Transcript:
0:03: Hello, this is Luis Leal coming to you from Bonus Tracks from KXCI Tucson.
0:09: Today I’m super excited to talk about one of my favorite country bands, Midland.
music sample: (0:35) Drinking Problem, Midland- from the album “On The Rocks” 2017 Machine Label Group
0:19: You might know them from their songs Drinking Problem or Burn Out, but what’s really cool is that this band also has some ties right here in Tucson, Arizona.
0:28: So let’s get into it.
0:31: Midland is a country trio made up of Mark Wystratch, Jess Carson, and Cameron Duddy.
0:38: They officially formed in 2014, and they’re based out of Texas Dripping Springs.
0:43: Their sound totally gives off that old country school vibe, kind of like something you hear in the 70s or 80s.
0:49: Think about country star George Strait, but with their own modern twist.
music sample: (1:16) Old Fashioned Feeling, Midland- from the album “Barely Blue” 2024 Machine Label Group
1:13: Here’s where Tucson comes in.
1:15: The band lead singer, Mark Wystratch actually grew up on a cattle ranch just outside of Tucson.
1:21: He’s talked in interviews about working on the ranch and being a part of that Western lifestyle, and you can totally hear that in their music.
1:44: That desert cowboy feel that is not fake, but is truly real.
1:51: So yes, when Midland comes through Arizona on their tour like how they’ve done at the Ava Amphitheater.
1:57: It’s kind of like a homecoming for Mark.
1:59: He’s one of us.
music sample: (1:02) Drinking Problem, Midland- from the album “On The Rocks” 2017 Machine Label Group
2:06: And if you want to impress your friends with some of Midland Fats, here are some fun new ones.
2:12: Their first big hit, Drinking Problem, came out in 2017 and was actually nominated for two Grammys.
2:33: The band name Midland comes from a Dwight Yoakam song called Fair to Midland.
2:39: They’re known for their vintage Western fashion, the flashy cowboy suits, boots, hats, and it’s become a huge part of their image.
2:47: And even though their look is super stylish, their sound is all about storytelling, a strong harmony, and bringing back that true honky tonk country feel.
music sample: (0:36) Lucky Sometimes, Midland- from the album “Barely Blue” 2024 Machine Label Group
3:01: And as a Tucsonan myself, I think it’s awesome that one of the biggest country bands out there has roots in our own backyard.
3:12: So next time you hear Drinking Problem or Cheating Songs on the radio, just remember there’s a little bit of Tucson in that tune.
3:18: Mark Wystratch went from growing up in an Arizona ranch to performing for crowds all over the world, and that’s pretty inspiring to me.
3:26: Thank you for tuning in.
3:27: This is Luis Leal coming from Bonus Tracks from KXCI Tucson.
3:32: I’ll catch you next time with more great music and cool stories.
3:36: For more information and episodes, visit KXCI.org.
3:40: Thank you.
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Recorded, edited and produced by Bridgitte Thum
This program is made possible thanks to The Gregory School and KXCI’s Education Team
