Midway State Make Holes

07/29/08 4:56pm

by Ciara McCann (CHARTattack)

The four members of Toronto indie pop/rock band The Midway State have been making music together since they were 14. Now in their early twenties, they're finally reaping the rewards.

With the July 22 release of their Holes debut album and a busy touring schedule both behind and ahead of them, lead singer/songwriter/pianist Nathan Ferraro and drummer Daenen Bramberger say they've already learned a lot on the path towards rock stardom.

The Midway State have toured with Mika, Lifehouse and Rocco DeLuca And The Burden. And like a true music fan should, Ferraro gushes about recently playing with one of his favourite bands.

"We just played with Jimmy Eat World, and that was amazing 'cause we've been huge-ass fans since we were 14. We were able to hang out with them and talk about music, which was super cool."

Mika was also a highlight, according to Ferraro.

"He taught us a lot. Most people think that lead singers in big bands will be these crazy cokeheads, but they are the most down-to-earth, calm, intellectual people. I'm inspired by people you see who get up every day and work so hard and move forward. You meet a lot of people being on the road who are a lot better than yourself."

Ferraro may be modest about his road experiences, but that doesn't stop him from expressing total confidence in The Midway State's talent and abilities. While the band's sound is radio-friendly and inclusive, the singer says they aren't purposefully catering to the masses.

"The most important thing for us is to have a record that we believe in, that's true to ourselves. If we were told by someone to sound like Nickelback, we would tell that person to find some other band to sound like them."

"Artists anywhere from Led Zeppelin to Sigur Ros have huge fan bases, but that's because their music is honest and real and it's art," adds Bramberger. "We want to strive to create the best art possible, and if people can get something from it then I think we've succeeded."

Early risers can see The Midway State on CTV's Canada AM on Wednesday morning. Others can check them out here:

Aug. 5 Sudbury, ON @ Sudbury Arena w/Avril Lavigne
Aug. 6 Toronto, ON @ Molson Amphitheatre w/Avril Lavigne
Sept. 6 Toronto, ON @ Toronto Islands (Virgin Festival)