Midland Were Choosing Texas Before It Was Cool

Midland released their new album, Stages, on May 24, 2024, positioning themselves as trendsetters in the country music scene. The album features a "neotrad" sound and draws inspiration from the "Urban Cowboy" era, a style that has seen a resurgence in popularity. The band, composed of Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy, and Jess Carson, has been cultivating this aesthetic since their debut. Their previous album, "Let It Roll," released in 2019, also showcased a retro country sound. Midland's approach to country music emphasizes traditional instrumentation and vocal harmonies, harkening back to the 1970s and 1980s. The band's commitment to this sound predates the current wave of artists embracing similar styles. "Stages" is expected to further solidify their unique place in contemporary country music.