Until the coronavirus pandemic forced Midland to cut it short, they were in the middle of a month of tour dates overseas, to promote their latest album, Let It Roll, featuring their current single, “Cheatin’ Songs.” The guys were definitely disappointed to have to postpone dates in Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Norway and the UK because building a fan base overseas is definitely important to them. “It’s something that we have dedicated ourselves to, growing an audience overseas,” says bass player Cameron Duddy. “You don’t have to do it. There’s no one saying, ‘You have to do this, you have to do that.’ It’s all by choice and we have chosen to grow an audience over there.”
This is actually the second time Midland has had to postpone some of these dates. The first time was due to the life-threatening complications that arose during the birth of lead singer Mark Wystrach’s daughter, back in December. But they are determined to make up the dates because the fans overseas are so passionate about music and have welcomed them with open arms. “They consume the music in a more thorough manner than, I feel like, American audiences,” explains Mark. “Like, they buy albums, they listen to it, they do their research and they know it all.”
Not to mention, Mark says it’s pretty cool when work involves traveling the world with some of your best friends. “We’re getting paid to go on a holiday together to go explore these places which, that’s what’s so fun about it. We have a good time over there.”
Like the rest of the world, Midland is in a wait and see mode right now, and are hopeful they’ll be able to continue their tour back here in the U.S., beginning April 11 in El Paso, TX.
I the meantime, Mark posted some videos this weekend of him and his wife and baby out enjoying some time in nature and offered this advice: “Turn off the news… Go outside. The world ain’t endin’.”
Midland – building fan base overseas :35
Cameron Duddy – “It’s something that we have dedicated ourselves to, growing an audience overseas. You don’t have to do it. There’s no one saying, ‘You have to do this, you have to do that.’ It’s all by choice and we have chosen to grow an audience over there because the fans are so…”
Mark Wystrach – “They consume the music in a more thorough manner than, I feel like, American audiences. Like, they buy albums, they listen to it, they do their research and they know it all. But also, like, we’re getting paid to go on a holiday together to go explore these places which, that’s what’s so fun about it (kick ass about it). We have a good time over there.”