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Middle Kids

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For their eponymous debut EP, see Middle Kids (EP).

Middle Kids
Middle Kids performing at St Jerome's Laneway Festival, 2019
Background information
OriginSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Years active2016–present
Labels
Members
  • Hannah Joy
  • Tim Fitz
  • Harry Day
Websitemiddlekidsmusic.com

Middle Kids are an Australian alternative indie rock band from Sydney. The group consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Hannah Joy, bass guitarist Tim Fitz, and drummer Harry Day. Since forming in 2016, the band has released their eponymous debut EP (2017), the album Lost Friends (2018), the New Songs for Old Problems EP (2019), and their second studio album, Today We're the Greatest (2021). In February 2024, they released their third album, Faith Crisis Pt 1.

Career

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2016–2017: Formation and debut EP

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Middle Kids originally formed after Fitz offered to produce some songs for Joy's solo project after attending a show she played.[1] Prior to Middle Kids, Fitz was also a solo artist; he released five EPs between 2011 and 2014 under his own name. They enlisted local jazz drummer Harry Day[2] (who went to school with Joy) for a recording session, in which they recorded their debut single, "Edge of Town".[3]

The song's radio premiere on Triple J in May 2016 was followed by a feature in Rolling Stone. Shortly after the video clip's premiere on Stereogum,[4] the song was added to Elton John's Beats 1 show.[5] The trio won FBi Radio's Northern Lights competition (which sent them to perform in Reykjavík, Iceland at the Iceland Airwaves music festival).[6]

The band recorded and released their debut self-titled EP in February 2017.[3] They also toured with Paul Kelly and Steve Earle in November of that year.[7]

2018–2019: Lost Friends

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In May 2018, the band released their debut album, Lost Friends. It was primarily recorded in their Sydney home, produced by band member Tim Fitz,[2] and mixed by Peter Katis.

It debuted at number 10 on the ARIA Charts. A Pitchfork review described the sound as "radiant, anthemic indie rock, balancing doubt-ridden lyrics with clear-eyed execution".[8] Lost Friends was nominated for the ARIA Award for Best Rock Album at the ARIA Music Awards of 2016. It won the prestigious J Award for Australian Album of the Year.[9] The lead single "Mistake" was voted into the 2018 Triple J Hottest 100.

Middle Kids played their USA TV debut on Conan.[3] Additionally they have performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!,[10] The Late Late Show with James Corden and Busy Tonight.[11][12] They have played live sessions for KCRW,[13] KEXP,[14][15] KTBG,[16] WFUV,[17] and Triple J (in which they performed a cover of "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House for Like a Version).[18]

The band have toured extensively in the US, performing at South by Southwest, Lollapalooza, Governors Ball Music Festival, LouFest, Firefly Music Festival, Austin City Limits Fest among others.[19][20][21][22] They also opened on tours for the War on Drugs,[23] Ryan Adams,[24] Cold War Kids,[5] Local Natives.[25]

The band supported Bloc Party on a European tour in 2018 and played a live session in the UK at the BBC Maida Vale Studios.[26]

Middle Kids performing in Christchurch, New Zealand (September 2024)

The band released the EP New Songs for Old Problems in May 2019. These were released by Domino in the US, EMI Records in Australia, and Lucky Number in the UK.[27][28][29]

2020–2022: Today We're the Greatest

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In October 2020, Middle Kids released their first new song in 18 months, the lead single "R U 4 Me?".[30] A second single, "Questions", was issued in January alongside the announcement that their second studio album, Today We're the Greatest, would release on 19 March 2021.[31] The record was supported by three more singles and an Australian tour beginning in May 2021.[32]

The band returned to the Triple J studio in May 2021 to perform their second Like a Version, a cover of Olivia Rodrigo's 2021 single "Drivers License".[33]

2023: Faith Crisis Pt 1

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In June 2022, Middle Kids spent five weeks in Bournemouth, United Kingdom to record their third album with producer Jonathan Gilmore.[34] In June 2023, they released the lead single "Bootleg Firecracker", their first new track since 2021.[35] It was followed by "Highlands", issued in July.[36] In February 2024, Middle Kids released their third studio album, Faith Crisis Pt 1.[37][38]

Discography

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Studio albums

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List of studio albums, with release date, label, and selected chart positions shown
Title Album details Peak chart positions
AUS
[39] 		SCO
[40]
Lost Friends 10 —
Today We're the Greatest
  • Released: 19 March 2021[31]
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 5 87
Faith Crisis Pt 1
  • Released: 16 February 2024
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 20
[41]		 —

Extended plays

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List of EPs, with release date, label, and selected chart positions shown
Title EP details Peak chart positions
AUS
[39]
Middle Kids
  • Released: 17 February 2017[42]
  • Label: Middle Kids, Universal Music Australia
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 26
New Songs for Old Problems
  • Released: 24 May 2019[43]
  • Label: Middle Kids, EMI
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 44

Singles

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List of singles, with year released, selected certifications and album name shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
AAA
[44]
"Edge of Town"[45] 2016 — Middle Kids
"Never Start"[47] 2017 —
"Old River"[49] —
"Mistake"[50] 2018 — Lost Friends
"On My Knees"[51] —
"Bought It"[52] —
"Don't Be Hiding"[53] —
"Real Thing"[54] 2019 — New Songs for Old Problems
"R U 4 Me?"[55] 2020 36 Today We're the Greatest
"Questions"[31] 2021 35
"Cellophane (Brain)"[56] —
"Stacking Chairs"[57] —
"Today We're the Greatest"[58] —
"Bootleg Firecracker"[59] 2023 — Faith Crisis Pt 1
"Highlands"[60] 36
"Dramamine"[61] 27
"Driving Home for Christmas"[62] — Non-album single
"Bend"[63] — Faith Crisis Pt 1
"Terrible News"[64] 2024 —

Awards and nominations

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ARIA Music Awards

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The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2018 Lost Friends Best Rock Album Nominated
2021 Today We're the Greatest Best Rock Album Won [65][66]
2024 Faith Crisis Pt 1 Best Rock Album Nominated [67]

J Awards

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The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2018 Lost Friends Australian Album of the Year Won [68]
2021 Today We're the Greatest Australian Album of the Year Nominated [69][70]
2023 "Bootleg Firecracker" Australian Video of the Year Nominated [71]
2024 Faith Crisis Pt 1 Australian Album of the Year Nominated [72]

National Live Music Awards

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The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia's diverse live industry, celebrating the success of the Australian live scene. The awards commenced in 2016.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2017[73][74] Middle Kids International Live Achievement (Group) Nominated
2019[75][76] Middle Kids Live Indie / Rock Act of the Year Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Middle Kids Interview: "Forming The Band", retrieved 16 December 2019
  2. ^ a b Middle Kids - Full Performance (Live on KEXP), retrieved 16 December 2019
  3. ^ a b c "From Overnight Success To The Set Of 'Conan', Middle Kids Are Going The Distance". themusic.com.au. Archived from the original on 8 July 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
  4. ^ "Middle Kids – "Edge Of Town" Video". Stereogum. 1 June 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  5. ^ a b "10 New Artists You Need to Know Now". Rolling Stone. 21 April 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  6. ^ "Middle Kids in Iceland: Video & Photos from FBi's Northern Lights winners". FBi Radio. 16 November 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  7. ^ Radojkovic, Mick. "Paul Kelly, Steve Earle, Middle Kids @ Sydney Opera House". theMusic.com.au. Handshake Media. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  8. ^ "Middle Kids". Pitchfork. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  9. ^ "J Awards 2018". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  10. ^ Newstead, Al (27 April 2018). "Watch Middle Kids kill their US TV return on Jimmy Kimmel Live!". triple j. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  11. ^ "The Late Late Show with James Corden: Armie Hammer/Amber Heard/Middle Kids/Cardi B". IMDb.com. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  12. ^ "r/indieheads - [FRESH PERFORMANCE] Middle Kids - Edge of Town (Live on Busy Tonight)". reddit. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  13. ^ Middle Kids performing "Never Start" Live on KCRW, retrieved 16 December 2019
  14. ^ Middle Kids - Full Performance (Live on KEXP), retrieved 16 December 2019
  15. ^ Middle Kids - Your Love (Live on KEXP), retrieved 16 December 2019
  16. ^ "Middle Kids 'The Full Session' | 90.9 The Bridge in Studio". YouTube. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  17. ^ Middle Kids - "On My Knees" (Live at WFUV), retrieved 16 December 2019
  18. ^ Middle Kids cover Crowded House 'Don't Dream It's Over' for Like A Version, retrieved 16 December 2019
  19. ^ "World Cafe Next: Middle Kids". NPR.org. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  20. ^ "Sydney Band Middle Kids Have Won FBi's Northern Lights Competition". musicfeeds.com.au. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  21. ^ "Middle Kids". SXSW.com. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  22. ^ "Middle Kids – "Edge Of Town" Video". stereogum.com. 1 June 2016. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  23. ^ "Middle Kids are Aussie music's next big thing". The West Australian. 3 May 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  24. ^ "Live Review: Ryan Adams + Middle Kids – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne (26.05.17)". the AU review. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  25. ^ "Local Natives + Middle Kids @ Theatre Rialto - 28th May 2019". Montreal Rocks. 29 May 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  26. ^ Middle Kids Interview at SITG17, retrieved 16 December 2019
  27. ^ "Middle Kids Arrive with Ambition on Epic Debut Single". Rolling Stone Australia. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  28. ^ "Middle Kids EP". dominorecordco.us. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  29. ^ "Middle Kids - New Songs For Old Problems". Dork. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  30. ^ Langford, Jackson (15 October 2020). "Middle Kids return with new single 'R U 4 Me?'". NME. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  31. ^ a b c Jackson, Langford (14 January 2021). "Middle Kids announce new album, 'Today We're the Greatest'". NME Australia. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  32. ^ Gallagher, Alex (14 January 2021). "Middle Kids Announce New Album 'Today We're The Greatest' And Tour, Share New Single". Music Feeds. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  33. ^ "Middle Kids cover Olivia Rodrigo for Like A Version". Triple J. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  34. ^ Stokes, Grace (30 August 2022). "Middle Kids Discuss Recording Their New Unreleased Album, Touring With Friends & Eating Dodgy Pies". Scenestr. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  35. ^ Deville, Chris (30 May 2023). "Middle Kids – 'Bootleg Firecracker'". Stereogum. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  36. ^ Lochrie, Conor (27 July 2023). "Middle Kids Make 'Yearncore' Music on New Single 'Highlands'". Rolling Stone Australia. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  37. ^ "Faith Crisis Pt 1". JB Hi-Fi. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  38. ^ "We are SO proud and excited to announce our new album…Faith Crisis Pt 1..." Instagram. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  39. ^ a b "Discography Middle Kids". Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
  40. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100: 26 March 2021 – 1 April 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  41. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  42. ^ Jay, Deborah (18 January 2017). "Middle Kids announce debut EP, drop new single". IINAG. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  43. ^ Corcoran, Nina (28 March 2019). "Middle Kids announce New Songs for Old Problems EP, share 'Real Thing': Stream". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  44. ^ "Adult Alternative Airplay - January 23, 2021". Billboard. Retrieved 7 February 2020.
  45. ^ "Middle Kids - Edge of Town". YouTube. May 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  46. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  47. ^ "Middle Kids Are Off to a Flier on "Never Start"". DIY Mag. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  48. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2019 Singles". ARIA. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  49. ^ "Middle Kids - Old River (Official Video)". YouTube. April 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  50. ^ "Middle Kids Newest Single "No Mistake"". indiebandguru. February 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  51. ^ "Middle Kids find beauty in disappointment on fierce new song "On My Knees"". thelineofbestfit. April 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  52. ^ "Check Out New Song "Bought It" from Middle Kids". thelefortreport. April 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  53. ^ "Middle Kids Share "Don't Be Hiding" Video Ahead of US Tour". noise11. 27 June 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  54. ^ "First Spin: Middle Kids give us the first taste of brand new mini-album with "Real Thing"". ABC. 29 March 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  55. ^ "R U 4 Me? – Single by Middle Kids on Apple Music". 14 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020 – via Apple Music.
  56. ^ "Middle Kids Share New Single, "Cellophane (Brain)"". Rolling Stone Australia. 11 February 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  57. ^ "Sinlgles to Radio issues 1331". The Music Network. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
  58. ^ "Middle Kids share "Today We're the Greatest" title track with stunning new video". NME Australia. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  59. ^ "Dom Dolla, Tove Lo & More: This Week's Best New Music". The Music. 2 June 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  60. ^ "Middle Kids Make "Yearncore" Music on New Single 'Highlands'". Rolling Stone Australia. 27 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  61. ^ "Middle Kids – "Dramamine"". Stereogum. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  62. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Middle Kids Share Festive Single 'Driving Home For Christmas'". The Music. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  63. ^ "Middle Kids – "Bend"". StereoGum. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  64. ^ "Middle Kids Share 'Terrible News' As Final Single Before Album Release". Music Feeds. 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  65. ^ Kelly, Vivienne (20 October 2021). "ARIA Awards nominees revealed: Amy Shark & Genesis Owusu lead the charge". The Music Network. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  66. ^ "Genesis Owusu, The Kid Laroi, Spacey Jane, RÜFÜS DU SOL big winners at the 2021 ARIA Awards in partnership with YouTube Music". Australian Recording Industry Association. 24 November 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  67. ^ "ARIA Awards 2024 nominations — everything you need to know". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  68. ^ "The J Award 2018". Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  69. ^ Kelly, Vivienne (1 November 2021). "Triple j reveals J Awards nominees". The Music Network. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  70. ^ "Genesis Owusu leads this year's 2021 J Awards winners". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  71. ^ "Check out all the nominees for the 2023 J Awards". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  72. ^ Varvaris, Mary (1 November 2024). "Amyl And The Sniffers, Speed, Emily Wurramara Lead 2024 J Award Nominees". The Music. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  73. ^ "NLMA reveal 2017 Nominees". NLMA. 9 October 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  74. ^ "Winners 2017". NLMA. December 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  75. ^ "HERE ARE YOUR 2019 NATIONAL LIVE MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES!". NLMA. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  76. ^ "AND THE WINNERS OF THE 2019 NATIONAL LIVE MUSIC AWARDS ARE…". NLMA. 5 December 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
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