| Midsummer |
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Midsummer’s genesis took place in 1997 when guitarist and lead vocalist Dale Bryson met drummer Steve Elkins. The two shared a vibrant idealism, resulting in a unique vision for creating music that pushes artistic boundaries and maintains an appeal that is relevant and far reaching. They began to explore the idea of layering electronic and symphonic instruments over a foundation of dreamy guitars. By the fall of 1998, guitarist Ryan Pue was added to the lineup, rounding out the band’s vision with his brilliant melodic and pop sensibilities. As the band began to fashion its first songs, they embraced the idea that music should transcend the boundaries and limitations of genres while appealing to many. It was at this time that temporary bassist Jason Blandford joined the band.
With the lineup intact and the musical vision established, Midsummer embarked on their first series of recordings and concerts. Their 1999 release, "Catch and Blur," was recorded a mere 3 months after the band’s formation, and stands as evidence of their innate chemistry. Having established their trademark sound; a knack for guitar intricacies and dynamic sonic shifts, Midsummer began to take steps to more deliberately fulfill their vision.
In the summer of 1999, just weeks after the release of "Catch and Blur," Jason left the band. A replacement was quickly found in Jay Sengstock, who brought his skills as both pianist and bassist to the group. With Jay it seemed the pieces of the puzzle were finally in place.
While developing a devoted following through a series of west coast shows,
Midsummer entered the studio in July of 2000 to record "Moon Shadow," a four song EP that would push them further into the realm of sonic innovation. Released in the spring of 2001, the record employs a much wider variety of orchestral instrumentation and displays maturation in both song construction and lyrical ability.
Through the second half of 2001, the band focused on honing their writing skills and live performances. In October 2002, they released 5 new songs as part of a split CD with the band Coastal, on Sun Sea Sky Productions. In conjunction with the release, entitled “This Ageless Night,” Midsummer toured across the US, culminating in a show at New York’s CMJ festival. Midsummer have created a voice that cannot be missed and are unquestionably poised to create music of lasting importance.
With the lineup intact and the musical vision established, Midsummer embarked on their first series of recordings and concerts. Their 1999 release, "Catch and Blur," was recorded a mere 3 months after the band’s formation, and stands as evidence of their innate chemistry. Having established their trademark sound; a knack for guitar intricacies and dynamic sonic shifts, Midsummer began to take steps to more deliberately fulfill their vision.
In the summer of 1999, just weeks after the release of "Catch and Blur," Jason left the band. A replacement was quickly found in Jay Sengstock, who brought his skills as both pianist and bassist to the group. With Jay it seemed the pieces of the puzzle were finally in place.
While developing a devoted following through a series of west coast shows,
Midsummer entered the studio in July of 2000 to record "Moon Shadow," a four song EP that would push them further into the realm of sonic innovation. Released in the spring of 2001, the record employs a much wider variety of orchestral instrumentation and displays maturation in both song construction and lyrical ability.
Through the second half of 2001, the band focused on honing their writing skills and live performances. In October 2002, they released 5 new songs as part of a split CD with the band Coastal, on Sun Sea Sky Productions. In conjunction with the release, entitled “This Ageless Night,” Midsummer toured across the US, culminating in a show at New York’s CMJ festival. Midsummer have created a voice that cannot be missed and are unquestionably poised to create music of lasting importance.
Links
Releases
SSS022
This Ageless Night
