Overview
To be a musician these days you need to be constantly testing the waters with new sounds and melodies to keep challenging the norm, and most of all, to get that shit off your chest.
One particular Auckland act that has been working hard at that is Midnight Gallery, consisting of talented and hard-working friends Tyla Pere and Edgar Mahon. After the successful release of their debut, self-titled album Midnight Gallery, they have been testing new material via their own solo exhibition EPs. First up, Edgar's First World Problem EP consists of four tracks which are available for download below.
We shoot the shit off Edgar's chest and discuss his EP release, should NZ Music Month be NZ Music Week, and he gives a shout out to the fine people of Thames.
2016 has begun, and you are already into the swing of things. Talk us through the EP. How did the idea come about?
The EP was something I was working on over the summer. Really just me getting shit off my chest. I was lucky enough to have beats from Regal Drums and Reed which fitted the mood. I then recorded all tracks in a day with Beau Jefferies, the whole thing was pretty organic and there was never really a plan which was nice.
Talk us through each of the tracks on the EP.
Before you read my break down of each song please note I'm terrible at explaining music, but here goes.
First World Problem
This track is in short me saying I know on the scale of world problems my personal problems aren't the most pressing issues. As Kiwi males I feel we often bottle up problems. I just wanted to write a song letting people know I have issues and dark thoughts and if you relate to mine it is more than likely I'll relate to yours.
E, D&F feat Ashley Hughes and PNC
First off I was lucky to have two of my favourite local MCs Ashley Hughes and PNC feature on this track which I am mad grateful for. Its simple E, D&F is an acronym for Eat, Drink and Fuck. Anyone in a good relationship can no doubt relate.
Life Is Rich
This track is about looking at the glass half-full and as cliché as it sounds, realising what you have.
Make Believe
This track offers the idea of dream scenarios and my intention was to say why not chase that dream when your awake?
What's on the cards for Midnight Gallery?
We've got a few projects in the works at the moment including a sophomore album. We can expect a Midnight Gallery Presents EP from Tyla later this year which I am looking forward too. Also in the more immediate future Midnight Gallery will be releasing a couple of love songs on Valentines Day.
What shows are lined up for the coming months?
Ashley Hughes who features on 'E, D&F' is also releasing an EP in late Feb which I feature on. We are throwing a party at Lot 23 on March 12, where we will perform both EPs together. More gig details will be out soon.
You guys recently held a party in Thames. Hometown advantage. The footage looked insane. How did this come about?
Yeah, Thames is Tyla's home town. We have played in Thames for Crate Day for the last couple of years. Thames has a dope group of young peeps that book us to play at their crate day party. The energy is so good its just a party, no phone reception just a lamb on the spit, music and crate beer. Shout out to Thames.
Thoughts on NZ Music Month? Should it be a month or a week?
I'm probably the wrong person to ask as I'm obsessed with listening, writing and playing music. It doesn't mater to me if its music month or not I'm going to be listening to local artists if I'm feeling their music all year round. However, not everybody is as much of a music fan as I am so I think its good to have something to raise awareness. Maybe NZ Music Week may be better much like fashion week there could be shows every night.
Who is crushing it music wise in your world. Both abroad and at home?
I'm really enjoying Anderson Paak - Malibu. Locally, I have heard Ashley Hughes new EP which is dope and worth keeping an eye out for. I'm looking forward to Average Rap Band's debut album, the EP was sick. Also I'm biased but I've heard what Tyla has been working on and I'm really excited for everyone else to hear it.
If you could bring one international act to NZ (and open for them), who would it be?
J COLE.
Any other shit you want to get off your chest?
The flag designs all fucking sucked and the one that got through looks like a '90s shipping company logo.