Are you all close?
We’ve all been best friends for a long time and have even lived together the past two years. So maybe we’re a little too close!
How has being from New Zealand influenced your sound?
I think New Zealand breeds a lot of musicians who aren’t afraid to experiment and to be 100 percent themselves. That’s definitely the case for us.
What bands do you listen to?
We listen to a huge range of music but recently we’ve been influenced a lot by the nineties sounds of The Verve, Stone Roses, Pearl Jam, Jane’s Addiction and Oasis.
Has your music changed since recording the first album, The Brave Don’t Run?
Our music has become what we are as a live band—heavier and more “rocky”.
Which artists would you most like to go on tour with?
Pearl Jam, Jane’s Addiction, The Killers, Kasabian and Bruce Springsteen.
Best gig you’ve ever played?
The biggest festival in New Zealand is called Big Day Out and we were lucky enough to play on the main stage to 20,000 people (all singing our songs back to us). It was incredible.
Have you had any embarrassing moments onstage?
Yes, having a complete mind-blank on the lyrics of our biggest song.
How do you feel about digital downloads and music piracy?
Most of us see illegal downloading as the new way people discover music. It’s a reality of the music industry now. It doesn’t look like it will go away, so we may as well view it positively and work out ways to exploit that exposure.
How do you feel about performing in Singapore?
We’re really excited. It’ll be our first show here and only our second visit to Asia. We’ve had a taste and can’t wait to be back for more.
What’s next for you?
Our plans basically revolve around touring and recording as much music as possible, to become a successful international act.
Midnight Youth will play at Music Matters Live! 2012 on May 24-26 at Clarke Quay.
