Middle Kids (Tim Fritz, Hannah Joy and Harry Day) have today released their first new music in over 18 months. Premiered last night on triple j, the propulsive “R U 4 Me?” was produced by Lars Stalfors (St Vincent, Cold War Kids, Soccer Mommy) and showcases the band’s capacity to pair unforgettable melodies with raucous, arena-worthy indie rock.
Lead singer and songwriter Hannah Joy explains the alienating inspiration for the song: “I was at university once and there were all these signs on the walls saying “BE NICE IT’S NOT THAT HARD”. The tone of the message itself actually wasn’t very nice or kind…. We are always looking around at other people thinking “are you on my team?”. I think this just results in us all feeling lonely.”
“R U 4 Me?” has a frenzied energy. The band chose to include their own distorted yelling, wailing and laughter (captured candidly between takes in the studio) as the sounds encapsulated the spark and energy of creation at that moment. A little manic, a little wild, a little joyful.
“R U 4 Me?” is accompanied by a moving music video directed by W.A.M. Bleakley, portraying a story of youth, peer pressure, social isolation and the joy of finding a place to belong, which you can watch below.
Middle Kids new single is the band’s first release since their 2019 EP New Songs For Old Problems, which in turn followed on from their critically acclaimed 2018 Triple J Award winning debut album Lost Friends.
Middle Kids will also performing live in a Global Live Streaming Event on October 22nd. Tickets are available now.
