As we all know for certain (from somewhat dubious pop psychology), middle kids are often neglected compared to their siblings. Conversely, Middle Kids the band are hard to ignore. In 2014, Sydneysiders Hannah Joy and Tim Fitz first met through mutual admiration. Soon afterward, Fitz produced Joy’s solo material. Their songwriting became increasingly collaborative, and they decided to officially join forces under the Middle Kids moniker. The chemistry was evident from the start, and their debut single “Edge of Town”, earned them extensive international recognition and a few high-profile fans like Elton John.
On the new single “Bootleg Firecracker,” the Australians prove their artistic connection has grown in their near-decade together. Joy’s plaintive melody, paired with a heartrending slide guitar, serves as the perfect sonic landscape for a song about intimacy’s inherent risks. It doesn’t require childhood pyromania and misadventure to fully appreciate the metaphor, but it probably hits harder for those that can relate.
Sometimes a firecracker refuses to spark regardless of how much you want it to, or how many times you desperately attempt to ignite it. Or it blows up in your hands and permanently maims you. Or, it works, and you witness the sublime. Literal bootleg firecrackers are probably not worth the risk, but human connection and relationships, whether romantic, creative, or otherwise certainly are, and Middle Kids are a testament to the beautiful moments that can be made when the right people take a chance on each other.
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Set List:
“Highlands”
“Bootleg Firecracker”
“Edge of Town”
Album: Forthcoming TBA
Musicians: Hannah Joy – Vocals | Tim Fitz – bass | Harry Day – drums | Miles Elkington – Guitar
Credits: Producer: Deidre Gott; Production Assistant: Stephanie Robinson, Darren Puccala; Audio Engineer: Jake Perlman, Rene Chavez; Audio Mix: Rene Chavez; Cameras: Michael Minasi, Patricia Lim; Edit: Michael Minasi; Host: Susan Castle
