The Middle East
The Middle East's Jordan Ireland talks American crowds, harmonizing and the Australian music scene.
Time for a geography lesson - The Middle East is in Australia. Time for a music lesson – The Middle East can harmonize like nobody’s business. Australian favorite’s The Middle East have been an on again off again band since 2005 – but are now set to make great strides in 2010. With their American debut at SXSW – it’s a very safe bet to think The Middle East is about to become global. Recently we had a chance to chat with lead vocalist/guitarist Jordan Ireland.
HEAVE: The Middle East got together in 2005, released an album in 2008, and then broke up for eight months. Why the break up? Just wanted to be able to have an Eagles “Hell Freezes Over” type return?
Jordan Ireland: I think people were a bit worn and some of us wanted to do other things for a little while.
HEAVE: Putting a band together would be hard enough – but how did The Middle East find members with the ability to harmonize in almost a scary way?
Jordan Ireland: It was a lot scarier when we couldn't sing. Fear wasn't even our weapon of choice back then. I don't think we could do back then the things we're trying to do now. Our voices and vocal arrangements are works in progress and haven't always been where they’re at right now. I think they'll keep changing.
HEAVE: You guys are getting posted about everywhere, getting radio play nonstop and have been the Amazon “download of the day.” What is it like to all of a sudden “blow up?” What changes for you and the other members, outside of a busier schedule?
Jordan Ireland: It's strange. We have a lot more time on the road and time to see friends and family who live away from us. I suppose we've gotten to know a lot more about the industry too, and how it's bound to drive you insane.
HEAVE: Your first show in America will be SXSW. What have you been told/assume about us American music fans?
Jordan Ireland: I haven't been told much about American music fans. Maybe just that there's a lot of them so you'd better not make them mad.
HEAVE: Conversely, what exactly is the Australian music scene like?
Jordan Ireland: I haven't had much to do with any other music scene so I don't know how it compares. I'd say it's like a big family feast crossed with a tree of birds - there are a lot of nice people, strange looking creatures and they all make music.
HEAVE: What is the plan for after SXSW? Plan on hitting up the rest of the United States?
Jordan Ireland: We have to finish an album first, but yes, I'd like to.
HEAVE: You’ve received glowing reviews from pretty much everybody – but what compliment, blurb has been your absolute favorite?
Jordan Ireland: It was when my housemate, best friend and musical inspiration came to a show of ours and said he was amazed.
HEAVE: And, this isn’t really a question, but I just wanted you to know that you are probably the hardest band to search for on Google, but I think I learned quite a bit about foreign policy.
Jordan Ireland: Sweet man. Sorry about that.
And now is your very simple chance to win a free copy of The Recordings Of The Middle East. All you have to do is email HEAVE your top two bands to come out of Australia other than The Middle East. All emails should be sent to wes@heavemedia.com.
Posted by Wes Soltis on Jan 21, 2010 @ 10:00 am
