California Folk-Rock band Midnight North has announced the release of their third studio album,Under the Lights, on June 16, 2017. Recorded by David Simon-Baker (Los Lobos, ALO, Jackie Greene, Mother Hips) at the Greene Room and Allegiant Studios, the 11-track album represents a country and soul-tinged sound that capitalizes on the band’s expert songwriting, strong melodies and seamless three-part harmonies. The Bay Area-based band will celebrate the release of their new record with a hometown show at Great American Music Hall and an extensive tour of both coasts this spring.
Midnight North wrote the majority of Under The Lights after their first east coast and midwest tour. The influence of being on the road — the initial excitement, the longing for home, and the inherent need to keep moving — shines throughout the record. The resulting album shares the heart and soul of four talented musicians: Grahame Lesh (vocals, guitar); Elliott Peck (vocals, guitar); Alex Jordan (vocals, organ); and Connor O’Sullivan (bass).
The first single off the album, “The Highway Song,” is perhaps the most clearly influenced by the band’s time spent on tour, boasting deft lead guitar, sweeping harmonies, and country-tinged vocals that transport the listener to the open road. Meanwhile, “Playing A Poor Hand Well” makes expert use of organ and horns to accentuate Peck’s powerhouse vocals. “Everyday,” shows a sunnier side of the band’s repertoire; the song takes a page from the Grateful Dead’s book, with catchy, harmony-laden melodies and good, old-fashioned rock n roll influences.
The title track, “Under the Lights,” is a feel-good Americana-rock tune that encapsulates the band’s intention for the record. “Under the Lights is the perfect title for this collection of songs,” says O’Sullivan. “These songs and lyrics are about being a band of musicians on the road away from home. Songs literally performed and tested under the lights at countless venues across the US.”
The band has made a name for itself with its impressive live shows and festival appearances, where the musicians have jammed with heavyweights like Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Tom Hamilton, Mihali Savoulidis, and more. Midnight North will also celebrate its fifth anniversary of their Sunday-night gig at Terrapin Crossroads in their hometown of San Rafael, CA. While Under the Lightsrepresents a tighter, more concise recording of the band’s extensively tour-tested songs, at their live shows, listeners can expect energetic, improvisational detours and the raw talent of four musicians who have spent years perfecting their craft onstage.
For more information on Midnight North, including ticket information for all shows, visitmidnightnorth.com.
Spring 2017 Tour Dates for Midnight North
% with Nicole Atkins / “Brooklyn Is The Band” set
# supporting Twiddle
^ supporting Dead Feat
* supporting Nahko and Medicine for the People
March 30 – Ardmore Music Hall – Philadelphia, PA
March 31 – Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ
April 1 – Rock n Roll Resort V7 – Kerhonkson, NY
April 2 – Jammin Java – Vienna, VA
April 5 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY %
April 6 – The Acoustic – Bridgeport, CT
April 7 – Nectar’s – Burlington, VT
April 8 – Westcott Theater – Syracuse, NY #
April 9 – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH #
April 12 – Vegetable Buddies – South Bend, IN
April 13 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI #
April 14 – Concord Music Hall – Chicago, IL #
April 15 – Majestic Live – Madison, WI #
April 16 – Miramar Theatre – Madison, WI #
April 19-20 – Woodlands Tavern – Columbus, OH #
April 21 – Smith’s Olde Bar – Atlanta, GA
April 22 – Pour House – Charleston, SC #
April 23 – Jack Rabbit’s – Jacksonville, FL #
April 25 – High Dive – Gainesville, FL #
April 26 – Side Bar Theatre – Tallahassee, FL #
April 27 – Bourbon Street Bar – Auburn, AL #
April 28 – Varsity Theatre – Baton Rouge, LA #
April 29 – Republic NOLA – New Orleans, LA ^
May 19 – Moe’s Alley – Santa Cruz, CA
May 20-21 – Hipnic – Big Sur, CA
June 8 – Boulder Theatre – Boulder, CO *
June 16 – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
