Lodge Mastering. Thank you! I spent time on Dream Away, one of my favs on the album. - Tim
I would love for another sonic academy of that session. The comeback kid tutorial helped me a ton!
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"we are mostly wasted time, half asleep and half divine, waiting for the faintest light, waiting for these wounds to heal. We're never as lost or as found as we think we are" -Tyler
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Question not limited to Tyler.
Would you rather fight one hundred duck sized Tims, or one Tim sized duck? What would be your first plan of attack? No weapons, only wit and strength.
haha. This is the stuff of nightmares! I was once attacked by a goose sized goose when I was a child, and It's always left me with a knee jerk fear of water fowl. One hundred duck sized Tims would be worth it for the photo op alone -Tyler
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Hey! I love your music so much. Crystalline basically got me hooked on the entire genre.
I wanted to ask how you guys think some of the new musical directions and chances you all took with Monsters will influence future music? Basically, what did you lean and what, if anything, will you take into the next album, sound/vibe wise?
I love tracks off Monsters like Dream Away with that unique chant/string across the tune, and Fire in the Sky with the more moving beats (best way I could describe it), but I also love the more traditional The Midnight sounds like Prom Night.
Also, I might be way off the mark here, but is Brooklyn about a potential jumper? The deep sign in the beginning and talk about looking towards the city and things getting better, just give me that vibe.
Any way, thanks for this! Huge fan! Best live show I’ve ever been to! Hope to see you all back on tour once this nonsense clears up in the world!
When I moved to New York, I didn't know anything about the neighborhoods and was basically scared of everything, so I moved into a big glass tower in Brooklyn. I had a crazy view of Manhattan from my roof and my bedroom was on the 25th floor and looked out over Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene. A lot of that imagery does have a lot to do with heights and the hallucinatory impression the lights at night give you about the city- that coupled with just the sheer difficulty of living in such a challenging city. I was thinking about a couple who might not make it, but the song is definitely about the tension of floating or falling. I think the jumper question fits. Thanks for listening close to the lyrics. -Tyler
Thank YOU for all your amazing music. I can 100% listen to most tracks and get swept up in the imagery.
Tracks like Brooklyn and Prom Night really hit me where I live. “We’ll never pass this way again” really rings true to taking those life changing risks.
Thanks for bringing awesome tunes into my world.
First off, Tim here, I think i can speak for Tyler and say that Brooklyn definitely not about a jumper! But I'll let him explain in his own words.
Glad you're digging the new album! Those are some of my fav tracks. Dream Away is a big homage to the 90s wave of world music influenced electronic music like Deep Forest and Enigma. Also a little hint of "Liberian Girl" in the form of those mallet stabs. Tim
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Crystalline is also my favorite track, but I love their entire first album. They do such a great job with mixing nostalgic electronic sounds with the saxophone.
Deep Blue is probably my favorite song on Monsters because of this.
I hope we get more sax stuff in the future. I was disappointed that the previous album was lacking it entirely, so I'm glad to hear it make an (albeit brief) appearance in this album.
YOU WON THE GOLDEN TICKET! (Seriously, we were wondering who would be the first person to put these together). Fire & Water. Half in Dark Half in Light. These are mirror image love stories that swallow our narrator (does he ever learn?). Expand that concept of duality to track listing and production. Assume you're "looking through a mirror darkly." Also, get out your Tarot deck. Let me know how many songs are written through the lens of the Major Arcana. Deep Blue is Cups. Fire in The Sky is Wands. They're both the Tower. I've said too much.
-Tyler
Have you guys ever thought about short experiences that link in with your albums? Like possibly a VR bedroom from Monsters or a short film using primarily your music. Your music gives me tons of ideas for short films!
If you guys are ever able to come to Oregon beers/drinks are on me!
I LOVE the short film idea with their music being the OST. Already have chills thinking about it!
I may have written a bit in my spare time. Their music just gives you that feeling of longing/nostalgia and I can’t help but be inspired!
Have you guys been approached to have your music in television shows or films? If show runners with a great story and aesthetic approached you to use your music, or even produce, what’s the likelihood you would do it?
Hey Guys! Just got my download off Bandcamp and for some reason only the initial singles are 24bit/96kHz (America Online, Dance With Somebody, Prom Night and Deep Blue) while the rest are at 16bit/44.1kHz. Any idea why this might be? An error I hope? Would love to get the whole thing in high-rez. Thanks for the music!
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Hey guys, thanks for Monsters I'm loving it so far.
I'm interested to know if you have grand roadmap set out for your work?
Obviously Kids and Monsters seem connected in a cool esoteric way that you've spoken about before, but do you already know what your next album is going to be based around? For example: will it hit upon the dreaded annals of adulthood now that adolescence has been conquered?
And if so, once you've told this story in your mind(s), will you bring the band to an end? Or start a brand new story.
Thanks, and please keep up the good work. Can't wait to see you in London next year.
Well, there's the theme, and there's the execution of the theme. Monsters is an examination of the half in darkness, half in lightness war of individualization through adolescence, but we want to paint as many interesting angles as we can. What's next I think will genuinely surprise everyone, and I swear it's not what you think. -Tyler
Well, you'll just have to wait and see, won't you, Mr. Darclink............ *twirls mustache*
-Tim
Hi guys! Love your music and you as people. Always an inspiration.
One big question I had was about the decision to have a “universe” of sorts, with Kids and now Monsters taking place in that world sonically and through the artwork. How did that come to be? Any specific point where you wanted to do it?
Bonus: any landmarks/locations you’d like to visit someday whether it’s touring or not?
Would love it if you guys came to Kansas City once the world gets back on track and touring is a thing again!! Also you should totally make stickers to sell as merch, I’d buy so many. Love you dudes! :)
Or patches for a battle vest? I really want some Midnight 80s themed patches!!!
I'm a Joseph Campbell nerd. It only makes sense if you build a world around it. The hero needs to come from somewhere.
KC! Corona willing, we'll see you next year? fingers crossed? -Tyler
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LA revealed itself so quickly to me. I immediately got it. The sun. The nature. The quality of light. In Los Angeles, everyone brags about how lucky they are to live there. In New York, everyone seems to brag about how hard it is to live there. There is a toughness and a drive to NYC that took a long time to get used to. I think every place exists alongside whatever season you happen to be in. LA taught me lightness and New York taught me work. As a dad & husband in a creative industry, the nature of LA appeals to me more than the social aspects of New York do, but if I'd grown up there, I'm sure I'd have different feelings about it. -Tyler
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Hey there, Tim and Tyler! Love your art!
My wife and I got married in Vegas, 2018, and one of our songs is Lost & Found. We watched you guys in The Fonda Theatre the same week and you guys made our night closing the show with the song! This was the best wedding gift ever.
My question is: when you guys came up on stage you seemed overwhelmed by the crowd. Was it, untill then, the biggest crowd you got? If not, where it was and how did you guys feel?
Love from Brazil!
The Fonda show was a massive one for us. It was the first one where we felt like "ok. we gotta try to start getting used to this." It was a hometown show, but it was one of the early ones. A milestone for sure. Congrats on your wedding! Lost & Found was written about the lady who became my wife, so I'm glad the spirit lives on. -Tyler
Wow! That makes everything so much better now! Thanks for the reply!
You guys give back so much for us!
Last thing: I was really happy when you guys reposted my stories on Instagram for the One Heart Live (I was the guy with all the albums and The Midnight Jacket in front of the Tv).
Keep up the wonderful job!
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Definitely our biggest crowd at that point! And playing live shows was very new to us then so it was all a lot but we felt you guys love and you helped lift us up. So thank you! - Tim
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Hi The Midnight!
Just got through my first listen of Monsters and I’m loving it!
My husband and I got married last year and The Years and Los Angeles were our two meaningful songs in the our wedding.
I noticed some hip hop vibes on some of the tracks on the new album. Where did that inspiration come from?
I took a lot of inspiration from LoFi and Vaporwave, which is what I listen to a lot. - Tim
Hey Tim and Tyler - happy release day! MONSTERS is living up to--nah, it exceeded--all of my expectations. Thank you, dudes!
What bands and/or artists are most inspiring you now? Which ones influenced you most during the production of MONSTERS?
Also, thank you for reminding me about ECCO and bringing that awesome dolphin back into my life!
We all need more Ecco in our lives. Check my inspirations in another post I just did! - Tim
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Hey guys! Your music has been a huge light in my life over the past couple years! Always a pleasure.
Question: After running through Monsters this morning, I found myself listening through the rest of your discography again, and I stumbled across a possible easter egg. Is there any chance that the lyrics of the track "Kids (Prelude)" from your 2018 album is somehow a reference to today's release album? The imagery from the 2018 track corresponds to the Monsters album artwork wonderful.
Absolutely love everything I've had the pleasure of listening to and can't wait to see what the future holds. :) Cheers!
We take this world of The Midnight very seriously. I think you'll be able to fine more than a few tie ins.
-Tyler
Considering how seriously you take it, it may hurt to learn that this was the first place I heard anything from you guys... https://youtu.be/taWzoLpdxaI I still love this video.
Haha that’s how I got my first exposure too! I have never been more grateful for a YouTube video than that one
Would you ever consider doing a show in Saudi Arabia?? I’m considering I WOULD BUY THOSE TICKETS A YEAR PRIOR IF I HAVE TO!
We'd love to perform there someday if the universe permits. - Tim
I wanted to broaden the sonic palette on this album. We never want to feel encumbered by a genre so it was important to set some new boundaries for where we can go. We'll continue to keep growing and exploring new sound scapes. - Tim
We love Nikki! Is she required to be on every album we make? LOL I spoke to Nikki the other day actually and she's doing very well :) - Tim
LOL - burned, shinobi_gi! ;)
I love Jupiter's vocals on the title track. You guys have a great ear for laying male and female vocals to be *just* right.
Haha I’m biased because I’m on the west coast and have gotten to see Nikki live with them twice and omg let me tell you THAT GIRL TEARS IT UPPPPP
Jealous! Still need to see TM live (with or without Nikki, lol). The live footage I've seen is amazeballs.
So why don't you guys have a turntable yet?
All kidding aside you can pick up a decent turntable for not a whole lot of dough, A Fluance RT80 can be had for around $170, and if you need a half decent model with Bluetooth built in you can head down to your local Target and pick up a Heyday Turntable for around $100
Saw you guys at the free show in Houston that the Texas Lottery put on. That was a great night (and thanks for doing that), but I was bummed that I was ONE PERSON AWAY from getting VIP passes :-(
we both have turntables : )
I have quite a good collection of Blues and Afrofunk.
-Tyler
Hahaha I finally got mine! We are now both real grown ups. - Tim
Hi guys. Just wanted to say that I love the new album. Every song you guys put out oozes talent and care.
AMA Questions: Where do you draw your inspiration for new music? Thank you!
Thank you! Oh man that's a broad question. Everywhere honestly. Movies, other artists, history, literature. And a little bit of pizza. Mostly pizza, I'd say. Actually, it's only pizza.
- Tim
Pizza is life.
Favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle? And we all know Michelangelo is the correct answer. ;)
Consider this my request for The Midnight to cover the TMNT theme song!
Hiya Tim and Tyler! I saw you guys live in OKC last year at the Tower Theater, and honestly it was a near-spiritual experience. Sign me up for any future saxophone mosh pits.
I'd love to know what the significance of the year 1991 is to both of you, other than it just fitting the aesthetic. What was that year like for you, and does that ever come into play when you're writing your music?
A lesser question, is there any connection between the line from the title track of Kids "There are monsters in the spare bedroom" and title of this album?
1991! What at time to be alive. Paul Simon's song "Born At The Right Time" had just been released, and he speaks to something that's true. If you're an 80's kid, you're under 10 when the Iron Curtain fell. and you're almost out of high school when 9/11 happened. That is the only generation in the last 100 years who grew up in the West without a looming existential threat of war, plague, famine etc. The Soviet Union was practically gone, and the War on Terror hadn't begun. Short answer, USSR voted itself out of existence and ten years of relative peace was felt in the western world. That was the little window I came of age in. -Tyler
Thanks, Tyler! Despite being a later 90s kid, I completely agree that the early 90s were an amazing time in the western world, and I look forward to a similar renaissance hopefully within our lifetime. I can't imagine anyone 30 years from now being able to romanticize our current decade.
For me, it was setting the stage that we're now in the 90s. The KIDS have grown up. They're teens now. And 1991 was the year the internet went live. Hence the modem sound and opening the album with America Online.
100%. The Monsters never leave and on the album cover you can see it's still under the bed. But that's more of a fun easter egg. The real title of Monsters is more so alluding to the struggle of growing up. The inner turmoil of being a teenage, fighting your own demons, falling in love, having your heart broken for the first time, dealing with loss, searching for who you are etc. - Tim
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Hey guys ! Thanks for the album, I love it :D
During these past few weeks you mentionned your love of certain video games and how it shaped the visual aspect of some of your records.
Tim, you said yesterday that you would like to compose for a video game someday. I wondered if there was a specific video game soundtrack/composer that inspired you (I guess at least Ecco the Dolphin for Monsters) or that you really enjoy/look up too as far as producing goes ?
I said it yesterday during the Q/A but you soothed a lot of anguish during the quarantine with your music and the journey to this release. It was amazing ! Can't wait to celebrate the LP with you live. Cheers
You played in Manchester UK last year. Your new tour dates don't include it, will this be added?
What is a fond memory from your first show together in SF? I think everyone at the DNA lounge left knowing we had been apart of something special. Such a great night. Congrats on the new album, enjoying the familiar and new sounds!
Edit: Just adding that the album took me back to being 5-6 years old and walking into SEGA headquarters to test Ecco. It was the first time I had used a computer or played a video game. Still remember that day!
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I'm listening a lot to The Paper Kites, Cigarettes after Sex, BlackMayo, Monma, Daniel Kadawatha and Idealism to name a few. -Tim
Just added a couple of songs from all of those artists to my Spotify queue to check out...Thanks, Tim!
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Oh man, Manchester, London and Mexico are up there for me. - Tim
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Question about the new album.
What went into your decision to use the vocoder for most of the singing as opposed to just your usual signing voices?
There’s vocoder on Monsters, Fire in the Sky, America Online, Deep Blue and Night Skies. Otherwise it’s Tyler singing. Sometimes I’ll play around with sampling and cutting up his voice because I like the processed feel like in the hook of Lost Boy, Shadows, Dance With Somebody and Seventeen. Fire In The Sky is actually my voice. - Tim
Hey guys! Monsters is fantastic! My question is: Did you guys spend a lot of time in New York whole writing this album? I ask because of the Union Square reference on Last Train and also Brooklyn.
Sometimes it’s searching for that sound that triggers you, once you have written the song. Other times, it starts with that sound and the track and then I present the track to Tyler. - Tim
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Hey Tim hey Tyler!!! Love the new album it is amazing work and I can’t wait to get my vinyl copy!! Until then, what are you guys listening to right now? What music are you looking forward to that isn’t out yet and what other bands do I need to add to my library ASAP? Thanks for everything!!!
My recent listens:
Phoebe Bridgers
Watch Out For Snakes
Neil Young
Haim
Bibio
Kruangbin
Four Tet
Dwayne Shivers
-Tyler
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Hey guys, I really enjoyed your show at First Ave, I flew to NM to see you at Meow Wolf on my birthday and remember it was Tim Daniel's birthday in Minneapolis! I can honestly say you're my favorite group, I had so much fun at the show and it was great meeting you before the show. Answer however much of this you want, I have so many questions. But before; honestly... your music and lyrics are incredible and have elevated this genre to something much more serious which I can't thank you enough.
Jamison do you miss (indie)-folk music? Also sorry for the guy that was next to me when you were doing your acoustic song that was screaming the whole time, I wanted to smack him.
What was it like playing First Ave? I find a lot of bands find it humble and mention it, especially some that channel music of that era.
This is a weird question, but your Sax player (at the time) did he happen to stay in a hotel in NM? My wife and I have been arguing if we were actually in the elevator with a grumpy looking Sax player that day.
It's great that you're getting more band members and can do more things live, despite COVID, do you feel it's making your live shows better? My wife and I were blown away at how much refined the show was just in those few months between NM and MN.
We just noticed, being from MN, that you're using a company in WI for creation of your bundles that's sustainable. That's awesome! Was this the reasoning behind your choice?
I go by Tyler (my parents call me by my middle name. I'm from the south. the south is weird). I still write on an acoustic guitar. Still the same songs, just with more glossy production.
First Ave was a massive show. It was also Tim's birthday, so we were full of cake and whiskey. It was one of those nights that was good for the heart. We also went to Bunkers after and saw some amazing funk music.
Our sax player is never grumpy (he goes by Jesse)
Thank you! YES buy our records. The more money we can put into our live shows, the more friends we can have on stage. We love what's possible with a larger band. Hopefully post COVID we can get even crazier.
Ambient Inks out of Eau Claire is just amazing. They reached out very early on in our career, and we've been on fantastic terms with them since (and they do such a great job).
-Tyler
Hi Tyler and Tim,
Huge fans of you guys since 2018 and am in love with "Monsters' already.
I've been following you guys' tour dates and locations for a while now and Asia keeps missing you. Any plans in the near future to hold a concert in Asia or specifically in Hong Kong where I'm personally based? :)
Hi Tim and Tyler! I really enjoyed the new album, and see it as a large evolution in your overall sound. One of the biggest evolutions to me was the drum sounds, styles, and overall beats. To me it sounded like you departed more from the retro style in your previous albums to an almost more hip-hop type style with lots of half-time beats. I was just curious about what the inspiration and thought process behind that change/evolution was! As a drummer and huge fan, I thank you for all the amazing music you put out, and your show last fall in Minnesota was the experience of a life time!
Hey guys! i saw you in dallas last year, i probably rode the high from that show for two weeks after. i still rewatch the videos my friends and i took of the show. it was amazing. love the new album, it gives me visions of dark alleys, off of busy pink and yellow lit streets, with steam coming out of vents.
For nostalgia's sake, what were y'alls favorite toys you had growing up?
hope youll be able to swing back through dallas after all this stuff winds down.
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How much importance is being able to perform live in making your tracks and influencing the sound?
Seeing the Camden Roundhouse gig was absolutely amazing. Special night which was a privilege to be part of. Jesse / Leila were really great.
Ps loving Monsters. Brooklyn is such an incredible tune.
Thanks for another great album.
I probably sound insane but I’ve listened to Shadows a dozen times a day for months now. I’m obsessed with the song.
Keep up the great work guys!
If music didn't exist, what job/hobbies would you be doing?
Edit: I've been listening to your earlier works while studying, test is tomorrow. Took a brief listen to the new album last night, but too stressed out right now to fully take it in. Will be cracking a beer and this album tomorrow!
Hello! Long time fan! Been listening to you since I heard music back in 2016! With one being the Lyricist and the other focusing on the synth part of the music. Does the lyrics come first that inspire the beat? Or vice versa? Or both?
Thank you for doing the AMA love everyone on the midnight team!
Hi Tyler and Tim, love the new album! I am curious about the process for arranging your songs for live shows. When writing new stuff, do you guys have it in the back of your mind how the song might take shape in a live performance? Which songs from Monsters are you most looking forward to playing live?
That's always the challenge. Some songs are easier than others!
I'd think Prom Night and Fire in the Sky will be super fun to play live - Tim
Big fan from Canada here! Saw you guys in Vancouver last Summer, amazing show. Have there been any 80's films that inspired specific songs?
Hey Tim and Tyler! Listened to the new album today and I absolutely loved it, Brooklyn especially. Directed but not limited to Tyler, how do you decide which songs from Tyler's solo albums to turn into The Midnight songs? I love The Midnight for their music but also because it introduced me to Tyler's solo work which I have come to enjoy equally as much, so these "covers" of sorts (Lost and Found, Sometimes She Smiles, and Brooklyn) hold a special place in my heart. Can we expect to see more of Tyler's songs done by The Midnight in the future?
Have monsters on now! Been a fan since the start! Great to see you as a band evolving and touring!
When you coming back to Ireland??
Hey guys,
congrats on your new album release - awesome work, especially digging the new sound of dream away!
I feel like there was a little shift away from sax solos overall, was this a deliberate choice or just a thing that happened naturally?
Also last october Tim rocked a version of "Dont stand so close to me" on stage during your set in Hamburg, which i watched with my girlfriend. Any chance this version is going to be released?
Much love from Germany
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Hey, Tyler and Tim! This album have been amazing so far! I'm loving America Online, Deep blue, Brooklyn just to name a few.
Is there a special meaning or symbolism about Monsters to name the album after this song, or is there a story about the naming of the album?
Be safe!
No guest singers in your last two albums , any particular reason why? Nikki Flores was very good in endless summer.
I hadn’t heard of Jupiter Winter before listening to the album today but her voice is magnificent
As others have already said, Jupiter Winter sings on the title track. It's great!
Nikki's stuff with TM is so good, too! JASON slaps, and is up there in the top five of all of their tracks, IMO.
Didn't come to ask you anything but tell you how much your music has changed my life. It's pulled me out of some dark times and can't thank you enough for making such moving songs that make us reminisce the simple times. I've seen you on your last two tours and have been moved to tears of happiness. Please come back to San Luis Obispo. Love you guys, congrats on another fantastic record. Tim, keep that mustache strong, long live the facial hair.
Hey Fellas, my girlfriend and I have seen you play at both The Variety Playhouse in Atlanta and The Beacham in Orlando! What’s your favorite venue to perform at while you’re on tour?
Hi Tim & Tyler.
Thank you so much for M O N S T E R S, it is an excellent follow up on "Kids" I LOVE IT!
My question is with the growing community surrounding the band and its image would you be open to increased collaboration / involvement with the community who are in a variety of creative disciplines in future works?? ( The Fan Zine included with Monsters is a great first step by the way! )
You guys don't shy away being inspired by creatives and any opportunity to be involved in helping to build the "Midnightverse" would be amazing.
Love from the UK, and hopefully see you in March!
My one question is short and it’s for Tim.....
Did you use your wooden spoons on the drum pads for making ANY of the new music? Lol
Have you guys ever considered moving closer to one another or do you each prefer your respective locales too much and find that working on music remotely isn't as tedious as it seems it would be?
Another for Tim: Do you DJ much (pre-corona anyways)? I saw you at that casino in Oklahoma but I hadn't really seen you mention any other events like that so wasn't sure if that was just a one off thing where someone at the casino was a fan of you guys and booked you or if you did that more under the radar in Cali.
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Hiya, long time fan and have been dying to hear this album ever since hearing you guys play the title song live. Just wondering what sort of emotions and inspiration went into a song like Helvetica on MONSTERS?
It seems a really interesting and special piece that stands out from other work with its composition and alienating aspects.
Congrats on the album release! I’ve had it on repeat since last night. I saw you guys live in good ol Los Angeles at the Fonda in 2018 then again at the Novo in 2019. Hands down the best concert going experiences I’ve ever had. The energy you guys give to the crowd and that the crowd gives back to you is something I’ve never experienced before. Being first row against the stage at the Novo is something I will never forget.
My question is how has the state of the world with the global pandemic effected you guys as artists in making this latest album? And with your 2021 international tour announced when do you think you will make your way back to LA? I am dying to lose my voice singing Prom Night with you guys. <3
Hey guys,
Really loving the new album. Monsters, Brooklyn, and Seventeen have been stuck in my head since I hit play. Also, you guys were awesome when I saw you on tour last year. I hope the world gets it shit together so we can enjoy another Midnight tour!
Here's my question: there are quite a few metalcore/post-hardcore bands that are fans of yours and I feel like I've seen you interact with them on social media. Do you guys listen to the genre at all? If so, any favorite bands?
Keep up the good work, guys.
I've never been able to find a distinct answer to this, but who plays the saxophone on your albums (is it one of you two)? Is it the same person every time and do they tour with you? Do they write their own parts, or do you provide it for them?
I can't get enough of the way you guys use the saxophone in your music!
Hi Tyler and Tim,
I can't stop listening to Monsters right now!!! I have noticed similarities with Fire in the Sky and Deep Blue especially with the lyrics in the beginning. I feel like it is the same event from two different points of view/elements. (Fire/Water)
Also when it comes to the instrumental tracks, does Tim have full control or do you have some input on it Tyler?
Was this planned or am i crazy for thinking this? All the best and can't wait to see you guys live when I can!!!
I thought of this the other day and nows the perfect time to ask.
How often do you switch roles in writing? As in does Tyler ever work on production or does Tim ever write lyrics or vocal melodies? Aside from Synthetic of course.
And for Tyler, what's the best approach to writing imaginative lyrics while still being authentic. I think lyrics like The Years are perfect.
Thanks guys!
Will we get another vocal feature from Tim?
Alternatively, will you perform Synthetic live? <3
Bedste hilsner fra Danmark!
So, which one of you is the early 90's LucasArts games fan? I heard a lot of MIDI love included on The Search for Ecco. Brought me back to the Monkey Island Series and the Indy games.
Solid album. On my 3rd listen today.
Gloria is the first The Midnight song and my favorite, what is the story and meaning behind it?
Question for Tim probably? How do you guys achieve that guitar sound in songs such as Fire in the Sky? Is it a VST? Or actually recorded guitar? It’s sounds so synthy and cool! Also how do you achieve the voice formant FX all over your tracks such like in monsters (that weird cool voice that says monsters)? HUGE fan here. Love the new record. Favorite album of the year probably.
Hi, checked out your upcoming EU tour. I was wondering is you are going to add some dates or places? Saw you in Helsinki last fall and I was hoping to se you again.
LOVE YOU ALL
What was the quickest song ever conceived, written and put on an album?
Same goes for slowest
Love you
Hey! My name is Jason and I met you guys last year at the Meow Wolf concert in Santa Fe, N.M. if you still remember me.
I wanted to ask, what synths/vsts or drum machines did you use on Fire In The Sky & Monsters? Also out of curiosity, how were you able to manipulate the tempo in Helvetica and where does the awesome flute sound come from? It's such a unique song.
Thank you in advance, and a huge congratulations on the epic new album! You guys keep getting more and more incredible musically with each new album! ^
Hey guys! I am a huge fan and you guys have inspired me to get into making synth/retrowave music myself. I use Logic X and I always have trouble getting the right feel with synth sounds and drums. Are there any plug-ins that are your “go to” for synth patches etc?
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Tim & Tyler —
first and foremost I'm a huge fan, and I'm thankful you two met and have created such influential music in my and so many others' lives!
I could ask lots of questions, but I'll focus on this new amazing album.
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'Dream Away' mentions "dark hearts", and 'Fire in the Sky' says "wasn't looking for forever" and "slow dance"; all are terms found in 'Deep Blue' as well.
Is this somewhat of a "continued character" throughout the album? A soul interpreting his/her path and narrative of love?
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Listened last night and couldn't help but make this possible connection.
Thanks again and can't wait to have you back in the Midwest for a show in the safe future!
Hey gents,
Love your work and appreciate everything you do!
Question - When you guys first met, how did your collaboration manifest to synth music? Similar interested in music? time period? etc?
Once again, thank you for making amazing music and being great people!
(BTW Tim - After your concert in Oakland I was at a bar after the show, said hi, and you were very nice. I kept it short, looked like you were getting your "game" on haha)
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Hi Tyler and Tim!
Huge fan, I have loved Synthwave, New Wave, 80's, and 90's music since I was born and I grew up with it. A friend of mine introduced me to your music and I've been hooked ever since. I just launched my career as a music producer/songwriter last year and I have released two singles currently. Also, I'm working on a cover of "Dance with Somebody" with a friend from New Jersey. I just really love the song and can't wait for you guys to hear it!
Question for Tim, do you also do sound design or just stick to presets for quick inspiration?
Question for Tyler, after Monsters, what themes do you want to explore more in terms of songwriting?
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You mother fucking electronic necromancers completely engulfed my soul when I first stumbled upon your music, about a year ago... So0o, HOW YOU DO THAT?
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Hey gents! I am so curious about any plans to put out a Remixes 03, and if it would include tracks from Monsters and maybe some of the highlights from the remix contest you did a few months ago.
For the record, that remix contest and the video sharing your favorites was amazing! I found so many great new artists that way and the mixes were all incredible!!
Lastly, Monsters is brilliant and I hope this record is a massive success for you guys! 🙌
Just opened Monsters, and tbch this is the first album Ive heard from you guys, and it kills! Glad I found you guys
Hi guys. I've been a fan for a few years and went to your show in Detroit last year. I just finished the new album and enjoyed it. It has a transitional feel from the new wave retro to an early 90s vibe.
My question is - how do you see the genre (as a whole or as a group) evolving from here? Thank you.
Hey guys, love your music, the new album is pretty great. couple questions.
Is there any hope for a "The midnight Remixed; Volume 3"? The last 2 have been stellar. It's a great way to mix up my listening.
Are you guys working on remixes for anyone else? do you enjoy doing them? Last year you released a remix for Clean eyes by SMYL and it was so so so good!
Stay well and thanks for the album!
Hey there. How you doin'! Hope you're good now your baby is out if I can say it like that. The new album is insaaane each track is a mood. Fantastic! Tour 2021? Awesome. It's good to see some dates on horizon. How do you make the choice about the order of tracklist on an album? I really enjoyed how it came out on YouTube Have you plan to make a video for each track? Many scenarios in my mind. Thanks in advance. Cheers. Hoping to see you soon
Hello Tim and Tyler! Monsters is so familiar yet so fresh, thank you for the music 💜 Looking forward to getting my bundle soon!
• Jupiter Winter's vocals on the title track match Tyler's so well! How did you find her?
• Besides the early internet, what other tangible things from the 90s influenced the tracks on Monsters?
• Would you consider coming to Chicago for your US tour for Monsters?
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I just want to know the thought process behind recording Helvetica. What a wild song! Haha.
Great album, and congratulations!! Sending love from Florida, COVID capital of America!
Guys! Loving the album!! Just one nerdy question from me.
My Bandcamp downloads seem really small for the album - the singles are big files with 24bit 96khz waveforms (~20kHz cutoffs), but the rest of the songs seem to be lower resolution (~16kHz cutoffs), like they were transcoded up from a lower bitrate. They sound fine but I'm wondering if there was a mixup somewhere with the files. I'm always in search of the highest quality/high dynamic range music so I figured I'd ask (got the vinyl coming too!).
Thanks so much for sharing your music with us and I can't wait to see you in Minneapolis again!!
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Hi Tim and Tyler! Just got Monsters on tape cassette through the door to complete my collection! I have to say thank you for your dedication to this amazing genre - you got both me and my fiancée into it! We've been to both of your UK gigs and can't wait for 2021 to go for the hat-trick!
Two questions:
Your album artwork indicates you're slowly moving through specific years, 1984, 1986, 1991 etc. Do these years correspond with meaning to you/do you take inspiration from music from that particular year to influence your own work? If so, do we have years in the future to look forward too?!
Are there any fellow synth artists you're dying to collaborate with? If so, who?
Thank you for your work! You are our favourite band, thank you for giving us amazing memories together!!
Edit~Monsters is amazing by the way!
Hey The Midnight! I was wondering if you guys have a personal connection to any of songs you made or if listening to them takes you back to a certain point in your lives.
P.S. Absolutely loving Monsters, take care!
Favorite Midnight album yet! 🙂2 questions. Who did the fabulous cover art/what was the inspiration for it? And is Tim single?
Aaron Campbell. The inspiration was being teenager, stuck between the world of Kids and the world of Adulthood.
Tim is single. Go get him. -Tyler
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Question for Tim - How many takes did it take to get those smooth dance moves in your latest YouTube vid? Damn I wish I could do that slide back with phone gesture!
I do hope that you guys doing Dublin on the 16th March means that you'll be out on the following day celebrating Paddy's day? ;)
P.S Absolute huge fan of Monsters. Brooklyn has been one of my favourite ever songs since hearing Tyler's version of it. To hear the 'remix' is... nothing but tears. Thank you so much.
Hey, not really a question but this album has helped me make this year a little bit more bearable <3
Hello!
Love your music, such a an unique sound, even in the genre! I've played the album on repeat all day.
What other type of music do you two enjoy? Does your tastes varry alot outside of your own music? Does you have any guilty pleasure songs?
Oh man! The world is so wide. I like folk music and classical and the blues and old country music. I love hip hop. I love bluegrass and Afro Funk. I love Roscoe Holcomb and John Fahey and Orchestre Poly-rythmo de Cotonou and The Temptations and Peter Gabriel and Kraftwerk and Steely Dan and Agustin Lara and Jacques Brel and Freddie Gibbs. Everything! Give it to me. As long as it's good. -Tyler
Hi all! I absolutely love your music, obviously. I even went from Seattle to Minneapolis to see you guys play last year. It was an intense show! There is so much emotion in your music, it almost hurts to listen to it
My question is this: where do you get the inspiration for your lyrics? An example of this would be one of my favorite songs, Lost Boy. How do you tap into that energy and emotion to get the correct words down?
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