The Midnight: Difference between revisions

American synthwave duo
 
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[[File:The Midnight logo.png|right|frameless]]
{{SHORTDESC:American synthwave duo}}
[[File:Li-en ubel gefarhlich hamburg 20191027 221755 1.jpg|alt=The Midnight performing live|thumb|The Midnight performing live|400x400px]]
{{Infobox musical artist
'''The Midnight''' is an [[wikipedia:United_States_of_America|American]] synthwave band originating from [[wikipedia:Los_Angeles|Los Angeles, California]], composed of producer [[Tim McEwan]] and vocalist/guitarist [[Tyler Lyle]]. Since forming in 2012, the band has released three extended plays (EPs), four albums, and two remix albums.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2020 |title=the midnight on Twitter: "@tedkeyboard I’m afraid I have to correct on the definition on an EP. It’s determined by runtime of 30 mins or less. Neither Nocturnal nor Kids qualified as EPs as their runtimes are both over 30 mins. But that’s just mincing words. I get that it wasn’t for you and that’s also totally okay." / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1246345079167447042 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324172339/https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1246345079167447042 |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Music {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324173308/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/ |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>
| name            = <div class="normal-logo no-img-mod">[[File:The Midnight logo.png|frameless]]</div><div class="bit-logo no-img-mod">[[File:Midnight 8bitstories logo.png|frameless]]</div>
| image            = TheMidnightNewOrleans2022.jpg
| landscape        = no
| caption          = The Midnight in 2022
| background      = group_or_band
| origin          = Los Angeles, California, U.S.
| genre            = {{hlist|Synthwave|Rock|Americana|Electronic}}
| years_active    = {{hlist|2012-present}}
| label            = {{hlist|The Midnight Music|Silk Music|Counter Records|Ultra}}
| website          = {{URL|themidnightofficial.com}}
| current_members  = [[Tim McEwan]]
* [[Tyler Lyle]]
}}
'''The Midnight''' is an [[wikipedia:United_States_of_America|American]] synthwave duo composed of producer [[Tim McEwan]] and singer-songwriter [[Tyler Lyle]]. Based out of [[wikipedia:Los_Angeles|Los Angeles, California]], the band formed after McEwan and Lyle met during an arranged co-writing session in April 2012.


== Beginnings ==
The Midnight debuted in 2014 with the release of their first EP, [[Days of Thunder]]. This was followed by their first album [[Endless Summer]] in 2016, after which the duo became firmly established within the synthwave music scene. [[Nocturnal]] was released in 2017 and saw The Midnight explore a darker, more noir sound. A trilogy series of albums began in 2018 with [[Kids]], continuing with [[Monsters]] in 2020 and [[Heroes]] in 2022. The latter two records were noted for moving the band's sound in a different direction and saw them exploring additional genres outside of synthwave. During the trilogy, the band also released the Halloween-themed EP [[Horror Show]] in 2020.


Prior to forming The Midnight, Tyler Lyle and Tim McEwan were both established musicians. Lyle was an indie-folk singer-songwriter based in the state of [[wikipedia:Georgia|Georgia]] and gained initial notability with several self-released titles, becoming regionally and nationally known. McEwan was a drummer and producer based in [[wikipedia:Denmark|Denmark]], later becoming a member of the Danish production group [[wikipedia:Deekay|Deekay]] who has written and produced songs for many popular artists.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008 |title=Multi-platinum Record Production Team Deekay |url=http://www.myhitonline.com/Interview.aspx?id=14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921032458/http://www.myhitonline.com/Interview.aspx?id=14 |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=myHitOnline}}</ref>
The Midnight performed their [[Turbo Drive: FM-84 & The Midnight|first live show]] in 2017 and have regularly toured since. Known for being lively and energetic, The Midnight's shows have seen increased production value over the years with continuous additions of touring members and live instruments. The band has also made appearances at several notable music festivals, including Austin City Limits, Music Midtown, and Bonnaroo.


The pair met for the first time in 2012 at a songwriter’s workshop in [[wikipedia:North Hollywood|North Hollywood]] organized by Katie Donovan, Lyle’s A&amp;R representative at the time.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Vehling |first=Aaron |date=November 12, 2017 |title=Who Are The Midnight?: An Interview with the Masters of Modern Nostalgia |url=https://vehlinggo.com/2017/11/12/the-midnight-interview-nocturnal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324190301/https://vehlinggo.com/2017/11/12/the-midnight-interview-nocturnal/ |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=Vehlinggo}}</ref> Before meeting, McEwan had listened to some of Lyle’s previous work and liked Lyle’s folk sound. Despite differing musical backgrounds, they bonded over a mutual love of 80s rock and began to write songs together. After initially struggling to define their sound, McEwan suggested that they compose songs in the synthwave style. McEwan had previous exposure to the burgeoning genre and was inspired by the movie [[wikipedia:Drive (2011 film)|Drive]]. The first song they wrote together was [[WeMoveForward]],<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2019 |title=Retrowave Sessions Ep 2: The Midnight - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9VPeEZKxlY&t=266s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324191102/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9VPeEZKxlY&t=266s |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=YouTube}}</ref> which was included on their debut EP [[Days of Thunder]].
With several appearances on ''Billboard'' charts, The Midnight have been one of the most commercially successful synthwave acts. Their music has also appeared in various media forms, including video games, podcasts, and TV.  


According to Lyle, the name &quot;The Midnight&quot; came from McEwan and himself throwing out random names until they found one that stuck.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2019 |title=We are The Midnight and we’re playing Electric Forest for the first time. Ask us Anything! : ElectricForest |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/eod58sy/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324191551/https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/eod58sy/?context=3 |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=Reddit}}</ref> Other band names that they considered were &quot;Lightyears&quot;, &quot;Temporary Tigers&quot;, and &quot;The Midnight Tigers.&quot;
With the exception of two remix albums which were published by Silk Music, The Midnight released music independently until 2020. Beginning with the release of [[Monsters]], the band was signed to Counter Records, an imprint of Ninja Tune. Since the release of [[Chariot]] in September 2024, they are signed with Ultra Records, an electronic label owned by Sony Music Entertainment.  


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Days of Thunder ===
=== 2012-2014: Beginnings and ''Days of Thunder'' ===
{{Main|Days of Thunder}}
Prior to forming The Midnight, Tyler Lyle and Tim McEwan were both established musicians. Lyle was an indie-folk singer-songwriter based in the state of [[wikipedia:Georgia|Georgia]] and gained initial notability with several self-released titles, becoming regionally and nationally known. McEwan was a drummer and producer based in [[wikipedia:Denmark|Denmark]], later becoming a member of the Danish production group [[wikipedia:Deekay|Deekay]] who has written and produced songs for many popular artists.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008 |title=Multi-platinum Record Production Team Deekay |url=http://www.myhitonline.com/Interview.aspx?id=14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921032458/http://www.myhitonline.com/Interview.aspx?id=14 |archive-date=September 21, 2008 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=myHitOnline}}</ref>
[[File:Days of thunder - ep.jpg|thumb|Days of Thunder EP cover]]
After the initial meeting in 2012, Lyle and McEwan continued writing together over the next two years and independently released their debut EP [[Days of Thunder]] on July 15, 2014.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2014 |title=Days of Thunder {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217081123/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> The EP contains six tracks and was entirely written, produced, and mastered by Lyle and McEwan, with additional instrumentation provided by [[Thomas Edinger]] (saxophone) and [[Oliver McEwan]] (synths).


The band's sound and philosophy were self-described as follows:<ref name=":1" />  
[[File:TimTyler2014.jpg|left|thumb|Lyle and McEwan in 2014]]
<blockquote><poem>There is a Japanese term: Mono no aware. It means basically, the sad beauty of seeing time pass - the aching awareness of impermanence. These are the days that we will return to one day in the future only in memories. How do we capture them? How could we possibly be able to fully appreciate them in the present? This project is our attempt to put time under glass. The Midnight is a marriage between a songwriter from the Deep South and a producer from Denmark who both live in Los Angeles. The songs were written in North Hollywood and Santa Monica over two years and represent the first fruit of The Midnight. This is our love song to our city and a testament to the weight these years can hold.
 
</poem>
The pair met for the first time in April 2012 at a songwriter’s workshop in [[wikipedia:North Hollywood|North Hollywood]] organized by Katie Donovan, Lyle’s A&amp;R representative at the time.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Vehling |first=Aaron |date=November 12, 2017 |title=Who Are The Midnight?: An Interview with the Masters of Modern Nostalgia |url=https://vehlinggo.com/2017/11/12/the-midnight-interview-nocturnal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324190301/https://vehlinggo.com/2017/11/12/the-midnight-interview-nocturnal/ |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=Vehlinggo}}</ref> Before meeting, McEwan had listened to some of Lyle’s previous work and liked Lyle’s folk sound. Despite differing musical backgrounds, they bonded over a mutual love of 80s rock and began to write songs together. After initially struggling to define their sound, McEwan suggested that they compose songs in the synthwave style. McEwan had previous exposure to the genre and was inspired by the movie [[wikipedia:Drive (2011 film)|Drive]]. The first song they wrote together was [[WeMoveForward]], and the same day they also wrote the chorus for [[Gloria]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2019 |title=Retrowave Sessions Ep 2: The Midnight - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9VPeEZKxlY&t=266s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324191102/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9VPeEZKxlY&t=266s |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2016 |title=The Midnight // Interview by (( URY Music )) {{!}} Mixcloud |url=https://www.mixcloud.com/URYMusic/the-midnight-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403163513/https://www.mixcloud.com/URYMusic/the-midnight-interview/ |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=MixCloud}}</ref> After the initial meeting in 2012, Lyle and McEwan continued writing and recording together over the next two years. Several songs that would ultimately become The Midnight tracks were previewed on McEwan's SoundCloud account throughout 2013 and early 2014, including ''WeMoveForward'', ''Gloria'', [[Synthetic]], and [[Comet]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2013 |title=Adam on X: "iAmData and Tyler Lyle wanna soundtrack your 80s themed afternoon dance party. let them:" / X |url=https://twitter.com/asongfortheday/status/327857196744462337 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/0TIgm |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2013 |title=‘Gloria’- iAmData feat Tyler Lyle {{!}} songsfortheday |url=https://songsfortheday.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/gloria-iamdata-feat-tyler-lyle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331183301/https://songsfortheday.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/gloria-iamdata-feat-tyler-lyle/ |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=songsfortheday}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jan 15, 2014 |title=Peanut~Bekah on X: "WeMoveForward (iAmData &amp; Tyler Lyle) by iAmData on #SoundCloud" / X |url=https://twitter.com/pinkandgold123/status/423603643645173760 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/jZ60i |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2013 |title=Jakob Weise on X: "Check out 'Synthetic' by iAmData - looking so much forward to hearing more of his solo stuff." / X |url=https://twitter.com/jakobweise/status/364460144463060992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/61cwT |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2013 |title=✨Kate✨ on X: "Comet (iAmData solo project) by @I_am_data #soundcloud ❤️ It" / X |url=https://twitter.com/KateCliffo/status/400235856688324608 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/Km5hM |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref>
 
<div class="no-img-mod">[[File:AltLogo.png|right|thumb|Original logo, used primarily from 2015-2017. Still used on occasion]]</div>
In March 2014, Lyle announced on his Twitter that iAmData (McEwan's moniker at the time) and himself were starting a band called "The Midnight".<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 27, 2014 |title=Tyler Lyle on Twitter: "This is my buddy @i_Am_Data &amp; me. We’re starting a band called The Midnight (@TheMidnightLA). stay tuned!" / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/449212099525218304 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824144416/https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/449212099525218304 |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |access-date=August 24, 2023 |website=Twitter}}</ref> According to Lyle, the name came from McEwan and himself throwing out random names until they found one that stuck.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2019 |title=We are The Midnight and we’re playing Electric Forest for the first time. Ask us Anything! : ElectricForest |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/eod58sy/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324191551/https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/eod58sy/?context=3 |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=Reddit}}</ref> Other band names that they considered were &quot;Lightyears&quot;, &quot;Temporary Tigers&quot;, and &quot;The Midnight Tigers.&quot; Around the same time, The Midnight created their first social media accounts and began teasing an EP. Titled [[Days of Thunder]], the EP was released on July 15, 2014. Receiving positive reviews from electronic music sites DRIVE Radio and NewRetroWave, the EP also caught the attention of several Reddit communities throughout 2014 and 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2014 |title=The Midnight - My favorite radio station DRIVE Radio posted a... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/pfbid028pfZEGEWs3hdP4Hgr4T229HB2661UqZNPHBRDX1BDXnfzLZfirh7KpCUMYD3eZNJl |url-status=live |access-date=September 24, 2023 |website=Facebook|archive-url=https://archive.ph/67JEM|archive-date=March 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sabiu |first=Andrea |date=August 28, 2014 |title=THE MIDNIGHT DROPS A NEW ALBUM - HOT OR NOT? - NewRetroWave - Stay Retro! {{!}} Live The 80's Dream! |url=https://newretrowave.com/2014/08/28/wretrowave-com201408the-midnight-drops-new-album-hot-or-not-html/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610081726/https://newretrowave.com/2014/08/28/wretrowave-com201408the-midnight-drops-new-album-hot-or-not-html/ |archive-date=June 10, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=NewRetroWave}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2014 |title=The Midnight - Days of Thunder (2014) : futuresynth |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/futuresynth/comments/2fahw0/the_midnight_days_of_thunder_2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/tsPLk |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2023 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2014 |title=The Midnight -- Days of Thunder [Synthwave/Synthpop] (2014) : listentothis |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/listentothis/comments/2efnew/the_midnight_days_of_thunder_synthwavesynthpop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824154354/http://www.reddit.com/r/listentothis/comments/2efnew/the_midnight_days_of_thunder_synthwavesynthpop/ |archive-date=August 24, 2014 |access-date=September 11, 2023 |website=Reddit}}</ref> An official description included with ''Days of Thunder'' described The Midnight's sound and philosophy:<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2014 |title=Days of Thunder {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217081123/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref><blockquote>''There is a Japanese term: Mono no aware. It means basically, the sad beauty of seeing time pass - the aching awareness of impermanence. These are the days that we will return to one day in the future only in memories. How do we capture them? How could we possibly be able to fully appreciate them in the present? This project is our attempt to put time under glass. The Midnight is a marriage between a songwriter from the Deep South and a producer from Denmark who both live in Los Angeles. The songs were written in North Hollywood and Santa Monica over two years and represent the first fruit of The Midnight. This is our love song to our city and a testament to the weight these years can hold.''
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


No singles from the EP were released prior to its release, but in 2016 the label Monstercat Silk issued singles for the songs [[WeMoveForward]] and [[Days of Thunder]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2016 |title=WeMoveForward (incl. Talamanca Remix) {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/wemoveforward-incl-talamanca-remix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214044/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/wemoveforward-incl-talamanca-remix |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 9, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 1, 2016 |title=Days Of Thunder {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214016/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder-2 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 9, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> The singles included the original songs and remixes that would later appear on the 2017 remix album [[The Midnight Remixed]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2017 |title=The Midnight Remixed {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/the-midnight-remixed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214041/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/the-midnight-remixed |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 9, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>
===2015-2017: ''Endless Summer,'' first live shows, ''The Midnight Remixed,'' and ''Nocturnal'' ===
 
[[File:Nick asokan dna lounge san francisco 20170714 19.jpg|left|thumb|300x300px|The Midnight's first live show]]
The instrumental version of ''Days of Thunder'' was released on March 20, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2016 |title=Days of Thunder (the instrumentals) {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder-the-instrumentals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214018/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder-the-instrumentals |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>
The Midnight began work on a follow-up to ''Days of Thunder'' in 2015. Teaser clips of songs being worked on for the record were posted to their social media accounts throughout the year. In August 2015, Tim McEwan said on social media that a new record was still several months away, expressing a desire to "push the envelope on the synthwave genre".<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2015 |title=The Midnight - To everybody asking when the new album/EP... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/1615738348650978 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/92ssJ |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=August 24, 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref> A new song, [[The Equaliser (Not Alone)]], was released on the DRIVE Radio compilation ''Selection Volume 1'' in March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2016 |title=Selection Volume 1 {{!}} Drive Radio {{!}} Lazerdiscs Records |url=https://lazerdiscs.bandcamp.com/album/selection-volume-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711153145/https://lazerdiscs.bandcamp.com/album/selection-volume-1 |archive-date=July 11, 2023 |access-date=August 29, 2023 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>


=== Endless Summer ===
Following the release of the singles [[Sunset]] and [[Vampires]] in May and June, the next The Midnight record was revealed in July 2016 to be a full-length album titled [[Endless Summer]] and was released on August 5, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2016 |title=Endless Summer {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/endless-summer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409144811/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/endless-summer |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> Expanding on their efforts from ''Days of Thunder'', ''Endless Summer'' received positive reviews from online media outlets and garnered the band new exposure within the burgeoning synthwave community, with songs like ''Sunset'' and [[Jason]] becoming staples of the genre.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 25, 2016 |title=The Midnight’s Endless Summer is 2016’s Greatest ’80s Soundtrack (Review) - Opus |url=https://opuszine.us/reviews/endless-summer-midnight-2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408213959/https://opuszine.us/reviews/endless-summer-midnight-2016 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Opus}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2017 |title=In The Spotlight: The Midnight - "Endless Summer" - New Fury Media |url=https://thenewfury.com/in-the-spotlight-the-midnight-endless-summer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409093848/https://thenewfury.com/in-the-spotlight-the-midnight-endless-summer/ |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=New Fury Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zistler |first=Andrew |date=August 29, 2016 |title=The Midnight - Endless Summer - NewRetroWave - Stay Retro! {{!}} Live The 80's Dream! |url=https://newretrowave.com/2016/08/29/the-midnight-endless-summer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408213938/https://newretrowave.com/2016/08/29/the-midnight-endless-summer/ |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=NewRetroWave}}</ref> ''Jason'' in particular is notable for being The Midnight's first collaboration with singer-songwriter [[Nikki Flores]], who would continue to collaborate with the band in the years to come.
{{Main|Endless Summer}}
[[File:Endless summer - album.jpg|left|thumb|Endless Summer album cover]]
On August 5, 2016, The Midnight independently released their first full-length album, [[Endless Summer]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2016 |title=Endless Summer {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/endless-summer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409144811/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/endless-summer |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> Containing 12 tracks, ''Endless Summer'' saw the band collaborating with Los Angeles based singer-songwriter [[Nikki Flores]] for the first time, with Flores co-writing and performing vocals on the song [[Jason]]. The album received positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 25, 2016 |title=The Midnight’s Endless Summer is 2016’s Greatest ’80s Soundtrack (Review) - Opus |url=https://opuszine.us/reviews/endless-summer-midnight-2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408213959/https://opuszine.us/reviews/endless-summer-midnight-2016 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Opus}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2017 |title=In The Spotlight: The Midnight - "Endless Summer" - New Fury Media |url=https://thenewfury.com/in-the-spotlight-the-midnight-endless-summer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409093848/https://thenewfury.com/in-the-spotlight-the-midnight-endless-summer/ |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=New Fury Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zistler |first=Andrew |date=August 29, 2016 |title=The Midnight - Endless Summer - NewRetroWave - Stay Retro! {{!}} Live The 80's Dream! |url=https://newretrowave.com/2016/08/29/the-midnight-endless-summer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408213938/https://newretrowave.com/2016/08/29/the-midnight-endless-summer/ |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=NewRetroWave}}</ref>


Two singles were released from ''Endless Summer'' prior to the album's release: [[Sunset]], which released on May 13, 2016<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2016 |title=Sunset {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/sunset |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214311/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/sunset |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> and [[Vampires]], which released on June 10, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2016 |title=Vampires {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/vampires |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214218/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/vampires |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>
The success of ''Endless Summer'' established The Midnight as one of the top acts in synthwave and was the precursor to a busy 2017 for the band. Early that year, they began planning their first-ever live show to capitalize on their ubiquity in the synthwave space. While McEwan had previously done some DJ sets in 2017 under The Midnight name, they had yet to do a live show that featured Lyle as well. Announced in May 2017, [[Turbo Drive: FM-84 & The Midnight|the debut show]] was co-headlined with fellow synthwave titan FM-84 and took place at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco in July in front of a sold-out crowd.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Midnight - Tim, Tyler, Colin & Ollie. Live for the first time... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/photos/a.1528254687399345/1878959385662205/|date=May 22, 2017|access-date=May 27, 2023|website=Facebook|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Ibw46|archive-date=March 24, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FM-84 - ⚡️Col, Ollie, Tim and Tyler. Performing LIVE. Together.... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/fm84music/photos/a.628085320655463/1028441727286485/|date=May 22, 2017|access-date=May 27, 2023|website=Facebook|archive-url=https://archive.ph/rkHDh|archive-date=March 24, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FM-84 and The Midnight Concert?! Yes.. This is VERY REAL!!! - NewRetroWave - Stay Retro! {{!}} Live The 80's Dream! |url=https://newretrowave.com/2017/05/22/fm-84-and-the-midnight-concert-yes-this-is-very-real/|date=May 22, 2017|access-date=May 27, 2023|website=NewRetroWave|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625132200/https://newretrowave.com/2017/05/22/fm-84-and-the-midnight-concert-yes-this-is-very-real/|archive-date=June 25, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DNA Lounge: FM-84 & The Midnight, 14 Jul 2017 (Fri) |url=https://www.dnalounge.com/calendar/2017/07-14.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040159/https://www.dnalounge.com/calendar/2017/07-14.html |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=DNA Lounge}}</ref> The show was also notable for the introduction of [[Jesse Molloy]] as the band's first live saxophone player, a role he would continue to have until 2022.
[[File:NocturnalPoster.jpg|thumb|[[Nocturnal]] promotional poster|280x280px]]
While planning the live show, The Midnight also began work on their next record. The band shared a clip from a studio session with Nikki Flores in February 2017 and several weeks later McEwan shared that he was writing songs with Tyler Lyle in New York City, Lyle's home at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2017 |title=Vibes with Nikki Flores 💕 {{!}} By The Midnight {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/videos/1836541939903950 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://themidnight.wiki/wiki/File:NikkiFloresLightYearsStudio.mp4 |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=Facebook}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2017 |title=The Midnight - En route to the airport LAX - NYC to write new... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/pfbid0NdiUccjiewdsKE67fk86e6HU4qUVntQ84HpxC4cLrfSjFsBZiDxqXEcECfd317JNl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/Qamjm |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Facebook}}</ref> A new song from the unnamed record was played at the DNA Lounge show, and clips of new songs continued to be shared throughout the summer. During this time, a remix album was announced in July from the label Silk Music, who had previously released remix singles of [[WeMoveForward]] and [[Days of Thunder]] in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2016 |title=WeMoveForward (incl. Talamanca Remix) {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/wemoveforward-incl-talamanca-remix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206014017/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/wemoveforward-incl-talamanca-remix |archive-date=February 6, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 1, 2016 |title=Days Of Thunder {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206014031/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder-2 |archive-date=February 6, 2024 |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> The release of [[The Midnight Remixed]] in August was a significant milestone for the band, as it was their first album to be associated with a label and the first to appear on a ''Billboard'' chart, peaking at number 22 on the [[wikipedia:Dance/Electronic Albums|Dance/Electronic Albums Chart]]. 


Monstercat Silk also released two singles from ''Endless Summer'' containing remixes: [[Sunset]], which released on August 7, 2017 <ref>{{Cite web |date=August 7, 2017 |title=Sunset (incl. Michael Cassette Remix) {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/sunset-incl-michael-cassette-remix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214037/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/sunset-incl-michael-cassette-remix |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=Twitter}}</ref> and [[Synthetic]], which released on December 18, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 18, 2017 |title=Synthetic (Mango, We Are All Astronauts, Lost Empire Remixes) {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/synthetic-mango-we-are-all-astronauts-lost-empire-remixes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214037/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/synthetic-mango-we-are-all-astronauts-lost-empire-remixes |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>
Also in August 2017, The Midnight's new album [[Nocturnal]] was officially announced. [[Crystalline]] was released as its only single in September, followed by the album's release on October 13. Featuring collaborations with [[Nikki Flores]] and [[wikipedia:Timecop1983|Timecop1983]], ''Nocturnal'' was noted for having a considerably darker sound compared to previous The Midnight offerings and received mostly positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sievers |first=Alex |date=October 16, 2017 |title=Album Review: The Midnight - 'Nocturnal' {{!}} KillYourStereo {{!}} Australian and International Punk, Hardcore, Metal, Rock and Indie Music News, Reviews, Interviews and Comps |url=https://killyourstereo.com/reviews/the-midnight-nocturnal/FlICCAsKDQw/16-10-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/aC24N |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2023 |website=KillYouStereo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilcoxson |first=Steven |date=September 17, 2018 |title=THE MIDNIGHT – Nocturnal - NewRetroWave - Stay Retro! {{!}} Live The 80's Dream! |url=https://newretrowave.com/2018/09/17/the-midnight-the-nocturnal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209053430/https://newretrowave.com/2018/09/17/the-midnight-the-nocturnal/ |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |access-date=May 8, 2023 |website=NewRetroWave}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zistler |first=Andrew |date=October 23, 2017 |title=The Midnight - Nocturnal - NewRetroWave - Stay Retro! {{!}} Live The 80's Dream! |url=https://newretrowave.com/2017/10/23/the-midnight-nocturnal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003041851/https://newretrowave.com/2017/10/23/the-midnight-nocturnal/ |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2023 |website=NewRetroWave}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vehling |first=Aaron |date=October 31, 2017 |title=Recommends: The Midnight, Mr. Eff, Nightcrawler, The G |url=https://vehlinggo.com/2017/10/31/recommended-listening-the-midnight-mr-eff-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203010656/https://vehlinggo.com/2017/10/31/recommended-listening-the-midnight-mr-eff-more/ |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=May 9, 2023 |website=Vehlinggo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2017 |title=Virée nocturne avec Nocturnal, le nouvel EP de The Midnight – Synthspiria |url=https://synthspiria.com/the-midnight-nocturnal/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201202129/https://synthspiria.com/the-midnight-nocturnal/ |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |access-date=May 9, 2023 |website=Synthspiria}}</ref> Synthwave news site ''NewRetroWave'' chose it as their top EP of 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edsall |first=Joey |date=December 28, 2017 |title=Top Ten Retrowave EP's of 2017 - NewRetroWave - Stay Retro! {{!}} Live The 80's Dream! |url=https://newretrowave.com/2017/12/28/top-ten-retrowave-eps-of-2017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203204/https://newretrowave.com/2017/12/28/top-ten-retrowave-eps-of-2017/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=NewRetroWave}}</ref> In addition to being the top-selling album on Bandcamp for more than a week'', Nocturnal'' also charted at number 17 on the ''Billboard'' Dance/Electronic Albums Chart and later peaked at number 17 on the [[wikipedia:Top Heatseekers|Billboard Heatseekers Album chart]] in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2017 |title=The Midnight - Holy shit! We're best selling on bandcamp. This is... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/pfbid02cdh7jTw1VKTtmQ13DQUETqDfXEpWg7cdm5CqtevP166MArZf15gyGihxvf8sBn6vl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/k5WDC |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2017 |title=The Midnight - We’re still no. 1 on bandcamp. That’s almost a week... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/pfbid02pKEPDafhFfz4gQsLfC3U6iZJh5CSo2gECogFqmB1UNrS5h6VgUjqRnHyEh54CJ2Dl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/PjmuD |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2017 |title=The Midnight - Being no. 1 on bandcamp for 10 days straight made... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/pfbid0VLPr1uqcirPgUU4iFMMoEtyKw6fLmXqCHCnGgD7H44Lj3e3yG1n5pMsR8hB9VLbAl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/NNI8R |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Facebook}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2017 |title=The Midnight - 'Nocturnal' is no. 17 on @billboard... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/pfbid0EeLYow35RQz5Pd2BXJToaeuVXHCcxoffwFGNFuN1SP2owhHCoBSY1AXrKfzvD9xml |archive-url=https://archive.ph/lUPro |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=May 9, 2023 |website=Facebook|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Midnight {{!}} Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/the-midnight/chart-history/TLN/song/1049930 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619210753/https://www.billboard.com/music/the-midnight/chart-history/TLN/song/1049930 |archive-date=June 19, 2021 |access-date=May 9, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref>


The instrumental version of ''Endless Summer'' was released on August 13, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2016 |title=Endless Summer (the instrumentals) {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/endless-summer-the-instrumentals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214022/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/endless-summer-the-instrumentals |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> On June 24, 2021, a 5 Year Anniversary Edition of ''Endless Summer'' was released featuring two additional songs: [[Bend]] and [[Comet]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Endless Summer (5 Year Anniversary Edition) {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/endless-summer-5-year-anniversary-edition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409144644/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/endless-summer-5-year-anniversary-edition |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>
The Midnight ended 2017 with another sold out live show in November. Co-headlining with FM-84 again, the show took place at the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles and featured Nikki Flores live with the band for the first time.


=== The Midnight Remixed ===
===2018-2020: ''Kids'' trilogy begins, touring, second remix album, and ''Monsters''===
{{Main|The Midnight Remixed}}  
Shortly after the release of ''Nocturnal'', Tim McEwan revealed that The Midnight's next record was already in development, describing it as a more "summer feeling" EP that they expected to release in the spring or summer of 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2017 |title=Who Are The Midnight?: An Interview with the Masters of Modern Nostalgia |url=https://vehlinggo.com/2017/11/12/the-midnight-interview-nocturnal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324190301/https://vehlinggo.com/2017/11/12/the-midnight-interview-nocturnal/ |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=Vehlinggo}}</ref> While work commenced on the new record, the band did a small tour of three shows in March 2018 in the cities of Chicago and New York City. In April, The Midnight's [[Fall 2018 Tour|first official tour]] was announced for the fall, with 18 shows planned across North America.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2018 |title=-The Midnight ON TOUR- - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFIAyMxvD_E |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928211510/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFIAyMxvD_E |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |access-date=April 10, 2022 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2018 |title=The Midnight - -LIVE TOUR- Presales start now! Use password... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/pfbid0r5nGaLuLGNvoSg2TL57qQ983yUnSZfsjvoee3UN8s9jZy5Epa1JocWS1P444AQw9l |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/aDffy |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=April 10, 2022 |website=Facebook}}</ref> Strong ticket sales prompted The Midnight to announce their first European shows in June, which would take place in the spring of 2019.
[[File:The midnight remixed - album.jpg|thumb|The Midnight Remixed album cover]]
[[File:Eric thornburg holocene portland 20180930 21.jpg|left|thumb|299x299px|A setlist from the [[Fall 2018 Tour]]]]
On August 14, 2017, The Midnight released their first remix album [[The Midnight Remixed]] through the label Monstercat Silk.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2017 |title=The Midnight Remixed {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/the-midnight-remixed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214041/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/the-midnight-remixed |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref><ref>https://monstercatsilk.bandcamp.com//</ref> The album contains 12 remixed versions of previously released The Midnight songs, featuring remixes from several well-known names in electronic/progressive house including Mango, Talamanca, Johan Vilborg, and Michael Cassette.
In May 2018, The Midnight were featured on the Timecop1983 song [[Static]] from his album ''Night Drive''. New singles [[Lost Boy]] and [[America 2]] appeared in July and August,<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2018 |title=Lost Boy {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/lost-boy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212125600/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/lost-boy |archive-date=February 12, 2022 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 3, 2018 |title=America 2 {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/america-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023025515/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/america-2 |archive-date=October 23, 2018 |access-date=August 30, 2018 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> and later in August the next The Midnight album was confirmed to be [[Kids|Kids.]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2018 |title=Kids (Trailer) - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQYTuk-_hKg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605194937/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQYTuk-_hKg |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=YouTube}}</ref>


Prior to the release of ''The Midnight Remixed'', Monstercat Silk issued new singles for the songs [[WeMoveForward]], [[Sunset]], and [[Days of Thunder]].<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/wemoveforward-incl-talamanca-remix</ref><ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-thunder-2</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 7, 2017 |title=Sunset (incl. Michael Cassette Remix) {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/sunset-incl-michael-cassette-remix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214037/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/sunset-incl-michael-cassette-remix |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=Twitter}}</ref> These single releases included the original songs as well as their corresponding remixes that would later be included on the album.
Released on September 21, 2018, ''Kids'' showcased a more upbeat and lighter tone compared to ''Nocturnal.'' The album received more mixed reviews compared to previous The Midnight offerings.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Album Review: The Midnight - Kids - Iron Skullet |url=https://ironskullet.com/2018/09/24/album-review-the-midnight-kids/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927174604/https://ironskullet.com/2018/09/24/album-review-the-midnight-kids/ |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=Iron Skullet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vehling |first=Aaron |date=September 21, 2018 |title=The Midnight - Kids • Review • Vehlinggo |url=https://vehlinggo.com/2018/09/21/midnight-kids-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506021034/https://vehlinggo.com/2018/09/21/midnight-kids-review/ |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=Vehlinggo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sievers |first=Alex |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Album Review: The Midnight - 'Kids' {{!}} KillYourStereo {{!}} Australian and International Punk, Hardcore, Metal, Rock and Indie Music News, Reviews, Interviews and Comps |url=https://killyourstereo.com/reviews/the-midnight-kids/gf2ZlZSXlpk/24-09-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/XT1Pg |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=Kill Your Stereo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Treakle |first=James |date=July 15, 2019 |title=[Album Review] Not a Sentimental Age – Kids (2018) by The Midnight — Indie Frontiers |url=https://www.indiefrontiers.com/home/not-a-sentimental-age-kids-2019-by-the-midnight-album-review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717063144/https://www.indiefrontiers.com/home/not-a-sentimental-age-kids-2019-by-the-midnight-album-review |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=Indie Frontiers}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zistler |first=Andrew |date=September 23, 2018 |title=The Midnight - Kids - NewRetroWave - Stay Retro! {{!}} Live The 80's Dream! |url=https://newretrowave.com/2018/09/23/the-midnight-kids/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030074645/https://newretrowave.com/2018/09/23/the-midnight-kids/ |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=NewRetroWave}}</ref>'' While most reviewers praised the overall sound and aesthetics of the album and credited the band for continuing to evolve the synthwave genre, others viewed it as sounding "too commercial". The album was also noted in most reviews for its short length and lack of saxophone, which had become a ubiquitous element of The Midnight's sound on previous releases.


The album charted at number twenty-two on the [[wikipedia:Dance/Electronic Albums|Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums Chart]].<ref>https://www.billboard.com/music/the-midnight/chart-history/TLP</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/1396858670538948/photos/pb.100044407450260.-2207520000../1924812451076898/?type=3</ref> This was the first time a release by The Midnight charted on Billboard.<ref>https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/8478337/billboard-dance-chart-upstarts-the-midnight-karel-xojani-whethan</ref> After the album's release, a fourth and final single for the song [[Synthetic]] was released.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/synthetic-mango-we-are-all-astronauts-lost-empire-remixes</ref> This single does not include the original song but instead features five remixed versions.
''Kids'' garnered the band more commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Album Sales chart, number 12 on the [[wikipedia:Dance/Electronic Albums|Dance/Electronic Albums]] chart, number two on the [[wikipedia:Top Heatseekers|Heatseekers Albums]] chart, and number 13 on the [[wikipedia:Independent Albums|Independent Albums]] chart.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Gordon |date=October 4, 2018 |title=The Midnight, Karel & XoJani and Whethan: Billboard Dance Chart Upstarts {{!}} Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/8478337/billboard-dance-chart-upstarts-the-midnight-karel-xojani-whethan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005025924/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/8478337/billboard-dance-chart-upstarts-the-midnight-karel-xojani-whethan |archive-date=October 5, 2018 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Midnight {{!}} Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/The-Midnight/chart-history/ELP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724232919/https://www.billboard.com/music/The-Midnight/chart-history/ELP |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref> ''Kids'' would be the first release in a trilogy series of albums for The Midnight that continued with [[Monsters]] in 2020 and concluded with [[Heroes]] in 2022.


=== Nocturnal ===
The ''Fall 2018 Tour'' commenced in September and was a major success for The Midnight, with almost every show selling out. The first show took place at the North Coast Music Festival in Chicago, which was the band's first music festival appearance. In October, more North American dates were announced for the [[Spring 2019 Tour]], which would supplement the previously revealed European shows. The tour began in February 2019 and featured The Midnight's first appearances in Europe and Australia. Work began on the next entry in the ''Kids'' trilogy during the tour, and previously teased [[America Online]] was released as a single in May.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 10, 2020 |title=America Online {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/america-online-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215140711/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/america-online-2 |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |access-date=April 6, 2022 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>  
{{Main|Nocturnal}}
[[File:Li-en ubel gefarhlich hamburg 20191027 221755 1.jpg|thumb|Performing during the [[Fall 2019 Tour]]]]
[[File:Nocturnal - album.jpg|left|thumb|Nocturnal album cover]]
The [[Fall 2019 Tour]] began in August 2019 and saw the band perform 38 shows across North America and Europe. The November 12 show in London was The Midnight's 100th live show.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2019 |title=A few nights ago we played @themidnightofficial’s 100th show at the legendary Roundhouse in London. It was an epic night, and it’s been an… {{!}} Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B43GjI7lUhw/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/WVOK3 |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Instagram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2020 |title=The Midnight - -100th Show- A year ago today we played our 100th... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/pfbid0rDeL8wF77CGVvp5Eo8hW8gTQXoYwfGbizxSbLBBbKqsgjz2YyarQsmWhKMWnLvNYl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/q0KOr |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Facebook}}</ref> The tour was notable for the addition of [[Jupiter Winter|Lelia Broussard]] to the live band as guitar player. She has remained with the touring band ever since and has also contributed to the writing and production of several The Midnight songs. Several new songs were played during the tour, including [[Brooklyn]], [[Seventeen]], and [[Monsters (song)|Monsters]], which were all confirmed to be on the upcoming album. In September, Silk Music released The Midnight's second remix album, [[The Midnight Remixed 02]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2019 |title=The Midnight Remixed 02 {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/the-midnight-remixed-02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428130840/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/the-midnight-remixed-02 |archive-date=April 28, 2020 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> Preceded by the release of three new remix singles, the album was another commercial success for the band and the Silk Music label, peaking at number eight on the [[wikipedia:Dance/Electronic Albums|Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums Chart]].
[[Nocturnal]], The Midnight's second album, was independently released on October 13, 2017.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/nocturnal</ref> The album contains seven tracks and features collaborations with [[Nikki Flores]] and [[wikipedia:Timecop1983|Timecop1983]]. ''Nocturnal'' was noted for having a considerably darker sound compared to previous The Midnight releases and received mostly positive reviews from critics.<ref>https://killyourstereo.com/reviews/1098067/the-midnight-nocturnal/</ref><ref>https://newretrowave.com/2018/09/17/the-midnight-the-nocturnal/</ref><ref>https://newretrowave.com/2017/10/23/the-midnight-nocturnal/</ref><ref>https://vehlinggo.com/2017/10/31/recommended-listening-the-midnight-mr-eff-more/</ref><ref>https://synthspiria.com/the-midnight-nocturnal/?fbclid=IwAR28-skbnQvaA7qa8F13dH91eZTj31Q9DlZWVeiWMOsO5RD80Mj5aBR63-Q</ref> The album charted at number seventeen on the [[wikipedia:Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] Dance/Electronic Albums Chart after release and the following year it peaked at number seventeen on the [[wikipedia:Top Heatseekers|Billboard Heatseekers Album chart]].<ref>https://www.facebook.com/1396858670538948/photos/a.1423071464584335/1951224048435738</ref><ref>https://www.billboard.com/music/the-midnight/chart-history/TLN/song/1049930</ref>


''Nocturnal'' was preceded by the release of its only single, [[Crystalline]], which was issued on September 22, 2017.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/crystalline</ref>
In March 2020, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic and The Midnight sought to keep fans engaged during stay-at-home orders. A weeklong [[The Midnight Remix Radio|remix competition]] took place during the last week of the month, with stems being made available to download for the songs [[The Comeback Kid]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Explorers]], and [[River of Darkness]] to remix. Over 500 remixes were submitted and the winners were revealed during a livestream on YouTube in April. A new acoustic version of ''The Comeback Kid'' was also released at the end of March, with all proceeds going to support members of the band's tour crew.


The instrumental version of ''Nocturnal'' was released on December 15, 2017.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/nocturnal-the-instrumentals</ref>
In May 2020, the single [[Deep Blue]] was released and [[Monsters]] was revealed as The Midnight's next album. [[Dance With Somebody]] and [[Prom Night]] followed as singles before the album released in July. The album was their first associated with the label Counter Records.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 10, 2020 |title=Monsters {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/monsters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824044131/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/monsters |archive-date=August 24, 2020 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> Noted for moving the band's sound in a different direction and expanding its horizons, ''Monsters'' received mostly positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crumlish |first=Callum |date=July 10, 2020 |title=The Midnight 'Monsters' album review: L.A. duo deliver most stylish and creative music yet {{!}} Music {{!}} Entertainment {{!}} Express.co.uk |url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1307979/the-midnight-monsters-album-review-new-album-band-tyler-lyle-tim-mcewan-outrun-synthwave |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711044851/https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1307979/the-midnight-monsters-album-review-new-album-band-tyler-lyle-tim-mcewan-outrun-synthwave |archive-date=July 11, 2020 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vehling |first=Aaron |date=July 10, 2020 |title=The Midnight - Monsters - REVIEW • Vehlinggo |url=https://vehlinggo.com/2020/07/10/midnight-monsters-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714032751/https://vehlinggo.com/2020/07/10/midnight-monsters-review/ |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Vehlinggo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yopko |first=Nick |date=July 14, 2020 |title=The Midnight Attain Retrowave Greatness on Nostalgic Third Album "Monsters" - EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists |url=https://edm.com/music-releases/the-midnight-monsters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716175835/https://edm.com/music-releases/the-midnight-monsters |archive-date=July 16, 2020 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=EDM.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morawitz |first=Owen |date=July 9, 2020 |title=The Midnight's Nostalgic 'Monsters' Is Tailor-Made for Boomboxes Held Overhead {{!}} Exclaim! |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/the_midnight_monsters_album_review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712190739/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/the_midnight_monsters_album_review |archive-date=July 12, 2020 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Exclaim!}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jewers |first=Sarah |date=July 15, 2020 |title=The Midnight - Monsters Album Review {{!}} FUZZY |url=https://www.fuzzymag.co.uk/post/the-midnight-monsters-review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913173546/https://www.fuzzymag.co.uk/post/the-midnight-monsters-review |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=FUZZY}}</ref> Also obtaining commercial success, the album charted at number 134 on the [[wikipedia:Billboard 200|Billboard 200]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 25, 2020 |title=The Midnight {{!}} Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/The-Midnight/chart-history/TLP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725005428/https://www.billboard.com/music/The-Midnight/chart-history/TLP |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref> number 12 on the [[wikipedia:Dance/Electronic Albums|Dance/Electronic Albums]] chart,<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 25, 2020 |title=The Midnight {{!}} Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/The-Midnight/chart-history/ELP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724232919/https://www.billboard.com/music/The-Midnight/chart-history/ELP |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Gordon |date=July 23, 2020 |title=The Midnight Debuts, Sofi Tukker & Gorgon City Go Top 10 on Dance/Electronic Charts – Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/the-midnight-sofi-tukker-gorgon-city-dance-electronic-charts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126194158/https://www.billboard.com/pro/the-midnight-sofi-tukker-gorgon-city-dance-electronic-charts/ |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref> and number 18 on the [[wikipedia:Independent Albums|Independent Albums]] chart.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 25, 2020 |title=The Midnight {{!}} Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/the-midnight/chart-history/IND |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721153014/https://www.billboard.com/music/the-midnight/chart-history/IND |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref>


=== Kids ===
===2020-2021: ''Horror Show'', ''Endless Summer'' anniversary, and return to touring ===
{{Main|Kids}}
[[File:The midnight online poster.png|left|thumb|300x300px|[[The Midnight Online]] poster]]
[[File:Kids - album.jpg|thumb|Kids album cover]]
Continuing their efforts to maintain fan engagement during the pandemic, The Midnight began an [[Fall 2020 ARG|alternate reality game (ARG)]] in September 2020. Using a mix of digital and real-life clues, fans across the globe united online in an effort to solve mysteries and unlock prizes. In early October, one of the prizes revealed an upcoming online concert, [[The Midnight Online]]. The concert took place at the Libbey Bowl in Ojai, California and was streamed live on October 30, 2020. This concert was notable for the addition of [[Jupiter Winter|Royce Whittaker]] to the live band, who is one half of [[Jupiter Winter]] alongside fellow tour member Lelia Broussard. When The Midnight resumed touring full time in the fall of 2021, Whittaker was made a permanent member of the touring band.  
The Midnight's third album, [[Kids]], was independently released on September 21, 2018.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/kids</ref> The album contains nine tracks. Featuring a more upbeat and lighter tone compared to ''Nocturnal'', the album received more mixed reviews compared to previous The Midnight offerings<ref>https://ironskullet.com/2018/09/24/album-review-the-midnight-kids/</ref><ref>https://vehlinggo.com/2018/09/21/midnight-kids-review/</ref><ref>https://killyourstereo.com/reviews/1104183/the-midnight-kids/</ref><ref>https://www.indiefrontiers.com/home/not-a-sentimental-age-kids-2019-by-the-midnight-album-review</ref><ref>https://newretrowave.com/2018/09/23/the-midnight-kids/</ref> but was still a successful release for the band, debuting at number one on the [[wikipedia:Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] Dance/Electronic Album Sales chart, number twelve on the [[wikipedia:Dance/Electronic Albums|Dance/Electronic Albums]] chart, number two on the [[wikipedia:Top Heatseekers|Heatseekers Albums]] chart, and number thirteen on the [[wikipedia:Independent Albums|Independent Albums]] chart.<ref>https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/8478337/billboard-dance-chart-upstarts-the-midnight-karel-xojani-whethan</ref><ref>https://www.billboard.com/music/the-midnight/chart-history/ELP</ref>


''Kids'' was preceded by the release of three singles. [[Lost Boy]] was the first single and was released on July 13, 2018.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/lost-boy</ref> The second single, [[America 2]], was released on August 3, 2018.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/america-2</ref> The third and final single was [[Arcade Dreams]], releasing on September 7, 2018.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/arcade-dreams-3</ref>
The ARG concluded with the announcement of [[Horror Show]], The Midnight's second EP. Initially exclusive to Amazon Music, the Halloween-themed EP was released on October 16, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 16, 2020 |title=the midnight on Twitter: "-Horror 🎃 Show- Welcome to The Midnight Horror Show. Our new EP streaming exclusively on @amazonmusic and available for purchase in our store. Let’s get spooky." / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1317105895508119552 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/UEtZQ |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Twitter}}</ref> and was noted for having a darker sound reminiscent of ''Nocturnal.'' Four of the six tracks on ''Horror Show'' were co-produced with electronic musician Essenger, and the EP also included a cover of the Patti Smith Group song [[Because The Night]], the band's third collaboration with Nikki Flores. ''Horror Show'' would get a full release to all platforms on March 19, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2021 |title=Horror Show {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/horror-show |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323102021/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/horror-show |archive-date=March 23, 2021 |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>[[File:Yvonne Crowley Royale Boston PXL 20220322 022049807.MP~2.jpg|thumb|Performing during the [[Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour]]]]In early 2021, McEwan began streaming the creation of new The Midnight songs on Twitch. One of these songs was [[Cold Pizza]], which released exclusively on YouTube on February 9, 2021. The release was timed to commemorate National Pizza Day and was accompanied by a promotional website for the in-universe restaurant [[Pizza Zone]]. The song was further promoted with the sale of new merchandise featuring the Pizza Zone logo.


''Kids'' is the first album of a planned trilogy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2020 |title=THE MIDNIGHT: Tim McEwan And Tyler Lyle On Bringing ‘Monsters’ To Life! |url=https://www.iconvsicon.com/2020/07/09/the-midnight-tim-mcewan-and-tyler-lyle-on-bringing-monsters-to-life/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224233722/https://www.iconvsicon.com/2020/07/09/the-midnight-tim-mcewan-and-tyler-lyle-on-bringing-monsters-to-life/ |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=Icon Vision}}</ref> The next album in the trilogy is [[Monsters]], and a third yet to be named album will conclude the trilogy.
The [[The Midnight Remix Radio Vol. 2|second remix competition]] also took place in February 2021. This time, the stems of every song from ''Monsters'' were made available for purchase to remix for the competition. The stems for the song ''Deep Blue'' could be downloaded at no cost. Submissions were open for three weeks, from February 5 to Feburary 26, and were reviewed live on Twitch the following week by McEwan and Lyle. The overall winner was the Droid Bishop Remix of ''Deep Blue'', which was released as a single in September 2021.


The instrumental version of ''Kids'' was released on October 30, 2018.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/kids-the-instrumentals</ref>
The fifth anniversary of ''Endless Summer'' was celebrated throughout the summer of 2021. On June 24, a 5 Year Anniversary Edition of the album was released that contained two new songs, [[Bend]] and [[Comet]]. While ''Bend'' was previously made available as a download to people who pre-ordered the first vinyl pressing of ''Endless Summer'' in 2016, ''Comet'' had only been heard previously as a small snippet on The Midnight's Facebook page. [[The Rearview Mirror]] was released on July 23, an EP containing five songs from ''Endless Summer'' remade with orchestral arrangements performed by the Magik*Magik Orchestra.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 23, 2021 |title=The Rearview Mirror {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/the-rearview-mirror |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812210910/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/the-rearview-mirror |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref>


=== The Midnight Remixed 02 ===
Shortly after the release of ''Monsters'', dates for a European tour in Spring 2021 were announced. The shows would later be postponed to 2022 in January 2021 due to continuing COVID concerns. In April 2021, the first dates of the [[Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour]] were revealed, which were all in North America. More North American shows were added in June and were scheduled for Spring 2022. It was The Midnight's first tour since the ''Fall 2019 Tour'' and the first since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a desire to increase production value and create a more authentic live show, Royce Whittaker was added as a full-time touring member following his initial appearance in ''The Midnight Online'', and McEwan began performing with a full drum kit. The addition of Whittaker gave The Midnight a five-piece touring band for the first time. All of the European dates except for the UK and Ireland were ultimately canceled in March 2022, with COVID concerns again being the culprit.
{{Main|The Midnight Remixed 02}}
[[File:Remixed 02 - album.jpg|left|thumb|The Midnight Remixed 02 album cover]]
On September 27, 2019, Monstercat Silk released The Midnight's second remix album, [[The Midnight Remixed 02]].<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/the-midnight-remixed-02</ref> ''The Midnight Remixed 02'' features eleven new remixes of previously released The Midnight songs, with contributions from the likes of [[wikipedia:Timecop1983|Timecop1983]], Blood Grove &amp; Kikis, and Claes Rosen.


To promote the album's release, Monstercat Silk released three remix singles: [[Shadows|Shadows (Uppermost Remix)]], which released on August 23, 2019,<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/shadows-uppermost-remix</ref> [[Arcade Dreams|Arcade Dreams (Timecop1983 Remix)]], which released on September 13, 2019,<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/arcade-dreams-timecop1983-remix</ref> and [[Kids (Reprise)|Kids (PROFF Dub Remix)]], which released on September 20, 2019.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/kids-proff-dub-remix</ref>
===2022-2023: The ''Heroes'' era, festival shows, and first live album ===
Work on the next The Midnight record began in earnest in 2021, with McEwan continuing to stream and tease new songs on Twitch. A new song, [[Change Your Heart or Die]], began to be played during the ''Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour'' and was released as a single in April 2022. The single was accompanied by the announcement of the [[Change Your Heart Tour]], which would take place the following fall and spring. A [[2022 ARG|second alternate reality game]] began at the end of May and continued through the beginning of June, concluding with the release of [[Heartbeat]] as a single and the announcement of [[Heroes]] as The Midnight's next album.
[[File:HeroesBillboard.jpg|left|thumb|Billboard in Los Angeles promoting [[Heroes]]|350x350px]]
[[Avalanche]], [[Brooklyn. Friday. Love.]], and [[Heart Worth Breaking]] followed throughout the summer as the next singles from ''Heroes'', which was released on September 9, 2022. Serving as a conclusion to the ''Kids'' trilogy, the album received positive reviews from critics, who commended the band for continuing to explore new genres and compared the sound favorably to the work of musicians such as Giorgio Moroder and Mutt Lange.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vehling |first=Aaron |date=September 8, 2022 |title=The Midnight - Heroes - ALBUM REVIEW • Vehlinggo |url=https://vehlinggo.com/2022/09/08/midnight-heroes-review-vinyl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529193101/https://vehlinggo.com/2022/09/08/midnight-heroes-review-vinyl/ |archive-date=May 29, 2023 |access-date=August 28, 2023 |website=Vehlinggo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1666337/the-midnight-heroes-review-new-album-tim-mcewan-tyler-lyle-synthwave-reach-review|title=The Midnight: Heroes review - Saving music with their best album yet|first=Callum|last=Crumlish|date=September 8, 2022|website=Express.co.uk|access-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909202529/https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1666337/the-midnight-heroes-review-new-album-tim-mcewan-tyler-lyle-synthwave-reach-review|archive-date=September 9, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/heroes-mw0003798870|title=The Midnight - Heroes Album Reviews, Songs & More &#124; AllMusic|via=www.allmusic.com|access-date=August 28, 2023|website=AllMusic|last=Collar|first=Matt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027151501/https://www.allmusic.com/album/heroes-mw0003798870|archive-date=October 27, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> It appeared on a total of seven ''Billboard'' charts, most notably the ''Billboard'' ''200'' where it peaked at 134.


The album peaked at number eight on the [[wikipedia:Dance/Electronic Albums|Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums Chart]]<ref>https://www.billboard.com/music/the-midnight/chart-history/dance-electronic-consumption-chart/song/1099324</ref> and number one on the USA [[wikipedia:iTunes|iTunes]] Dance Top Albums Chart.<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/B264eeSARpc/</ref>
The ''Change Your Heart Tour'' began in September 2022 and featured the band's first appearance at the ''Austin City Limits'' music festival in October. Streamed live on Hulu, it was The Midnight's most notable festival appearance to date and their first to be streamed online. During the festival, the band was interviewed for the first time by notable American music magazine ''Rolling Stone''. The Midnight capped 2022 with a small DJ set tour, playing four dates in the US with Lyle at the helm.
[[File:Tyler RSD.jpg|thumb|Lyle during a promotional show for [[Red, White and Bruised: The Midnight Live]]]]
In February 2023, The Midnight announced their first live album, [[Red, White and Bruised: The Midnight Live]]. The album was first released exclusively on vinyl in April as part of Record Store Day 2023 and received a full release to all platforms in September. At the end of February, [[Land Locked Heart]] was released as a promotional single from the soundtrack of the video game ''Road 96: Mile 0''.<ref name=":04">{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2023 |title=Land Locked Heart (from Road 96: Mile 0) {{!}} The Midnight |url=https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/land-locked-heart-from-road-96-mile-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223215813/https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/land-locked-heart-from-road-96-mile-0 |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |website=Bandcamp}}</ref> The Midnight embarked on the European leg of the ''Change Your Heart Tour'' in March, the first time since 2019 they performed in Europe outside of the UK and Ireland.


=== Monsters ===
The [[Fall 2023 North American Tour]] was announced in April 2023. Following two performances at ''Bonnaroo'' in June and a Los Angeles show in July, the tour began in September at the ''Music Midtown'' festival in Atlanta. In October, The Midnight performed in Mexico for the first time since 2019. The band opened for ODESZA on their ''The Last Goodbye Tour'' show in Mexico City followed by an appearance at the ''Live Out'' music festival in Monterrey.  
{{Main|Monsters}}
[[File:Monsters - album.jpg|thumb|Monsters album cover]]
The Midnight released their fourth album [[Monsters]] on July 10, 2020, through the label Counter Records.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/monsters</ref> A continuation of ''Kids'', the album contains fifteen tracks and is their largest release to date in terms of the number of songs. It features a collaboration with the Los Angeles based music duo [[Jupiter Winter]] on the [[Monsters (song)|title track]].


Noted for moving the band's sound in a different direction and expanding its horizons, ''Monsters'' received mostly positive reviews from critics.<ref>https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1307979/the-midnight-monsters-album-review-new-album-band-tyler-lyle-tim-mcewan-outrun-synthwave</ref><ref>https://vehlinggo.com/2020/07/10/midnight-monsters-review/</ref><ref>https://edm.com/music-releases/the-midnight-monsters</ref><ref>https://exclaim.ca/music/article/the_midnight_monsters_album_review</ref><ref>https://www.fuzzymag.co.uk/post/the-midnight-monsters-review</ref> Also obtaining commercial success, the album charted at number one-hundred-thirty-four on the [[wikipedia:Billboard 200|Billboard 200]],<ref>https://www.billboard.com/music/The-Midnight/chart-history/TLP</ref> number twelve on the [[wikipedia:Dance/Electronic Albums|Dance/Electronic Albums]] chart,<ref>https://www.billboard.com/music/The-Midnight/chart-history/ELP</ref><ref>https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9423495/the-midnight-sofi-tukker-gorgon-city-dance-electronic-charts</ref> and number eighteen on the [[wikipedia:Independent Albums|Independent Albums]] chart.<ref>https://www.billboard.com/music/The-Midnight/chart-history/IND</ref>
In August 2023, Lyle mentioned in an interview with ''Substream Magazine'' that there is yet to be a timetable for the next The Midnight record, but hinted that some non-music projects are in the works.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hudelson |first=Molly |date=August 21, 2023 |title=INTERVIEW: The Midnight are exploring the electronic and rock band worlds - Substream Magazine |url=https://substreammagazine.com/2023/08/interview-the-midnight-are-exploring-the-electronic-and-rock-band-worlds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829011910/https://substreammagazine.com/2023/08/interview-the-midnight-are-exploring-the-electronic-and-rock-band-worlds/ |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |access-date=August 28, 2023 |website=Substream Magazine}}</ref> More live shows continued to be announced in the fall, with stops in Australia and India planned for early 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2023 |title=the midnight on X: "Australia! We're beyond excited to return to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne next February! Presale starts this Thursday, 21/09, general sale Friday, 22/09 at 9am local time." / X |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1704255838226096361 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.today/zeYv6 |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tagat |first=Anurag |date=November 30, 2023 |title=The Midnight Announce India Tour in February 2024: Find Dates, Tickets |url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/the-midnight-india-concert-tour-dates-tickets-venues-announcement/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204153533/https://rollingstoneindia.com/the-midnight-india-concert-tour-dates-tickets-venues-announcement/ |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=Rolling Stone India}}</ref> It will be The Midnight's first time performing in Australia since 2019 and their first time ever performing in India.


''Monsters'' was preceded by the release of four singles. [[America Online]] was the first single and was released on May 3, 2019.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/track/america-online</ref> The second single, [[Deep Blue]], was released on May 6, 2020.<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/B_fNNn1J2L-/</ref> The third single, [[Dance With Somebody]], was released on June 10, 2020.<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CBQsDoQn98s/</ref> The fourth and final single, [[Prom Night]], was released on June 24, 2020.<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CB0wdojJqAi/</ref>
=== 2024-present: Graphic novel, label change, and new music ===
In January 2024, a graphic novel that takes place within The Midnight universe was announced. Titled [[The Midnight: Shadows]], the graphic novel will be released by Dark Horse Comics in October of the same year.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |title=The Midnight: Shadows TPB :: Profile :: Dark Horse Comics |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3010-854/The-Midnight-Shadows-TPB |url-status=live |access-date=January 30, 2024 |website=Dark Horse Comics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130155928/https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3010-854/The-Midnight-Shadows-TPB|archive-date=January 30, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=January 30, 2024 |title=The Midnight: Shadows Brings the Popular Synthwave Band to Comics - IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-midnight-shadows-brings-the-popular-synthwave-band-to-comics?utm_source=twitter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130155605/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-midnight-shadows-brings-the-popular-synthwave-band-to-comics |archive-date=January 30, 2024 |access-date=January 30, 2024 |website=IGN}}</ref> Planning for the graphic novel began in the fall of 2020 and will mark The Midnight's first foray into a medium outside of music.


The instrumental version of ''Monsters'' was released on October 8, 2020.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/monsters-the-instrumentals</ref>
In February 2024, The Midnight announced via Instagram that [[Tim McEwan]] will step away from doing live shows following the conclusion of the tours in India and Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2024 |title=A note from Tim and Tyler 💜 {{!}} Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C25QcbyphGG/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 3, 2024 |website=Instagram|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Mhqrc|archive-date=March 25, 2024}}</ref> He cited the struggles of balancing his personal life with touring, producing, and the other responsibilities involved in the day-to-day operations of The Midnight as his reason for departing. McEwan will continue to serve as The Midnight's producer. In the statement, he noted that he was in the process of finishing The Midnight's next album. Beginning with the [[Summer 2024 EU/UK Tour]], Kwesi Robinson was added to touring lineup as a drummer to replace McEwan's role.


=== Horror Show ===
On August 26, 2024, a new song was teased on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 26, 2024 |title=the midnight on Twitter: "Something is coming…" / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1828113796210270333 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/gq8T9 |archive-date=September 4, 2024 |access-date=September 4, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref> Three days later, the song was revealed to be [[Chariot]] and was released on September 6.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 29, 2024 |title=the midnight on Twitter: "Your Chariot awaits… https://t.co/h7zmQEIil9 https://t.co/WPDSaUKY64" / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1829203916808171968 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/N5gRB |archive-date=September 4, 2024 |access-date=September 4, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2024 |title=the midnight on Twitter: "SEPTEMBER 6." / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1831048541831381262 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/u6C5L |archive-date=September 4, 2024 |access-date=September 4, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref> The single is The Midnight's debut on electronic music label Ultra Records.
{{Main|Horror Show}}
[[File:Horror show - ep.jpg|left|thumb|Horror Show EP cover]]
The Midnight's second EP, [[Horror Show]], was released on October 16, 2020, through Counter Records.<ref>https://music.amazon.com/albums/B08KS5M6G6?refMarker=dm_wcp_af_r&amp;ref=dm_ws_dp_ald_bb_phfa_xx_xx&amp;do=play&amp;</ref><ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CGaDuGnAWCe/</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1317105895508119552</ref> The EP was originally only avalible to stream on [[wikipedia:Amazon Music|Amazon Music]]. The EP was released to all platforms on March 19, 2021.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/horror-show</ref> Physical copies of the EP were also available to pre-order from the band's official store on release day, with all orders including a digital download of the EP alongside its instrumentals.<ref>https://merch.ambientinks.com/collections/themidnight/products/preorder-horror-show-limited-edition-transparent-orange-lp</ref>


Announced as a prize during the [[Fall 2020 ARG]], the EP contains six tracks. With a darker sound reminiscent of [[Nocturnal]], ''Horror Show'' sees The Midnight collaborating with producer Essenger for the first time, with Essenger co-producing four tracks.<ref>https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1317331226311548928</ref> The band also collaborated again with [[Nikki Flores]] on the song [[Because The Night]], a cover of the [[wikipedia:Because the Night|original 1978 song]] by [[wikipedia:Bruce Springsteen|Bruce Springsteen]] and [[wikipedia:Patti Smith|Patti Smith]].
== Other appearances ==
In September 2017, The Midnight did a guest mix on ''Group Therapy'', a weekly radio show from electronic music group Above & Beyond.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2017 |title=Listen to Group Therapy 247 with Above & Beyond and The Midnight by Ellard de Wolf in 1 playlist online for free on SoundCloud |url=https://soundcloud.com/aboveandbeyond/abgt247?in=ellard-de-wolf/sets/1-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/4mVqb |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Soundcloud}}</ref> They appeared on the show a second time in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2019 |title=Stream Group Therapy 348 with Above & Beyond and The Midnight by Above & Beyond {{!}} Listen online for free on SoundCloud |url=https://soundcloud.com/aboveandbeyond/group-therapy-348-with-above |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/UOI3d |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Soundcloud}}</ref> In June 2023, they did a mix for the BBC Radio 1 show ''Wind Down''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2023 |title=BBC Radio 1 - Radio 1's Wind Down Presents..., Counter Records: The Midnight |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mk5j |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715160826/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mk5j |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=BBC}}</ref>


=== The Rearview Mirror ===
Several of the band's songs have made appearances in various television programs. In 2019, [[Lost Boy]] was featured in an episode of American TV series ''13 Reasons Why'' during the show's third season.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Lost Boy" by The Midnight {{!}} List of Movies & TV Shows |url=https://www.what-song.com/song/256799/lost-boy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/0XRPy |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=whatsong}}</ref> [[Sunset]] can be heard in a third season episode of Spanish drama series ''Elite'' (2020).<ref>{{Cite web |title="Sunset" by The Midnight Lyrics {{!}} List of Movies & TV Shows |url=https://www.what-song.com/song/269375/sunset |url-status=live |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=whatsong}}</ref> An instrumental clip of [[The Comeback Kid]] was used in the NFL Sunday Night Football broadcast of the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams game on September 13, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2020 |title=THEY WERE PLAYING COMEBACK KID ON SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!! : r/TheMidnight |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/TheMidnight/comments/isb5gt/they_were_playing_comeback_kid_on_sunday_night/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Reddit}}</ref> On December 17, 2023, an instrumental clip of [[Days of Thunder (song)|Days of Thunder]] was played during a segment on Trevor Lawrence in the NFL Sunday Night Football broadcast of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2023 |title="Days of Thunder" played on Sunday night football : r/TheMidnight |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/TheMidnight/comments/18kxhyx/days_of_thunder_played_on_sunday_night_football/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Reddit}}</ref> The international broadcast of Game 1 of the 2022 MLB World Series featured an instrumental clip of [[Heartbeat]] during the intro. The instrumental version of [[WeMoveForward]] was used during BBC's coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.  
{{Main|The Rearview Mirror}}  
[[File:The rearview mirror - ep.jpg|thumb|The Rearview Mirror EP cover]]
The Midnight's third EP, [[The Rearview Mirror]] was released on July 23, 2021.<ref>https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/the-rearview-mirror</ref> Released to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the band's album Endless Summer, the EP features five songs that have been re-imagined with orchestral arrangements performed by the Magik*Magik Orchestra. Vampires was released as a single from the EP on July 9, 2021.


=== Heroes ===
[[The Equaliser (Not Alone)]] was featured in the opening credits of the 2022 slasher film ''Terrifier 2''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terrifier 2 (2022) - Soundtracks - IMDb |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10403420/soundtrack/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611055342/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10403420/soundtrack/ |archive-date=June 11, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=IMDB}}</ref> Also in 2022, an unnamed song was composed by The Midnight for use in an advertisement for vintage watch distributor Analog:Shift.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Analog:Shift Brand Animation - ‘Stealing Time Itself’ feat. The Midnight - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4z_e5nuDe4 |url-status=live |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=YouTube}}</ref>
{{Main|Heroes}}  
[[File:Heroes - Album.jpg|left|thumb|Heroes album cover]]
'''Heroes''' is the fifth album from [[The Midnight]]. It is scheduled to be released on September 9, 2022.


So far, four singles have been released from Heroes: [[Change Your Heart or Die]] which released on April 14, 2022, [[Heartbeat]], which released on June 8, 2022, [[Avalanche]] which was released on July 6, 2022 and [[Brooklyn. Friday. Love.]] which was released on August 3, 2022.
The Midnight's music has also appeared in video games. In 2019, [[Explorers]] was featured in ''The Sims 4: Realm of Magic'', with new vocals recorded in the game's Simlish language.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2019 |title=Explorers - The Midnight (Simlish) - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqyx6gN9_vk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408215451/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqyx6gN9_vk |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=YouTube}}</ref> In 2023, The Midnight recorded the song [[Land Locked Heart]] exclusively for the video game ''Road 96: Mile 0'', which released on April 4, 2023. The song was the lead single from the game's soundtrack and was released on February 23, 2023.<ref name=":04" />


== Style and workflow ==
== Style and workflow ==


For most of their career, The Midnight has created a strong and distinct [[wikipedia:synthwave|synthwave]] sound in their music - Tim McEwan once described the band's early albums &quot;as if [[wikipedia:Miami Vice|Miami Vice]] had a baby with a [[wikipedia:John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]] movie.&quot;<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/eocxrbc/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref> However, McEwan has continuously expressed a desire to evolve the synthwave genre and not be confined by it.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/eod2qsw/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/electronicmusic/comments/horqzi/we_are_the_midnight_our_new_album_monsters_is_out/fxjybht/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2020 |title=THE MIDNIGHT: Tim McEwan And Tyler Lyle On Bringing ‘Monsters’ To Life! |url=https://www.iconvsicon.com/2020/07/09/the-midnight-tim-mcewan-and-tyler-lyle-on-bringing-monsters-to-life/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224233722/https://www.iconvsicon.com/2020/07/09/the-midnight-tim-mcewan-and-tyler-lyle-on-bringing-monsters-to-life/ |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=Icon Vision}}</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/1615738348650978</ref> Tyler Lyle has stated several times that the band's philosophy when composing is &quot;combine, not confine.&quot;<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/electronicmusic/comments/horqzi/we_are_the_midnight_our_new_album_monsters_is_out/fxjv91v/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2020 |title=THE MIDNIGHT: Tim McEwan And Tyler Lyle On Bringing ‘Monsters’ To Life! |url=https://www.iconvsicon.com/2020/07/09/the-midnight-tim-mcewan-and-tyler-lyle-on-bringing-monsters-to-life/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224233722/https://www.iconvsicon.com/2020/07/09/the-midnight-tim-mcewan-and-tyler-lyle-on-bringing-monsters-to-life/ |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=Icon Vision}}</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/X9VPeEZKxlY?t=328</ref> Influences of genres such as [[wikipedia:Lo-fi music|lo-fi]], [[wikipedia:soft rock|soft rock]], [[google:Trance|trance]], and [[wikipedia:vaporwave|vaporwave]] can be heard on ''Monsters'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2020 |title=THE MIDNIGHT: Tim McEwan And Tyler Lyle On Bringing ‘Monsters’ To Life! |url=https://www.iconvsicon.com/2020/07/09/the-midnight-tim-mcewan-and-tyler-lyle-on-bringing-monsters-to-life/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224233722/https://www.iconvsicon.com/2020/07/09/the-midnight-tim-mcewan-and-tyler-lyle-on-bringing-monsters-to-life/ |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=Icon Vision}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/electronicmusic/comments/horqzi/we_are_the_midnight_our_new_album_monsters_is_out/fxjtpi3/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref> and Lyle's musical background has brought influences of [[wikipedia:indie folk|indie folk]] and [[wikipedia:Americana (music)|Americana]] to the band's sound as well.<ref>https://edm.com/interviews/the-midnight-interview</ref> Regarding the merging of their individual talents and styles, Lyle has said:<ref>https://www.studentpages.biz/the-midnight-rock-and-roll-with-synthesizers-on-deep-blue/</ref>
For most of their career, The Midnight have created a strong and distinct [[wikipedia:synthwave|synthwave]] sound in their music - Tim McEwan once described the band's early albums &quot;as if [[wikipedia:Miami Vice|Miami Vice]] had a baby with a [[wikipedia:John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]] movie.&quot;<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2019 |title=We are The Midnight and we’re playing Electric Forest for the first time. Ask us Anything! : ElectricForest |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/#CommentTopMeta--Created--t1_eod2qsw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/rPmBQ |archive-date=March 27, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2023 |website=Reddit}}</ref> However, McEwan has continuously expressed a desire to evolve the synthwave genre and not be confined by it.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=July 10, 2020 |title=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! : electronicmusic |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/electronicmusic/comments/horqzi/we_are_the_midnight_our_new_album_monsters_is_out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/8qeNy |archive-date=March 27, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2023 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2020 |title=THE MIDNIGHT: Tim McEwan And Tyler Lyle On Bringing ‘Monsters’ To Life! |url=https://www.iconvsicon.com/2020/07/09/the-midnight-tim-mcewan-and-tyler-lyle-on-bringing-monsters-to-life/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224233722/https://www.iconvsicon.com/2020/07/09/the-midnight-tim-mcewan-and-tyler-lyle-on-bringing-monsters-to-life/ |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=Icon Vision}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2015 |title=The Midnight - To everybody asking when the new album/EP... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/1615738348650978 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/92ssJ |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2015 |title=The Midnight - Synthwave producers out there. Come on, let's move... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightOfficial/posts/pfbid0SvSDR1qQ23uywKwG4WCgcJbmchcWXSKPHcaqs8QBf5L2w9wN44jKeCZLJSASVEsEl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/BnPZb |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=June 17, 2023 |website=Facebook}}</ref> Tyler Lyle has stated several times that the band's philosophy when composing is &quot;combine, not confine.&quot;<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" /> Influences of genres such as [[wikipedia:Lo-fi music|lo-fi]], [[wikipedia:soft rock|soft rock]], [[google:Trance|trance]], and [[wikipedia:vaporwave|vaporwave]] can be heard on [[Monsters]],<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" /> and Lyle's musical background has brought influences of [[wikipedia:indie folk|indie folk]] and [[wikipedia:Americana (music)|Americana]] to the band's sound as well.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yopko |first=Nick |date=August 18, 2020 |title=The Midnight on Seminal Album "Monsters" and the Volcanic Potential of Synthwave Culture [Interview] - EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists |url=https://edm.com/interviews/the-midnight-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928052940/https://edm.com/interviews/the-midnight-interview |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=May 20, 2023 |website=EDM.com}}</ref> Regarding the merging of their individual talents and styles, Lyle has said:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rifkin |first=Gareth |date=May 21, 2020 |title=The Midnight "rock and roll with synthesizers" on Deep Blue – Student Magazine - Student Pages |url=https://www.studentpages.biz/the-midnight-rock-and-roll-with-synthesizers-on-deep-blue/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612223442/https://www.studentpages.biz/the-midnight-rock-and-roll-with-synthesizers-on-deep-blue/ |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |access-date=May 20, 2023 |website=Student Pages}}</ref>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>''It’s rock and roll with synthesizers. Tim has a keen ear for production, and I can write songs that fit comfortably within the tradition of 20th century classic pop songwriting. Somewhere in the middle things get interesting.''
<poem>It’s rock and roll with synthesizers. Tim has a keen ear for production, and I can write songs that fit comfortably within the tradition of 20th century classic pop songwriting. Somewhere in the middle things get interesting.
</poem>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


McEwan employs various digital synths in his production, including Serum, Diva, TAL-U-NO-LX, Spire, and Roland Cloud's Jupiter 8 and Juno 106.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/eocx180/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/eod5i0u/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref> In mid-2020, he mentioned that his favorite synth to use at the time was U-He's emulation of [[wikipedia:Prophet-5|Prophet-5]], known as Repro 5.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/electronicmusic/comments/horqzi/we_are_the_midnight_our_new_album_monsters_is_out/fxjqzld/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref> McEwan has stated that he commonly begins with presets and then tweaks them to his liking.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/electronicmusic/comments/horqzi/we_are_the_midnight_our_new_album_monsters_is_out/fxjwgzr/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref> [[wikipedia:Native Instruments|KONTAKT]] is used for sampling.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/outrun/comments/4a5kpz/the_midnight_ama_for_saturday_12th_of_march_2016/d0xkqvn/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/outrun/comments/89rc79/we_are_the_midnight_ask_us_anything/dwt22f6/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref> In 2020, both Lyle and McEwan started adding more analog equipment to their audio setups.<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CIhET1WlY45/</ref><ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CITz316lq49/</ref><ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CHkFwlhlrOK/</ref><ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CHY7PW2Fx4z/</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1333643661708431361?s=20</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1333867067032838144?s=20</ref><ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CIrja45FWue/</ref><ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CH6xz9eFTDv/</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1327521143931035650?s=20</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1353388148458479618</ref> In early 2021, McEwan shared that his current home studio consisted of the following equipment:<ref>https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1357572298769715200</ref>
McEwan employs various digital synths in his production, including Serum, Diva, TAL-U-NO-LX, Spire, and Roland Cloud's Jupiter 8 and Juno 106.<ref name=":2" /> In mid-2020, he mentioned that his favorite synth to use at the time was U-He's emulation of [[wikipedia:Prophet-5|Prophet-5]], known as Repro 5.<ref name=":3" /> McEwan has stated that he commonly begins with presets and then tweaks them to his liking.<ref name=":3" /> [[wikipedia:Native Instruments|KONTAKT]] is used for sampling.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 12, 2016 |title=The Midnight AMA for Saturday 12th of March 2016 @ 2pm PST! : outrun |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/outrun/comments/4a5kpz/comment/d0xkqvn/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/dWxVK |archive-date=March 25, 2016 |access-date=March 25, 2016 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2018 |title=We are The Midnight. Ask us anything. : outrun |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/outrun/comments/89rc79/we_are_the_midnight_ask_us_anything/dwt22f6/?context=8&depth=9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/tRqHp |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Reddit}}</ref> In 2020, both Lyle and McEwan started adding more analog equipment to their audio setups.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2020 |title=the midnight on Twitter: "New toys. Picked up an Oberheim Matrix 6R today and recently got the OB-6, Yamaha DX7 and Prophet 6. Analog Dreams" / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1333643661708431361 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214644/https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1333643661708431361?s=20 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2020 |title=the midnight on Twitter: "The Oberheim Matrix 6 in action." / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1333867067032838144 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214643/https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1333867067032838144?s=20 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Loving the ol’ Rhodes cxm 1978 combo. This song will be available on next month’s Secret Lair podcast. {{!}} Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CIrja45FWue/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/u7x6Z |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Instagram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2020 |title=Playing around with new pedals. I think the holy trinity is Fairfield Circuitry’s Shallow Water, JHS’ Colour Box v2, and Chase Bliss’… {{!}} Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CH6xz9eFTDv/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/sgwGa |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Instagram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2020 |title=the midnight on Twitter / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1327521143931035650 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214641/https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1327521143931035650?s=20 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2021 |title=Tyler Lyle on Twitter: "Holding off of the pain killers bc this just arrived (praise be). Time to figure out how to integrate modular into Ableton (bc that sounds like a fun live show). 🥳 @SweetwaterSound @madeinpolyend" / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1353388148458479618 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214836/https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1353388148458479618 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref> In early 2021, McEwan shared that his home studio consisted of the following equipment:<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 5, 2021 |title=the midnight on Twitter: "My home studio setup: - Juno-106 - OB-6 - Prophet-6 - Matrix-6 - Yamaha DX7 - Casio CZ-1000 - Dynaudio LYD 8 monitors - Universal Audio Apollo x8" / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1357572298769715200 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214714/https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1357572298769715200 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref>


* [[wikipedia:Roland Juno-106|Roland Juno-106]]
* [[wikipedia:Roland Juno-106|Roland Juno-106]]
Line 125: Line 126:
* Universal Audio Apollo x8
* Universal Audio Apollo x8
<br />
<br />
Both McEwan and Lyle use [[wikipedia:Logic Pro|Logic Pro]] on [[wikipedia:macOS|macOS]] as their primary Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/eodcug3/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref> [[wikipedia:Universal Audio (company)|Universal Audio]] interfaces are used to capture their sounds, which are then processed using UAD plugins.<ref>https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1110041696555798528</ref><ref>https://issuu.com/headlinerhub/docs/headliner_usa_2/28</ref> Using the same utilities makes it easier for them to share session files as a significant amount of their work is done remotely, due to living in different areas of the US.<ref>https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278435620491333640</ref> However, they will usually get together in the same room a few times during a release's production and will often write and record together while on tour.<ref>https://youtu.be/X9VPeEZKxlY?t=345</ref> A release's sound and overall direction are generally created by the two bouncing ideas off each other - McEwan will send Lyle a rough track or beat, which Lyle will then think of lyrics and a title that would go good with the beat, after which McEwan will further build and produce the track.<ref>https://youtu.be/X9VPeEZKxlY?t=349</ref> McEwan has stated that the production of a typical The Midnight album takes around three to six months, &quot;from the early gestating part to finish.&quot;<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/outrun/comments/89rc79/we_are_the_midnight_ask_us_anything/dwt1mrh/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref>
Both McEwan and Lyle use [[wikipedia:Logic Pro|Logic Pro]] on [[wikipedia:macOS|macOS]] as their primary Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).<ref name=":5" /> [[wikipedia:Universal Audio (company)|Universal Audio]] interfaces are used to capture their sounds, which are then processed using UAD plugins.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 25, 2019 |title=the midnight on Twitter: "@drhicks76 The UAD is the reverb I’m using. Lexicon224. Gorgeous." / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1110041696555798528 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214437/https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1110041696555798528 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Gustafson |first=Alice |date=November 20, 2020 |title=Headliner USA Issue 2 by Headliner Magazine - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/headlinerhub/docs/headliner_usa_2/28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/C7Z7e |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Issuu}}</ref> Using the same utilities makes it easier for them to share session files as a significant amount of their work is done remotely, due to living in different areas of the US.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2020 |title=Tyler Lyle on Twitter: "mostly, yes. or the back of the tour bus" / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278435620491333640 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214814/https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278435620491333640 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref> However, they will usually get together in the same room a few times during a release's production and will often write and record together while on tour.<ref name=":6" /> A release's sound and overall direction are generally created by the two bouncing ideas off each other - McEwan will send Lyle a rough track or beat, which Lyle will then think of lyrics and a title that would go good with the beat, after which McEwan will further build and produce the track.<ref name=":6" /> McEwan has stated that the production of a typical The Midnight album takes around three to six months, &quot;from the early gestating part to finish.&quot;<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2018 |title=We are The Midnight. Ask us anything. : outrun |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/outrun/comments/89rc79/comment/dwt1mrh/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/Iyvfc |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=Reddit}}</ref>


Synths, drums, and overall production are handled by McEwan, with Lyle providing guitar, lyrics, and vocals. Lyle has stated that he writes on a daily basis,<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/electronicmusic/comments/horqzi/we_are_the_midnight_our_new_album_monsters_is_out/fxjxntw/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref> and many lyrics come from a large number of fragments he keeps stored in [[wikipedia:Evernote|Evernote]].<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/outrun/comments/89rc79/we_are_the_midnight_ask_us_anything/dwt2rvv/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref> During a fan question-and-answer session on Twitter prior to the release of ''Monsters'', he mentioned that he &quot;wrote about 250 songs between 2016-2019&quot; and &quot;20 something of those songs got properly demoed/ realistically considered for Monsters.&quot;<ref>https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278430811939835910</ref> Regarding his general writing process and how he writes for The Midnight, Lyle has said:<ref>https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278433997643821062</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278433049483632641</ref>  
Synths, drums, and overall production are handled by McEwan, with Lyle providing guitar, lyrics, and vocals. Lyle has stated that he writes on a daily basis,<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 10, 2020 |title=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! : electronicmusic |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/electronicmusic/comments/horqzi/comment/fxjxntw/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/SnFdq |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=Reddit}}</ref> and many lyrics come from a large number of fragments he keeps stored in [[wikipedia:Evernote|Evernote]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2018 |title=We are The Midnight. Ask us anything. : outrun |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/outrun/comments/89rc79/comment/dwt2rvv/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/nFvye |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=Reddit}}</ref> During a fan question-and-answer session on Twitter prior to the release of ''Monsters'', he mentioned that he &quot;wrote about 250 songs between 2016-2019&quot; and &quot;20 something of those songs got properly demoed/realistically considered for Monsters.&quot;<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2020 |title=Tyler Lyle on Twitter: "I wrote about 250 songs between 2016-2019. 20 something of those songs got properly demoed/ realistically considered for Monsters." / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278430811939835910 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214715/https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278430811939835910 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref> Regarding his general writing process and how he writes for The Midnight, Lyle has said:<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2020 |title=Tyler Lyle on Twitter: "I write The Midnight lyrically (mostly) as the fantasy that I never experienced. I lean a bit utopian sometimes and let the images get grander than I experienced. I was on the debate team. I had a lisp. I was really into Syphon Filter. The fun is in the make believe." / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278433997643821062 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214815/https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278433997643821062 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2020 |title=Tyler Lyle on Twitter: "I write everyday. Some of it goes in The Midnight folder. Some of it goes off into far far away places. It works best when Tim has a cool musical skeleton and I have a cool lyrical skeleton we can smush together and build together. This record took longer bc we toured so much ‘19" / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278433049483632641 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408214806/https://twitter.com/tylerlyle/status/1278433049483632641 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Twitter}}</ref>  


<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<poem>I write The Midnight lyrically (mostly) as the fantasy that I never experienced. I lean a bit utopian sometimes and let the images get grander than I experienced. I was on the debate team. I had a lisp. I was really into Syphon Filter. The fun is in the make believe.<br />
''I write The Midnight lyrically (mostly) as the fantasy that I never experienced. I lean a bit utopian sometimes and let the images get grander than I experienced. I was on the debate team. I had a lisp. I was really into Syphon Filter. The fun is in the make believe.''
I write everyday. Some of it goes in The Midnight folder. Some of it goes off into far far away places. It works best when Tim has a cool musical skeleton and I have a cool lyrical skeleton we can smush together and build together.
</poem>
</blockquote>  
</blockquote>  
Most of the remaining instrumentation is digital,<ref>https://issuu.com/headlinerhub/docs/headliner_usa_2/28</ref> but on occasion songs (including most with saxophone and guitar solos) will at first have digital instruments that are then outsourced to other musicians to play live on the track. [[Thomas Edinger]] has been the primary saxophone player for The Midnight's releases, and McEwan's brother [[Oliver McEwan|Oliver]] has frequently played bass for the band as well.
<blockquote>
''I write everyday. Some of it goes in The Midnight folder. Some of it goes off into far far away places. It works best when Tim has a cool musical skeleton and I have a cool lyrical skeleton we can smush together and build together.''
</blockquote>
Most of the remaining instrumentation is digital,<ref name=":7" /> but on occasion songs (including most with saxophone and guitar solos) will at first have digital instruments that are then outsourced to other musicians to play live on the track. [[Thomas Edinger]] has been the primary saxophone player for The Midnight's releases, and McEwan's brother [[Oliver McEwan|Oliver]] has frequently played bass for the band as well.


For live performances, various setups have been used by the band. Lyle stated that the [[Spring 2019 Tour]] utilized an [[wikipedia:Ableton Live|Ableton]] rig, with McEwan using an SPD SX sampling pad and MIDI controller.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/we_are_the_midnight_and_were_playing_electric/eodcug3/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3</ref> Lyle ran his guitars through a Kemper profiling amp, and he also used an OP1 for certain synth moments and pads. Most shows will also feature live bass, acoustic, and electric guitars, as well as live saxophone. Since the [[Fall 2019 Tour]], the band's touring lineup has consisted of McEwan on synths and drums, Lyle on guitar and synths, [[Jupiter Winter|Lelia Broussard]] on guitar and synths, and [[Jesse Molloy]] on saxophone and synths. Lyle is the primary vocalist and the others perform backing vocals. Molloy has been with the band since their first live shows in 2017, though other saxophone players will occasionally fill in for him, particularly at shows outside of the US.<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/BWyc6WrhAIl/</ref><ref>https://soundcloud.com/beyond-synth/170-themidnight</ref> Broussard joined the band prior to the start of the Fall 2019 Tour Tour.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview with Lelia Broussard |url=https://askjens.themidnight.wiki/interview-with-lelia-broussard |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615153534/https://askjens.themidnight.wiki/interview-with-lelia-broussard |archive-date=June 15, 2021 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=Ask Jens}}</ref> [[Nikki Flores]] occasionally appears at some shows as a vocalist, performing her collaborations with the band in addition to singing vocals on [[Sunset]].
For live performances, various setups have been used by the band. Lyle stated that the [[Spring 2019 Tour]] utilized an [[wikipedia:Ableton Live|Ableton]] rig, with McEwan using an SPD SX sampling pad and MIDI controller.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2019 |title=We are The Midnight and we’re playing Electric Forest for the first time. Ask us Anything! : ElectricForest |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/brea4u/comment/eodcug3/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/WfOMp |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Reddit}}</ref> Lyle ran his guitars through a Kemper profiling amp, and he also used an OP1 for certain synth moments and pads. Most shows will also feature live bass, acoustic, and electric guitars, as well as live saxophone. As of the [[Change Your Heart Tour]], the band's touring lineup consists of McEwan on synths and drums, Lyle on guitar and synths, [[Jupiter Winter|Lelia Broussard]] on bass and synths, [[Justin Klunk]] on saxophone and synths, and [[Royce Whittaker]] on guitar and synths. Lyle is the primary vocalist and the others perform backing vocals. Klunk joined the touring lineup for the Spring leg of the [[Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour]], replacing longtime saxophone player [[Jesse Molloy]], who had been with the band since their first live shows in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2017 |title=Thanks San Fran! Last Friday! @themidnightofficial 📷 @turbodrivesf #saxophone #themidnight {{!}} Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BWyc6WrhAIl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/5sIyV |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Instagram}}</ref> Broussard joined the band prior to the start of the [[Fall 2019 Tour]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview with Lelia Broussard |url=https://themidnight.wiki/wiki/Interview_with_Lelia_Broussard |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=May 17, 2023 |website=The Midnight Wiki}}</ref> and Whittaker joined the lineup full-time during the [[Change Your Heart Tour]]. [[Nikki Flores]] occasionally appears at some shows as a vocalist, performing her collaborations with the band in addition to singing vocals on [[Sunset]].


== Members ==
== Members ==
{{See also|List of The Midnight people}}
[[File:2024TourLineup.jpg|400px|thumb|The Midnight's current touring lineup: Justin Klunk, Royce Whittaker, Lelia Broussard, Tyler Lyle, and Kwesi Robinson.]]


=== Main ===
'''Current members'''
 
* [[Tim McEwan]] (producer, songwriter, percussion, synths, occasional vocals)
* [[Tim McEwan]] (producer, songwriter, percussion, synths, occasional vocals)
* [[Tyler Lyle]] (songwriter, lead vocals, guitar, occasional synths)
* [[Tyler Lyle]] (songwriter, lead vocals, guitar, occasional synths)


=== Touring ===
'''Touring members'''
 
==== Current tour members ====
 
* [[Jupiter Winter|Lelia Broussard]] (vocals, guitar, synths)
* [[Jupiter Winter|Lelia Broussard]] (vocals, guitar, synths)
* [[Jesse Molloy]] (saxophone, synths)
* [[Jupiter Winter|Royce Whittaker]] (guitar, synths)
*[[Jupiter Winter|Royce Whittaker]] (guitar, synths)
* [[Justin Klunk]] (saxophone, synths)<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 10, 2022 |title=the midnight on Twitter: "Everyone say ‘Hi Justin!’ 💜" / Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1502057491902906372 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310230340/https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1502057491902906372 |archive-date=March 10, 2022 |access-date=May 16, 2023 |website=Twitter}}</ref>
 
* Kwesi Robinson (percussion)<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 17, 2024 |title=Welllllp! God already showing out for 2024! I have the pleasure of doing my first tour with my favorite band @themidnightofficial ‼️… {{!}} Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C3eCStipKTQ/ |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Instagram}}</ref>
==== Occasional/past tour members ====


'''Occasional/past tour members'''
* [[Nikki Flores]] (vocals)
* [[Nikki Flores]] (vocals)
* [[Thomas Edinger]] (saxophone)
* [[Thomas Edinger]] (saxophone)
* Jacob Scesney (saxophone)
* Jacob Scesney (saxophone)
* Alekos “Kosie” Syropoulos (saxophone, synths)<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/BneO9-Cjq0R/</ref>
* Alekos “Kosie” Syropoulos (saxophone, synths)<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2018 |title=Alekos “Kosie” Syropoulos on Instagram: “Humbled to be joining @themidnightofficial on this North American run!! These guys are incredible and their music is stellar. Time to melt…” |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BneO9-Cjq0R/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/mCg46 |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2023 |website=Instagram}}</ref>
* Lito Hernandez (saxophone)<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/By8cQjKApec/</ref>
* Lito Hernandez (saxophone)<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2019 |title=Lito Hernandez on Instagram: “I had the pleasure to be on the East and West Coast portion of @themidnightofficial world tour, these guys are amazing, play heartwarming…” |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/By8cQjKApec/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/SeBXm |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2023 |website=Instagram}}</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/klunkfunk Justin Klunk] (saxophone)<ref>https://twitter.com/TheMidnightLA/status/1502057491902906372</ref>
* Chris Kuffner (guitar, synths)<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2022 |title=I’m so excited to announce that I’m hitting the road with @themidnightofficial in a few days!!! I can’t even express how much fun it’s been… {{!}} Chris Kuffner (@chriskuffner) on Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca000gWB7zA/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/vsiYP |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2023 |website=Instagram}}</ref>
*Chris Kuffner (guitar, synths)<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca000gWB7zA/</ref>
* [[Jesse Molloy]] (saxophone, synths)


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
 
{{Main|The Midnight discography|List of songs by The Midnight}}
=== Extended plays (EPs) ===
'''Main releases'''
 
* [[Days of Thunder]] (2014)
* [[Days of Thunder]] (2014)
* [[Horror Show]] (2020)
* [[The Rearview Mirror]] (2021)
=== Albums ===
* [[Endless Summer]] (2016)
* [[Endless Summer]] (2016)
* [[Nocturnal]] (2017)
* [[Nocturnal]] (2017)
* [[Kids]] (2018)
* [[Kids]] (2018)
* [[Monsters]] (2020)
* [[Monsters]] (2020)
*[[Heroes]] (2022)
* [[Horror Show]] (2020)
 
* [[Heroes]] (2022)
=== Remix albums ===
 
* [[The Midnight Remixed]] (2017)
* [[The Midnight Remixed 02]] (2019)
 
=== Singles ===
 
* [[Sunset]] (2016)
* [[Vampires]] (2016)
* [[WeMoveForward|WeMoveForward (incl. Talamanca Remix)]] (2016)
* [[Days of Thunder (song)|Days of Thunder]] (2016)
* [[Sunset|Sunset (incl. Michael Cassette Remix)]] (2017)
* [[Crystalline]] (2017)
* [[Synthetic|Synthetic (Mango, We Are All Astronauts, Lost Empire Remixes)]] (2017)
* [[Lost Boy]] (2018)
* [[America 2]] (2018)
* [[Arcade Dreams]] (2018)
* [[America Online]] (2019)
* [[Shadows|Shadows (Uppermost Remix)]] (2019)
* [[Arcade Dreams|Arcade Dreams (Timecop1983 Remix)]] (2019)
* [[Kids (Prelude)|Kids (PROFF Dub Remix)]] (2019)
* [[The Comeback Kid|The Comeback Kid (Isolation Relief Mix)]] (2020)
* [[Deep Blue]] (2020)
* [[Dance With Somebody]] (2020)
* [[Prom Night]] (2020)
* [[Neon Medusa]] (2021)
* [[Change Your Heart or Die]] (2022)
* [[Heartbeat]] (2022)
* [[Avalanche]] (2022)
* [[Brooklyn. Friday. Love.]] (2022)
 
=== Remixes ===
 
* [[Lost & Found|Lost &amp; Found (The Midnight Remix)]] (2016)
* [[0 To 100 (The Midnight Remix)]] (2016)
* [[Never Enough (The Midnight Remix)]] (2016)
* [[Oceans Away (The Midnight Remix)]] (2017)
* [[Kyra (The Midnight Remix)]] (2017)
* [[80's Films (The Midnight Remix)]] (2017)
* [[The Outfield (The Midnight Remix)]] (2018)
* [[Clean Eyes (The Midnight Remix)]] (2019)
* [[Missing Out (The Midnight Remix)]] (2020)
* [[Don't Give Up (The Midnight Remix)]] (2020)
 
=== Other appearances ===
 
* [[Static]] (2018)
* [[Sometimes She Smiles]] (2019)
* [[Cold Pizza|C O L D P I Z Z A]] (2021)
* [[Nothing Beats Like A Heart]] (2021)


== Tours and live appearances ==
== Tours and live appearances ==
 
{{Main|List of The Midnight live performances}}
* [[Turbo Drive: FM-84 & The Midnight]]
* [[Fall 2018 Tour]]
* [[Fall 2018 Tour]]
* [[Spring 2019 Tour]]
* [[Spring 2019 Tour]]
Line 238: Line 183:
* [[Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour]]
* [[Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour]]
* [[Change Your Heart Tour]]
* [[Change Your Heart Tour]]
* [[Fall 2023 North American Tour]]
* [[Summer 2024 EU/UK Tour]]
* [[Chrome Nights North American Tour]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 244: Line 192:
[[Category:People]]‎</noinclude>
[[Category:People]]‎</noinclude>


== External Links ==
== External links ==


* [https://www.themidnightofficial.com/ Official website]
* [https://www.themidnightofficial.com/ Official website]
Line 254: Line 202:
* [https://www.tiktok.com/@themidnightofficial/ TikTok]
* [https://www.tiktok.com/@themidnightofficial/ TikTok]


{{#related:Tim McEwan}}
{{TheMidnight}}
{{#related:Tyler Lyle}}

Latest revision as of 00:06, 22 September 2024

The Midnight in 2022
The Midnight in 2022
Background information
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
  • Synthwave
  • Rock
  • Americana
  • Electronic
Years active
  • 2012-present
Labels
  • The Midnight Music
  • Silk Music
  • Counter Records
  • Ultra
MembersTim McEwan
Websitethemidnightofficial.com

The Midnight is an American synthwave duo composed of producer Tim McEwan and singer-songwriter Tyler Lyle. Based out of Los Angeles, California, the band formed after McEwan and Lyle met during an arranged co-writing session in April 2012.

The Midnight debuted in 2014 with the release of their first EP, Days of Thunder. This was followed by their first album Endless Summer in 2016, after which the duo became firmly established within the synthwave music scene. Nocturnal was released in 2017 and saw The Midnight explore a darker, more noir sound. A trilogy series of albums began in 2018 with Kids, continuing with Monsters in 2020 and Heroes in 2022. The latter two records were noted for moving the band's sound in a different direction and saw them exploring additional genres outside of synthwave. During the trilogy, the band also released the Halloween-themed EP Horror Show in 2020.

The Midnight performed their first live show in 2017 and have regularly toured since. Known for being lively and energetic, The Midnight's shows have seen increased production value over the years with continuous additions of touring members and live instruments. The band has also made appearances at several notable music festivals, including Austin City Limits, Music Midtown, and Bonnaroo.

With several appearances on Billboard charts, The Midnight have been one of the most commercially successful synthwave acts. Their music has also appeared in various media forms, including video games, podcasts, and TV.

With the exception of two remix albums which were published by Silk Music, The Midnight released music independently until 2020. Beginning with the release of Monsters, the band was signed to Counter Records, an imprint of Ninja Tune. Since the release of Chariot in September 2024, they are signed with Ultra Records, an electronic label owned by Sony Music Entertainment.

Career

2012-2014: Beginnings and Days of Thunder

Prior to forming The Midnight, Tyler Lyle and Tim McEwan were both established musicians. Lyle was an indie-folk singer-songwriter based in the state of Georgia and gained initial notability with several self-released titles, becoming regionally and nationally known. McEwan was a drummer and producer based in Denmark, later becoming a member of the Danish production group Deekay who has written and produced songs for many popular artists.[1]

Lyle and McEwan in 2014

The pair met for the first time in April 2012 at a songwriter’s workshop in North Hollywood organized by Katie Donovan, Lyle’s A&R representative at the time.[2] Before meeting, McEwan had listened to some of Lyle’s previous work and liked Lyle’s folk sound. Despite differing musical backgrounds, they bonded over a mutual love of 80s rock and began to write songs together. After initially struggling to define their sound, McEwan suggested that they compose songs in the synthwave style. McEwan had previous exposure to the genre and was inspired by the movie Drive. The first song they wrote together was WeMoveForward, and the same day they also wrote the chorus for Gloria.[2][3][4] After the initial meeting in 2012, Lyle and McEwan continued writing and recording together over the next two years. Several songs that would ultimately become The Midnight tracks were previewed on McEwan's SoundCloud account throughout 2013 and early 2014, including WeMoveForward, Gloria, Synthetic, and Comet.[5][6][7][8][9]

Original logo, used primarily from 2015-2017. Still used on occasion

In March 2014, Lyle announced on his Twitter that iAmData (McEwan's moniker at the time) and himself were starting a band called "The Midnight".[10] According to Lyle, the name came from McEwan and himself throwing out random names until they found one that stuck.[11] Other band names that they considered were "Lightyears", "Temporary Tigers", and "The Midnight Tigers." Around the same time, The Midnight created their first social media accounts and began teasing an EP. Titled Days of Thunder, the EP was released on July 15, 2014. Receiving positive reviews from electronic music sites DRIVE Radio and NewRetroWave, the EP also caught the attention of several Reddit communities throughout 2014 and 2015.[12][13][14][15] An official description included with Days of Thunder described The Midnight's sound and philosophy:[16]

There is a Japanese term: Mono no aware. It means basically, the sad beauty of seeing time pass - the aching awareness of impermanence. These are the days that we will return to one day in the future only in memories. How do we capture them? How could we possibly be able to fully appreciate them in the present? This project is our attempt to put time under glass. The Midnight is a marriage between a songwriter from the Deep South and a producer from Denmark who both live in Los Angeles. The songs were written in North Hollywood and Santa Monica over two years and represent the first fruit of The Midnight. This is our love song to our city and a testament to the weight these years can hold.

2015-2017: Endless Summer, first live shows, The Midnight Remixed, and Nocturnal

The Midnight's first live show

The Midnight began work on a follow-up to Days of Thunder in 2015. Teaser clips of songs being worked on for the record were posted to their social media accounts throughout the year. In August 2015, Tim McEwan said on social media that a new record was still several months away, expressing a desire to "push the envelope on the synthwave genre".[17] A new song, The Equaliser (Not Alone), was released on the DRIVE Radio compilation Selection Volume 1 in March 2016.[18]

Following the release of the singles Sunset and Vampires in May and June, the next The Midnight record was revealed in July 2016 to be a full-length album titled Endless Summer and was released on August 5, 2016.[19] Expanding on their efforts from Days of Thunder, Endless Summer received positive reviews from online media outlets and garnered the band new exposure within the burgeoning synthwave community, with songs like Sunset and Jason becoming staples of the genre.[20][21][22] Jason in particular is notable for being The Midnight's first collaboration with singer-songwriter Nikki Flores, who would continue to collaborate with the band in the years to come.

The success of Endless Summer established The Midnight as one of the top acts in synthwave and was the precursor to a busy 2017 for the band. Early that year, they began planning their first-ever live show to capitalize on their ubiquity in the synthwave space. While McEwan had previously done some DJ sets in 2017 under The Midnight name, they had yet to do a live show that featured Lyle as well. Announced in May 2017, the debut show was co-headlined with fellow synthwave titan FM-84 and took place at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco in July in front of a sold-out crowd.[23][24][25][26] The show was also notable for the introduction of Jesse Molloy as the band's first live saxophone player, a role he would continue to have until 2022.

Nocturnal promotional poster

While planning the live show, The Midnight also began work on their next record. The band shared a clip from a studio session with Nikki Flores in February 2017 and several weeks later McEwan shared that he was writing songs with Tyler Lyle in New York City, Lyle's home at the time.[27][28] A new song from the unnamed record was played at the DNA Lounge show, and clips of new songs continued to be shared throughout the summer. During this time, a remix album was announced in July from the label Silk Music, who had previously released remix singles of WeMoveForward and Days of Thunder in 2016.[29][30] The release of The Midnight Remixed in August was a significant milestone for the band, as it was their first album to be associated with a label and the first to appear on a Billboard chart, peaking at number 22 on the Dance/Electronic Albums Chart.

Also in August 2017, The Midnight's new album Nocturnal was officially announced. Crystalline was released as its only single in September, followed by the album's release on October 13. Featuring collaborations with Nikki Flores and Timecop1983, Nocturnal was noted for having a considerably darker sound compared to previous The Midnight offerings and received mostly positive reviews from critics.[31][32][33][34][35] Synthwave news site NewRetroWave chose it as their top EP of 2017.[36] In addition to being the top-selling album on Bandcamp for more than a week, Nocturnal also charted at number 17 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums Chart and later peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Heatseekers Album chart in 2018.[37][38][39][40][41]

The Midnight ended 2017 with another sold out live show in November. Co-headlining with FM-84 again, the show took place at the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles and featured Nikki Flores live with the band for the first time.

2018-2020: Kids trilogy begins, touring, second remix album, and Monsters

Shortly after the release of Nocturnal, Tim McEwan revealed that The Midnight's next record was already in development, describing it as a more "summer feeling" EP that they expected to release in the spring or summer of 2018.[42] While work commenced on the new record, the band did a small tour of three shows in March 2018 in the cities of Chicago and New York City. In April, The Midnight's first official tour was announced for the fall, with 18 shows planned across North America.[43][44] Strong ticket sales prompted The Midnight to announce their first European shows in June, which would take place in the spring of 2019.

A setlist from the Fall 2018 Tour

In May 2018, The Midnight were featured on the Timecop1983 song Static from his album Night Drive. New singles Lost Boy and America 2 appeared in July and August,[45][46] and later in August the next The Midnight album was confirmed to be Kids.[47]

Released on September 21, 2018, Kids showcased a more upbeat and lighter tone compared to Nocturnal. The album received more mixed reviews compared to previous The Midnight offerings.[48][49][50][51][52] While most reviewers praised the overall sound and aesthetics of the album and credited the band for continuing to evolve the synthwave genre, others viewed it as sounding "too commercial". The album was also noted in most reviews for its short length and lack of saxophone, which had become a ubiquitous element of The Midnight's sound on previous releases.

Kids garnered the band more commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Album Sales chart, number 12 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart, number two on the Heatseekers Albums chart, and number 13 on the Independent Albums chart.[53][54] Kids would be the first release in a trilogy series of albums for The Midnight that continued with Monsters in 2020 and concluded with Heroes in 2022.

The Fall 2018 Tour commenced in September and was a major success for The Midnight, with almost every show selling out. The first show took place at the North Coast Music Festival in Chicago, which was the band's first music festival appearance. In October, more North American dates were announced for the Spring 2019 Tour, which would supplement the previously revealed European shows. The tour began in February 2019 and featured The Midnight's first appearances in Europe and Australia. Work began on the next entry in the Kids trilogy during the tour, and previously teased America Online was released as a single in May.[55]

Performing during the Fall 2019 Tour

The Fall 2019 Tour began in August 2019 and saw the band perform 38 shows across North America and Europe. The November 12 show in London was The Midnight's 100th live show.[56][57] The tour was notable for the addition of Lelia Broussard to the live band as guitar player. She has remained with the touring band ever since and has also contributed to the writing and production of several The Midnight songs. Several new songs were played during the tour, including Brooklyn, Seventeen, and Monsters, which were all confirmed to be on the upcoming album. In September, Silk Music released The Midnight's second remix album, The Midnight Remixed 02.[58] Preceded by the release of three new remix singles, the album was another commercial success for the band and the Silk Music label, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums Chart.

In March 2020, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic and The Midnight sought to keep fans engaged during stay-at-home orders. A weeklong remix competition took place during the last week of the month, with stems being made available to download for the songs The Comeback Kid, Los Angeles, Explorers, and River of Darkness to remix. Over 500 remixes were submitted and the winners were revealed during a livestream on YouTube in April. A new acoustic version of The Comeback Kid was also released at the end of March, with all proceeds going to support members of the band's tour crew.

In May 2020, the single Deep Blue was released and Monsters was revealed as The Midnight's next album. Dance With Somebody and Prom Night followed as singles before the album released in July. The album was their first associated with the label Counter Records.[59] Noted for moving the band's sound in a different direction and expanding its horizons, Monsters received mostly positive reviews from critics.[60][61][62][63][64] Also obtaining commercial success, the album charted at number 134 on the Billboard 200,[65] number 12 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart,[66][67] and number 18 on the Independent Albums chart.[68]

2020-2021: Horror Show, Endless Summer anniversary, and return to touring

Continuing their efforts to maintain fan engagement during the pandemic, The Midnight began an alternate reality game (ARG) in September 2020. Using a mix of digital and real-life clues, fans across the globe united online in an effort to solve mysteries and unlock prizes. In early October, one of the prizes revealed an upcoming online concert, The Midnight Online. The concert took place at the Libbey Bowl in Ojai, California and was streamed live on October 30, 2020. This concert was notable for the addition of Royce Whittaker to the live band, who is one half of Jupiter Winter alongside fellow tour member Lelia Broussard. When The Midnight resumed touring full time in the fall of 2021, Whittaker was made a permanent member of the touring band.

The ARG concluded with the announcement of Horror Show, The Midnight's second EP. Initially exclusive to Amazon Music, the Halloween-themed EP was released on October 16, 2020,[69] and was noted for having a darker sound reminiscent of Nocturnal. Four of the six tracks on Horror Show were co-produced with electronic musician Essenger, and the EP also included a cover of the Patti Smith Group song Because The Night, the band's third collaboration with Nikki Flores. Horror Show would get a full release to all platforms on March 19, 2021.[70]

Performing during the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour

In early 2021, McEwan began streaming the creation of new The Midnight songs on Twitch. One of these songs was Cold Pizza, which released exclusively on YouTube on February 9, 2021. The release was timed to commemorate National Pizza Day and was accompanied by a promotional website for the in-universe restaurant Pizza Zone. The song was further promoted with the sale of new merchandise featuring the Pizza Zone logo.

The second remix competition also took place in February 2021. This time, the stems of every song from Monsters were made available for purchase to remix for the competition. The stems for the song Deep Blue could be downloaded at no cost. Submissions were open for three weeks, from February 5 to Feburary 26, and were reviewed live on Twitch the following week by McEwan and Lyle. The overall winner was the Droid Bishop Remix of Deep Blue, which was released as a single in September 2021.

The fifth anniversary of Endless Summer was celebrated throughout the summer of 2021. On June 24, a 5 Year Anniversary Edition of the album was released that contained two new songs, Bend and Comet. While Bend was previously made available as a download to people who pre-ordered the first vinyl pressing of Endless Summer in 2016, Comet had only been heard previously as a small snippet on The Midnight's Facebook page. The Rearview Mirror was released on July 23, an EP containing five songs from Endless Summer remade with orchestral arrangements performed by the Magik*Magik Orchestra.[71]

Shortly after the release of Monsters, dates for a European tour in Spring 2021 were announced. The shows would later be postponed to 2022 in January 2021 due to continuing COVID concerns. In April 2021, the first dates of the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour were revealed, which were all in North America. More North American shows were added in June and were scheduled for Spring 2022. It was The Midnight's first tour since the Fall 2019 Tour and the first since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a desire to increase production value and create a more authentic live show, Royce Whittaker was added as a full-time touring member following his initial appearance in The Midnight Online, and McEwan began performing with a full drum kit. The addition of Whittaker gave The Midnight a five-piece touring band for the first time. All of the European dates except for the UK and Ireland were ultimately canceled in March 2022, with COVID concerns again being the culprit.

2022-2023: The Heroes era, festival shows, and first live album

Work on the next The Midnight record began in earnest in 2021, with McEwan continuing to stream and tease new songs on Twitch. A new song, Change Your Heart or Die, began to be played during the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour and was released as a single in April 2022. The single was accompanied by the announcement of the Change Your Heart Tour, which would take place the following fall and spring. A second alternate reality game began at the end of May and continued through the beginning of June, concluding with the release of Heartbeat as a single and the announcement of Heroes as The Midnight's next album.

Billboard in Los Angeles promoting Heroes

Avalanche, Brooklyn. Friday. Love., and Heart Worth Breaking followed throughout the summer as the next singles from Heroes, which was released on September 9, 2022. Serving as a conclusion to the Kids trilogy, the album received positive reviews from critics, who commended the band for continuing to explore new genres and compared the sound favorably to the work of musicians such as Giorgio Moroder and Mutt Lange.[72][73][74] It appeared on a total of seven Billboard charts, most notably the Billboard 200 where it peaked at 134.

The Change Your Heart Tour began in September 2022 and featured the band's first appearance at the Austin City Limits music festival in October. Streamed live on Hulu, it was The Midnight's most notable festival appearance to date and their first to be streamed online. During the festival, the band was interviewed for the first time by notable American music magazine Rolling Stone. The Midnight capped 2022 with a small DJ set tour, playing four dates in the US with Lyle at the helm.

Lyle during a promotional show for Red, White and Bruised: The Midnight Live

In February 2023, The Midnight announced their first live album, Red, White and Bruised: The Midnight Live. The album was first released exclusively on vinyl in April as part of Record Store Day 2023 and received a full release to all platforms in September. At the end of February, Land Locked Heart was released as a promotional single from the soundtrack of the video game Road 96: Mile 0.[75] The Midnight embarked on the European leg of the Change Your Heart Tour in March, the first time since 2019 they performed in Europe outside of the UK and Ireland.

The Fall 2023 North American Tour was announced in April 2023. Following two performances at Bonnaroo in June and a Los Angeles show in July, the tour began in September at the Music Midtown festival in Atlanta. In October, The Midnight performed in Mexico for the first time since 2019. The band opened for ODESZA on their The Last Goodbye Tour show in Mexico City followed by an appearance at the Live Out music festival in Monterrey.

In August 2023, Lyle mentioned in an interview with Substream Magazine that there is yet to be a timetable for the next The Midnight record, but hinted that some non-music projects are in the works.[76] More live shows continued to be announced in the fall, with stops in Australia and India planned for early 2024.[77][78] It will be The Midnight's first time performing in Australia since 2019 and their first time ever performing in India.

2024-present: Graphic novel, label change, and new music

In January 2024, a graphic novel that takes place within The Midnight universe was announced. Titled The Midnight: Shadows, the graphic novel will be released by Dark Horse Comics in October of the same year.[79][80] Planning for the graphic novel began in the fall of 2020 and will mark The Midnight's first foray into a medium outside of music.

In February 2024, The Midnight announced via Instagram that Tim McEwan will step away from doing live shows following the conclusion of the tours in India and Australia.[81] He cited the struggles of balancing his personal life with touring, producing, and the other responsibilities involved in the day-to-day operations of The Midnight as his reason for departing. McEwan will continue to serve as The Midnight's producer. In the statement, he noted that he was in the process of finishing The Midnight's next album. Beginning with the Summer 2024 EU/UK Tour, Kwesi Robinson was added to touring lineup as a drummer to replace McEwan's role.

On August 26, 2024, a new song was teased on social media.[82] Three days later, the song was revealed to be Chariot and was released on September 6.[83][84] The single is The Midnight's debut on electronic music label Ultra Records.

Other appearances

In September 2017, The Midnight did a guest mix on Group Therapy, a weekly radio show from electronic music group Above & Beyond.[85] They appeared on the show a second time in September 2019.[86] In June 2023, they did a mix for the BBC Radio 1 show Wind Down.[87]

Several of the band's songs have made appearances in various television programs. In 2019, Lost Boy was featured in an episode of American TV series 13 Reasons Why during the show's third season.[88] Sunset can be heard in a third season episode of Spanish drama series Elite (2020).[89] An instrumental clip of The Comeback Kid was used in the NFL Sunday Night Football broadcast of the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams game on September 13, 2020.[90] On December 17, 2023, an instrumental clip of Days of Thunder was played during a segment on Trevor Lawrence in the NFL Sunday Night Football broadcast of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens game.[91] The international broadcast of Game 1 of the 2022 MLB World Series featured an instrumental clip of Heartbeat during the intro. The instrumental version of WeMoveForward was used during BBC's coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The Equaliser (Not Alone) was featured in the opening credits of the 2022 slasher film Terrifier 2.[92] Also in 2022, an unnamed song was composed by The Midnight for use in an advertisement for vintage watch distributor Analog:Shift.[93]

The Midnight's music has also appeared in video games. In 2019, Explorers was featured in The Sims 4: Realm of Magic, with new vocals recorded in the game's Simlish language.[94] In 2023, The Midnight recorded the song Land Locked Heart exclusively for the video game Road 96: Mile 0, which released on April 4, 2023. The song was the lead single from the game's soundtrack and was released on February 23, 2023.[75]

Style and workflow

For most of their career, The Midnight have created a strong and distinct synthwave sound in their music - Tim McEwan once described the band's early albums "as if Miami Vice had a baby with a John Hughes movie."[95] However, McEwan has continuously expressed a desire to evolve the synthwave genre and not be confined by it.[95][96][97][98][99] Tyler Lyle has stated several times that the band's philosophy when composing is "combine, not confine."[96][97][3] Influences of genres such as lo-fi, soft rock, trance, and vaporwave can be heard on Monsters,[97][96] and Lyle's musical background has brought influences of indie folk and Americana to the band's sound as well.[100] Regarding the merging of their individual talents and styles, Lyle has said:[101]

It’s rock and roll with synthesizers. Tim has a keen ear for production, and I can write songs that fit comfortably within the tradition of 20th century classic pop songwriting. Somewhere in the middle things get interesting.

McEwan employs various digital synths in his production, including Serum, Diva, TAL-U-NO-LX, Spire, and Roland Cloud's Jupiter 8 and Juno 106.[95] In mid-2020, he mentioned that his favorite synth to use at the time was U-He's emulation of Prophet-5, known as Repro 5.[96] McEwan has stated that he commonly begins with presets and then tweaks them to his liking.[96] KONTAKT is used for sampling.[102][103] In 2020, both Lyle and McEwan started adding more analog equipment to their audio setups.[104][105][106][107][108][109] In early 2021, McEwan shared that his home studio consisted of the following equipment:[110]


Both McEwan and Lyle use Logic Pro on macOS as their primary Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).[11] Universal Audio interfaces are used to capture their sounds, which are then processed using UAD plugins.[111][112] Using the same utilities makes it easier for them to share session files as a significant amount of their work is done remotely, due to living in different areas of the US.[113] However, they will usually get together in the same room a few times during a release's production and will often write and record together while on tour.[3] A release's sound and overall direction are generally created by the two bouncing ideas off each other - McEwan will send Lyle a rough track or beat, which Lyle will then think of lyrics and a title that would go good with the beat, after which McEwan will further build and produce the track.[3] McEwan has stated that the production of a typical The Midnight album takes around three to six months, "from the early gestating part to finish."[114]

Synths, drums, and overall production are handled by McEwan, with Lyle providing guitar, lyrics, and vocals. Lyle has stated that he writes on a daily basis,[115] and many lyrics come from a large number of fragments he keeps stored in Evernote.[116] During a fan question-and-answer session on Twitter prior to the release of Monsters, he mentioned that he "wrote about 250 songs between 2016-2019" and "20 something of those songs got properly demoed/realistically considered for Monsters."[117] Regarding his general writing process and how he writes for The Midnight, Lyle has said:[118][119]

I write The Midnight lyrically (mostly) as the fantasy that I never experienced. I lean a bit utopian sometimes and let the images get grander than I experienced. I was on the debate team. I had a lisp. I was really into Syphon Filter. The fun is in the make believe.

I write everyday. Some of it goes in The Midnight folder. Some of it goes off into far far away places. It works best when Tim has a cool musical skeleton and I have a cool lyrical skeleton we can smush together and build together.

Most of the remaining instrumentation is digital,[112] but on occasion songs (including most with saxophone and guitar solos) will at first have digital instruments that are then outsourced to other musicians to play live on the track. Thomas Edinger has been the primary saxophone player for The Midnight's releases, and McEwan's brother Oliver has frequently played bass for the band as well.

For live performances, various setups have been used by the band. Lyle stated that the Spring 2019 Tour utilized an Ableton rig, with McEwan using an SPD SX sampling pad and MIDI controller.[120] Lyle ran his guitars through a Kemper profiling amp, and he also used an OP1 for certain synth moments and pads. Most shows will also feature live bass, acoustic, and electric guitars, as well as live saxophone. As of the Change Your Heart Tour, the band's touring lineup consists of McEwan on synths and drums, Lyle on guitar and synths, Lelia Broussard on bass and synths, Justin Klunk on saxophone and synths, and Royce Whittaker on guitar and synths. Lyle is the primary vocalist and the others perform backing vocals. Klunk joined the touring lineup for the Spring leg of the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour, replacing longtime saxophone player Jesse Molloy, who had been with the band since their first live shows in 2017.[121] Broussard joined the band prior to the start of the Fall 2019 Tour[122] and Whittaker joined the lineup full-time during the Change Your Heart Tour. Nikki Flores occasionally appears at some shows as a vocalist, performing her collaborations with the band in addition to singing vocals on Sunset.

Members

The Midnight's current touring lineup: Justin Klunk, Royce Whittaker, Lelia Broussard, Tyler Lyle, and Kwesi Robinson.

Current members

  • Tim McEwan (producer, songwriter, percussion, synths, occasional vocals)
  • Tyler Lyle (songwriter, lead vocals, guitar, occasional synths)

Touring members

Occasional/past tour members

Discography

Main releases

Tours and live appearances

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External links