32: Midland is reborn and jamming with Arthur Russell
Oct 30, 2024
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Discover the fascinating journey of Midland as he navigates his identity as a gay DJ and the profound personal experiences that shape his debut album. The conversation dives into the legacy of influential figures like Arthur Russell and the significance of community in music. Hear about the evolution of queer spaces, the complexities of artistic expression, and the joys of celebrating diversity through music and art. Plus, enjoy some heartfelt recommendations for films and reflections on the power of intimate gatherings in today's music scene.
Midland's album 'Fragments Of Us' serves as a personal reflection on queer culture, intertwining history with contemporary LGBTQ+ narratives.
The importance of fostering safe and inclusive environments for queer individuals in the music scene is emphasized through Midland's community-focused DJing approach.
Reflecting on past experiences, the conversation highlights the need for awareness regarding alcohol consumption in social settings to avoid negative consequences.
Deep dives
The Two Pint Rule
The discussion highlights the personal experiences surrounding alcohol consumption, emphasizing that two pints are considered the ideal amount for a social outing. The conversation reveals how the transition to a third pint can lead to a slippery slope that might result in unwanted consequences, especially when consuming heavier craft beers with higher alcohol content. Reflecting on past drinking habits, the importance of awareness and restraint in social settings comes to light. The speakers also acknowledge the cultural shift towards sobriety and how discussing alcohol consumption now feels different compared to earlier times.
Personal Journeys Through Music and Identity
The podcast addresses the journey of the guest, exploring the evolution of their identity and musical style over the years. The guest shares how queer culture has influenced their artistic expression, drawing parallels between personal life experiences and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Through discussions about previous festivals and parties, the importance of safe and supportive environments for queer individuals emerges as a central theme. The guest reflects on their unique journey within the music industry and how personal growth has shaped their artistic output.
Archival Inspirations and Artistic Endeavors
The guest reveals their motivations for creating music through the lens of historical events and figures, particularly focusing on AIDS activism and personal stories of struggle. This project draws inspiration from the works of artists like David Wojnarowicz, synthesizing narratives of past challenges to uplift current experiences within the queer community. The use of archival audio and a thoughtful approach to storytelling shows the guest’s commitment to exploring complex themes. This endeavor exemplifies the blending of personal history with broader cultural impacts, aiming to resonate with listeners on multiple levels.
DJing for Community Engagement
The conversation shifts to the guest's recent approach to DJing, highlighting the desire to focus on community-oriented events rather than commercialized major festivals. The guest explains their efforts to create immersive experiences through long sets that prioritize engagement and connection with the audience. They emphasize the significance of fostering a friendly atmosphere where all attendees can feel included and seen, including offering non-alcoholic options. This grassroots approach to DJing reflects a broader trend within the industry, advocating for meaningful experiences over mere entertainment.
Reflecting on Personal Relationships and Growth
The podcast concludes with insights into the guest's connections with other artists and the evolution of their artistic relationships. They discuss the importance of choosing collaborative projects that align with their values and resonate with their personal beliefs. As the conversation reveals, navigating the complexities of the music industry requires careful consideration of ethical choices and community dynamics. The guest’s journey highlights the need for authenticity and integrity in both personal and professional realms, fostering growth and positive relationships while contributing to the greater artistic landscape.
Truly an artist who needs no introduction to the No Tags universe, Midland is also one of the nicest people we know in this bottomless viper pit called dance music.
Harry Agius has been a constant presence on the dancefloor since we were first finding our feet as music writers, and we’ve followed him every step of the way – from his early run of steppy house records on Aus Music and Phonica, to ‘Final Credits’ mania in 2016, and his current incarnation as something of a grande dame of gay club culture.
That role is one he’s grown into slowly but surely, as he explains to us in this episode, and it blossoms into something very special on his debut album Fragments Of Us. It’s far from your typical wham-bam, nine-tracks-and-an-ambient-interlude dance music long-player. Constructed around gay voices past and present – including ‘80s artist and Aids activist David Wojnarowicz, mould-breaking Black filmmaker Marlon Riggs, and Luke Howard of London institution Horse Meat Disco – it’s a genuinely personal record that’s also a kind of time capsule for future generations.
We talked to Harry about growing into his identity as a gay DJ, the many, many reasons to turn down a gig, and whether Arthur Russell would have liked dubstep. Plus, he loves his films! We get an excellent recommendation and confirmation, if it were needed, that he’s #PartyGirlHive.
