Middle Kids

Middle Kids Artistfacts

  • 2016-
    Hannah JoyLead vocals, various instruments
    Tim FitzVarious instruments
    Harry DayDrums
  • Hannah Joy and Tim Fitz are the primary songwriters in the group. They're also married - they had their first child in 2020.
  • The group is from Sydney, Australia. They got a lot of support early on from Australia's Triple J radio station, which played their 2016 debut single, "Edge Of Town," and showcased the band. They were happy to get some attention in their home country and thrilled when word spread overseas. A producer on the American late-night show Conan show heard the band and had them perform, which game them some cachet in that country. Elton John got word and declared himself a fan. He put the song on his Apple Music playlist and played it on his Beats 1 radio show, introducing Middle Kids to the UK and other parts of the world.
  • Tim Fitz was established locally as a solo artist when he met Hannah Joy in 2014. At the time, Joy was in a band and also recording as a solo artist. Fitz became her producer, and when they started working on the song "Edge Of Town" in 2016, they brought in Harry Day to play drums on the track. The collaboration went so well that the three of them formed the band.
  • Hannah Joy and Harry Day both went to school for music. Joy is a graduate of the Australian Institute Of Music, and Day of the Sydney Conservatorium Of Music, where he majored in Jazz Performance.
  • They first played America in 2016, then returned in 2017 as opening act for Cold War Kids and on various festivals, including South By Southwest and Lollapalooza.
  • Hannah Joy writes most of the lyrics, which got more personal starting with their second album, Today We're The Greatest. Their discography is a mix of true stories and fiction.

    "It's easier to sing angst that sounds true, and harder to make a joyful song land," Tim Fitz explained to Songfacts. "The best songs are a mixture of both."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenSong Writing

Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music Scene

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music SceneSong Writing

With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.