Template:Home/FloppyDisk

From The Floppy Disk

Interview with Lelia Broussard

Lelia perfoming with The Midnight

The Midnight Wiki had the honor of interviewing Lelia Broussard of Jupiter Winter in January 2021. Lelia joined The Midnight as a touring member for the Fall 2019 Tour and also co-wrote and sang guest vocals on the song Monsters. She talks to us about beginning her music career at a young age, the pros and cons of being independent versus being signed to a label, appearing on TV on Jimmy Fallon and The Voice, her work with The Midnight, and her plans for Jupiter Winter in 2021.

What have you been up to lately?

I’ve just been making a lot of music! It’s been kind of nice to have all of this uninterrupted time to write. Royce and I are working on a Jupiter Winter album which is very exciting for me. Other than writing and working on music, I’m really into cooking. I go on a lot of hikes, I do a lot of workouts in my yard. Ha! Just trying to stay sane and not get or give anyone covid.

Let's go back to the beginning. When do you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music? How did you get your start in the music business?

I developed a big interest in music very early on. I sang incessantly as a kid and I started playing guitar around 12 or 13. I was writing songs as soon as I could string a few chords together and it’s been a lifelong love and pursuit ever since.

As far as my start in the business, when I was a teenager I would religiously seek out every open mic I could find to practice performing in front of an audience. I started playing shows around the Philadelphia area, made some recordings of my songs and started selling them at my shows. 88.5 WXPN - the public radio station in Philadelphia generously gave me some early support and helped to grow my audience in the beginning. When I was 17 I skipped going to college and moved to New York instead where I began collaborating with other writers and producers and doing a little bit of touring. That eventually led to my first publishing deal.

I was able to learn a lot about you that I didn't know when I created your article on the wiki. You released a few albums independently starting at a very young age. What was that experience like?

It was amazing! I don’t know if I deserved to record in a studio with the incredible musicians I got to work with just yet. I was a baby who had no idea who I was as an artist and I definitely wasn’t writing very good songs yet but it was a great learning experience and a huge privilege to be exposed to that world so early on.

I read that you had inked a publishing deal and lived in Los Angeles for a time. What other artists and writers do you work with? Did you/do you enjoy writing and making music for other people?

I did! The first publishing deal I signed was more focused on my own artist development, so I wasn’t really writing for others at that point. I started writing for other artists and projects a few years later, and yes! I love making music for other people. It can be kind of freeing to work on something for someone else because there can be a lot of overthinking and preciousness that goes on when making your own music. I love to help other artists realize their artistic vision and to help them say something that feels honest and true. With the right fit it can be very fulfilling.

You've dipped your toes in many facets of the music industry - you've crowdfunded an album, have done solo work, was in a band (Secret Someones) and signed to a label, toured extensively on stages big and small - what would you say is the biggest thing you've learned? Do you think an artist should try to stay independent as long as they can?

Don’t compare your path to anyone else’s. I’m still learning that one. Study the greats and always find and celebrate the joy in making music, especially when it becomes your job. Write a LOT and don’t be too precious with your ideas. That’s a lot easier to do when you’re prolific. Routines and staying connected to yourself, whatever that means for you really help with creativity. It can be good to stay independent as long as you can, but I think it just depends on the circumstance. There’s so much you can do now as an independent artist and getting as far as you can on your own obviously means more leverage for a better deal. My band Secret Someones got signed pretty much right away, and that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing for us. Labels can provide a lot of support but they also suck in a lot of ways. I think it just depends on your circumstances.

You've been on TV several times - Jimmy Fallon, The Voice - am I missing anything? What was it like being on television?

Nerve wracking! The Voice is fucking terrifying. It’s a lot of pressure and they make sure you’re well aware of that. Jimmy Fallon was a blast. He was very nice and exactly the person you would hope he is. My band and I got to write a parody song about an audience member and it was the best. Questlove liked my song and that made my life.

How was it competing on singing competitions?

Honestly, it was a wild experience. I met some wonderful people that I love dearly, but reality tv is a strange beast. If you don’t fit into the mold that the producers have invented for you, you won’t last on the show. It was definitely an interesting experience, but I can’t say that I would ever do it again.

Your current project is Jupiter Winter. How did you meet Royce, and when did you guys decide to team up and start making music together?

Yes! Royce and I met on tour in 2015 at The Wonder Ballroom in Portland (which was coincidentally my first gig with The Midnight years later!) I was playing with my band, Secret Someones and we were opening for our Canadian label mates, Marianas Trench. Royce was working with Marianas and we became friends over the tour and after that we started dating. Shortly after we started dating my band broke up and I was trying to find my own creative voice again, and we just started making stuff. It’s taken a long time to evolve into what it is now, but it’s been the best growing and learning experience!

What are each of your roles in this project? What type of sound are you going for?

Royce is more focused on production and I’m more focused on the songwriting, although both of us contribute to both aspects. Lately I’ve been writing and fully producing out a demo, then I’ll take it to Royce and he’ll add in new elements and help to polish and finish it. Sometimes Royce will write and produce a track on his own and I’ll write a topline (lyric + melody) over it. We love a mix of organic and electronic elements. We want to make smart pop music that makes you feel things. I guess that’s indie pop? Tyler says we’re pop wave. I hadn’t heard of it before but I think that feels like an accurate genre for us.

Let's get into your involvement with The Midnight. I've read that you got the touring role through an audition. Can you tell me a bit more about that process and experience?

A wonderful artist manager friend of mine recommended me to their team. We chatted on the phone and they asked to see a few videos of me playing their songs. Tyler and I had been in the same singer/songwriter community for many years, although I don’t think we had ever formally met. He was familiar with me as an artist and songwriter and I had a lot of other mutual friends with the guys. After sending a few videos of me playing, singing and doing my thing over their recordings they asked me to join them for their upcoming tours and after that I had I think two weeks to learn about 25 songs. It was intense but so much fun!

Prior to joining The Midnight on tour, did you have any prior experience or exposure to the synthwave genre?

No, I didn’t!

The synthwave genre and style is quite different from the music you've made for most of your career. Did you find it difficult to learn and get in tune with the songs?

I didn’t find it to be extraordinarily different than learning any other genre or style of music. Most of their songs have a very classic pop structure but their palette is very specific. Recreating all the sounds is one of my favorite parts of doing this gig.

OK - let's talk Monsters, the song. I remember when I saw The Midnight in Fall 2019 Tour, Tyler originally sang all parts of the song. When was it decided that you would sing on the album version? (you sound great by the way!)

Thank you! Yes! While we were on tour in 2019 we were playing a few new songs they were working on, Monsters being one of them. They had the idea to make it into a duet and they gave me the opportunity to take a stab at rewriting and singing the second verse which was so very cool of them. I did it on one of our days off in a hotel room somewhere in the US and thankfully they liked what I did. I’ve played with a lot of artists and it’s not very often that you’re welcomed into their creative process, so it’s been a real honor to get to collaborate with the guys in that way.

Let's talk about the amazing The Midnight Online concert you guys did last fall. When did you first hear that the band was interested in doing a livestream concert? Was it odd to play in a big outdoor venue with no fans?

They let us know a few months before so we thankfully had plenty of time to prepare. Oh my gosh it was so incredible to play music with my favorite people again. All of us had missed it so much. It was very weird and a little sad with no fans, but it was such a huge joy to be able to come together to do that.

What is your favorite The Midnight song to perform and/or your favorite The Midnight song in general? (other than Monsters!)

That’s so hard! I really have so much fun playing the whole show. I love playing America 2, Lost & Found, Los Angeles, I have a blast playing the solo in Gloria. From the new record, Last Train is VERY FUN for me. Neon Medusa is crazy. Royce shreds and that riff is so fun to play.

What are your plans as a musician for 2021? Do you think you and Royce will release an EP or album sometime this year?

Yes, we’re working on an album for Jupiter Winter and I’m so excited to have a whole body of work to finally be able to share. Hopefully we’ll have it wrapped up later this year. I just want to continue growing as a person and an artist and writing, more collaborating with my friends and making things that feel honest and true.

Anything you'd like to say to all the Kids and Monsters out there in The Midnight universe?

Just that I have so much love for all of you! Thank you for being so sweet and welcoming to me. Best fans in the world.

Be sure to follow Lelia and Jupiter Winter on Instagram!

‎

Click the heading above to read more!

Never Enough (The Midnight Remix)

"Never Enough (The Midnight Remix)"
Remix by Scavenger Hunt
from the EP Shapes and Outlines (The Remixes)
Released	November 8, 2016 (2016-11-08)
Length	4:52
Label	Rags and Mia
Songwriter(s)	Dan Mufson Jill Lamoureux

Never Enough is a song originally by Scavenger Hunt that was remixed by The Midnight. The remix was released on November 8, 2016, as the second track from the EP Shapes and Outlines (The Remixes).

The remix has a running time of four minutes and 52 seconds and is in the key of A major. The original song Never Enough is from the album Shapes and Outlines. It was written by Dan Mufson and Jill Lamoureux.

Lyrics

Is there something in between
What I want, what I need? (what I need?)
It's too late to fall asleep
I've tried to rest, I've tried to dream (tried to dream)

I can't think, can't see straight
I can't breathe, no, I can't wait
Oh no (oh no), oh no

Is there something in between
What I want, what I need? (what I need?)

Too much is never enough
No, it's never enough for me
It keeps breathing me alive
It's the only thing I need to survive

Won't someone save me, please?
Cause I need a remedy (remedy)
Desire's my disease
Always seems to follow me (follow me)

I don't wanna bear this weight
I don't wanna see my fate
Oh no (oh no), oh no

Won't someone save me, please?
Cause I need a remedy (remedy)

Too much is never enough
No, it's never enough for me
It keeps breathing me alive
It's the only thing I need to survive

(Too much is never enough)
(Too much is never enough, never enough for me)
(Too much is never enough)
(Too much is never enough, never enough for me)
(Too much is never enough)
(Too much is never enough, never enough for me)
(Too much is never enough)
(Too much is never enough, never enough for me)

Too much is never enough
No, it's never enough for me
It's close enough to touch
Cause too much is never enough

Too much is never enough
No, it's never enough for me
It keeps breathing me alive
It's the only thing I need to survive

(Too much is never enough)
(Too much is never enough, never enough for me)
(Too much is never enough)
(Too much is never enough, never enough for me)

(Too much is never enough, never enough for me)
(Too much is never enough, never enough for me)

Lyrics source

References

‎

Click the heading above to read more!

Heroes

This template is about the album. For the song, see Heroes (song).

Heroes
Album by The Midnight
Released	September 9, 2022
Genre	Synthwave Electronic Rock Americana
Length	56:47
Label	Counter Records
Producer	Tim McEwan
The Midnight chronology
The Rearview Mirror (2021) Heroes (2022) Red, White and Bruised: The Midnight Live (2023)
Singles from Heroes
"Change Your Heart or Die" Released: April 14, 2022 "Heartbeat" Released: June 8, 2022 "Avalanche" Released: July 6, 2022 "Brooklyn. Friday. Love." Released: August 3, 2022 "Heart Worth Breaking" Released: August 24, 2022

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic
Daily Express

Heroes is the fifth album by The Midnight. It is was released on September 9, 2022. Five singles were issued from Heroes prior to the album's release: Change Your Heart or Die, Heartbeat, Avalanche, Brooklyn. Friday. Love., and Heart Worth Breaking.

Background and composition

This wiki article is currently being worked on. More info will be added soon.

Heroes is the culmination of a trilogy that began with Kids and Monsters. The writing sessions during Kids yielded many songs and ideas that did not make the album due to time constraints, so it was decided to extend the story arc of Kids across multiple albums.

In early 2021, Tim McEwan began streaming the creation of new songs on Twitch. Several of the songs previewed during those sessions found their way to Heroes. Aside from Twitch, previews and hints of new material on the band's other social media platforms was minimal compared to previous The Midnight releases.

During the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour, The Midnight began playing a new song, Change Your Heart or Die. The song was teased as being on the next record.

Official description

“The last 2 years have been so hard for so many people. ‘Heartbeat’ is a reminder that love and empathy is not a finite resource. There is love enough.” – The Midnight

8th June 2022 – The Midnight are thrilled to be announcing their new full-length studio album Heroes – due out September 9th via Counter Records. Along with the news, the band is releasing the celebratory new single “Heartbeat” – a rousing and electrifying track that helps set the tone for the album, which was written during isolation by the band’s Tim McEwan and Tyler Lyle. Heroes represents a clear sonic shift for the duo, who have expanded their lineup to include three live musicians – Lelia Broussard on bass, Royce Whittaker on guitar, and Justin Klunk on saxophone and synth – with both Broussard and Whittaker working alongside them on the new LP which was produced by McEwan and mixed by Ingmar Carlson (Tate McCrae, Disclosure, Carly Rae Jepsen).

Heroes is also the third in a trilogy of albums that started with 2018’s Kids – which reached #1 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Chart – and was followed in 2020 with Monsters. “…for me, Kids is self-knowledge, Monsters is self-love, and then Heroes is empathy,” said Lyle. “I got into depth psychology and this idea of etiology, the way a human forms,” he said about Heroes, adding that “the world doesn't get better but we do. We grow into ourselves. We grow into our voice.”

You can hear this shift in the new songs which are more visceral and warmer. For a band that started as a synth-heavy duo, they have come a long way – creating fully realized arena worthy songs. From new single “Heartbeat” with its Van Halen-inspired synth leads, echoing drums, layered vocal chants and an explosive chorus to last month’s single, the propulsive guitar-laden “Change Your Heart or Die” – Heroes ushers in The Midnight’s next era with some of their biggest and boldest songs yet.

While taking a huge sonic step forward on Heroes, the band’s music still possesses the dramatic and nostalgic streak they’ve become known for since their 2014 debut in EP Days of Thunder. The new LP also reflects the confidence they’ve gained in their songwriting thanks in part due to their expanded live lineup. The band’s vivid sound is well-suited to full rock instrumentation, and the five-piece has cemented that in front on massive sold-out crowds this past year in 1-2k-capacity venues, up from 500-capacity clubs in 2019 and looking ahead to selling out London’s 5k-person Brixton Academy and similar sized venues in 2022.

Heroes is an album of songs about togetherness and trials won by love. Listen to both “Heartbeat” and “Change Your Heart or Die” now.

Singles

Change Your Heart or Die
April 14, 2022

Heartbeat
June 8, 2022

Avalanche
July 6, 2022

Brooklyn. Friday. Love.
August 3, 2022

Heart Worth Breaking
August 24, 2022

Media

Album Trailer

Track listing

Heroes

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Golden Gate"	Tyler Lyle Tim McEwan	6:04
2.	"Brooklyn. Friday. Love."	Lyle McEwan Nikki Flores Royce Whittaker	3:52
3.	"Heartbeat"	Lyle McEwan Flores Whittaker	3:50
4.	"A Place of Her Own"	Lyle McEwan	5:33
5.	"Heroes"	Lyle McEwan Lelia Broussard Whittaker	5:13
6.	"Heart Worth Breaking"	Lyle McEwan Broussard Whittaker	5:07
7.	"Loved By You"	Lyle McEwan	3:44
8.	"Aerostar"	Lyle McEwan Whittaker	4:55
9.	"Change Your Heart or Die"	Lyle McEwan	3:31
10.	"Avalanche"	Lyle McEwan Jessie Frye	4:27
11.	"Souvenir"	Lyle McEwan Whittaker	3:34
12.	"Photograph"	Lyle McEwan	2:37
13.	"Energy Never Dies, It Just Transforms"	Lyle McEwan	4:20
Total length:			56:47

Heroes (Deluxe LP Version)

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
14.	"Golden Gate (Demo)"	Lyle McEwan
15.	"A Place of Her Own (Demo)"	Lyle McEwan
16.	"Change Your Heart or Die (Live)"	Lyle McEwan
17.	"Souvenir (Tyler's Version - 2019)"	Lyle
Total length:			-

Recorded in Atlanta|GA and Los Angeles|CA
Mixed by Ingmar Carlson at The Gift Shop in Los Angeles|CA
Mastered by Emily Lazar at The Lodge in New York|NY

Charts

Chart (2022)	Peak position
US Billboard 200	134
US Billboard Album Sales	8
US Billboard Current Album Sales	8
US Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums	3
US Billboard Heatseekers Albums	2
US Billboard Independent Albums	22
US Billboard Vinyl ALbums	4
UK Albums	74

Release history and variants

Digital release history for Heroes

Date	Edition
September 9, 2022	Standard
-
October 28, 2022	Instrumentals
Includes both the original and instrumental versions.

Physical release history for Heroes

Year	Format	Color/Design
2022	Cassette	Translucent Blue
First tape variant. Has fold out J-card insert.
2022	CD	-
-
2022	LP	Translucent Blue
One of the first vinyl variants, alongside the Marbled Violet Deluxe and Spotify Fans First Clear with Splatter variants. This variant was also available to buy signed by Tim and Tyler.
2022	LP	Clear with Splatter
One of the first vinyl variants, alongside the Marbled Violet Deluxe and Translucent Blue variants. Designated as the "Spotify Fans First Edition". Top listeners of The Midnight on Spotify were emailed a link to buy this variant.
2022	LP	Marbled Violet
One of the first vinyl variants, alongside the Translucent Blue and Spotify Fans First Clear with Splatter variants. Designated as the "Deluxe Edition". Additional features of this variant include a third record with four bonus tracks, lenticular cover art, a sticker sheet, and a photo booklet. With the exception of Souvenir (Tyler's Version - 2019), the bonus tracks have not been released outside of this variant.

References

Click the heading above to read more!