Finding Authenticity in NYC's Competitive Music Scene: A Conversation with The Midnight Callers

The Midnight Callers Rattled Humming Heart

In this interview with NYC’s The Midnight Callers, we dive into their latest release, Rattled Humming Heart, which seamlessly combines punk, country, and glam influences into their signature power-pop sound. The band discusses how their upbringing in the “iPod Generation” shaped their genre-blending approach, the impact of receiving regular Sirius XM radio play, and their advice for indie artists hoping to gain attention from major outlets. They also share insights on finding inspiration and standing out in a competitive landscape, their attraction to power pop and glam rock, memorable music discoveries, and the themes explored on their new album. Finally, they offer NYC food recommendations and discuss their future plans.

Thanks for being here today and congrats on your new release, Rattled Humming Heart. Your bio mentions that Rattled Humming Heart seamlessly introduces punk, country, and glam influences into your signature sound—which I have to say is very unique and very energetic. Could you elaborate on how these influences shaped your music and what brand new listeners can expect from the new release?

All four of us grew up in the “iPod Generation” where you’d hit shuffle and go from AC-DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie”, into “Roxanne”, into a Johnny Cash tune, etc. So I think it was a natural thing for us to blend genres a little bit. The first album Red Letter Glow was the beginning of that but we were still just getting our footing as a band so we played it pretty straightforward. With Rattled Humming Heart I think we were more comfortable with who we were and what we sounded like as a band. So it led to us trying new things and maybe introducing elements from some of the other genres we like. That said, it is still “us” so new listeners are gonna get what we always have set out to do: loud guitars, hooks, and harmonies.

You’ve received regular Sirius XM radio play on Little Steven’s Underground Garage and The Beatles Channel. How has this exposure impacted your journey as a band, and what doors has it opened for you?

Any time you get airplay, satellite or terrestrial, it’s a validation that you’re doing something right enough where someone else might dig it. I think it gave us the confidence to trust the process we have created together and follow we felt musically was the right direction..

For indie artists hoping to follow the same path and gain the attention of Sirius XM or other major outlets and influencers, what advice would you give?

We have kept the ‘Field of Dreams’ mantra of “If you build it, they will come.” At the end of the day you have to just keep putting in the work and remind yourself that everything you do (social media posts, writing a song, making a phone call) no matter how big or small is building towards your goal. And lastly, we’d say just be authentic and true yourself. If you’re not the mysterious, Jimmy Page-esque rock god, don’t try to pretend that you are. We’re four music nerds from NYC and proud of it. Although we wish we could pull off the Jimmy Page dragon pants look.

I’m always fascinated by NYC based bands because it’s such a rich landscape of influence and opportunity, but competition is also so much higher. How have you found that balance of staying inspired and standing out? What have you done to make sure you’re always doing the latter?

You can’t step out of your door in NYC without something new or interesting happening to you so inspiration is always flowing in this city. Part of that inspiration is the “competition” you speak of. Going out and seeing another great band is exciting and motivating. It makes you want to level up your game. And in terms of standing out, it goes back to what we just mentioned about being authentic. An audience will quickly sniff you out if you’re putting on some sort of BS front or bandwagoning a musical trend.

What do you think attracts you to the power pop/glam rock era and how have you integrated it into all you do?

We feel like both of those genres allow the most musical freedom. There’s always a healthy debate as to “what is power pop?” because the genre casts a wide net. You can have a hard-driving punkish track or an acoustic ballad a la Big Star’s ‘Thirteen’ and they’re both considered power pop. Same thing with Glam.

I love that line in your bio about rekindling the exhilarating feeling of discovering an extraordinary band in your youth. Who were those bands for you?

Oh god, that happened almost too many times to count/name every single band. Anyone have a good discovery story? (Chris speaking) One of the biggest discovery moments for me was with Tom Petty. It was my sophomore year in college and a friend of mine came into the room to share the wonderful news that he finally hooked up with the girl down the hall after weeks of pursuit (funny enough they’re married now). He mentioned how he put on Tom Petty ‘Damn the Torpedoes’ to set the mood just right. So I, being my nerdy self, immediately got a copy hoping to somehow unlock the mysteries the album held on how to get a girl. I got NOTHING from the girl perspective but I was absolutely blown away with what was coming out of the speakers. Fast forward to today, if I’m in a creative rut, I’ll spin that album just to get that feeling back

Can you give us a glimpse into the themes explored on Rattled Humming Heart and how they connect with your personal experiences?

A lot of these songs were written in the midst of COVID and the lockdowns so there are themes that stemmed from what we were all going through at that time- loss, regret, need to break out, etc. But we wanted this album to be more of a hopeful celebration of the city we call home. The title says it all. This city has had moments when it is truly brought down to its knees but it always finds a way to survive and come back. It may not be exactly the same but it’s always the same at its core.

Ok, one fun one before we wrap it up. What’s your NYC food recommendation(s) for someone with only 24 hours in the city?

There’s this quaint, family owned joint near Times Square called Sbarro… just kidding! Honestly, there are sooo many amazing spots, five is tough. If reservations and travel isn’t a problem, think Lucali’s in Brooklyn is some of the best pizza we’ve had in the city (though there are many others), Nom Wah in Chinatown for Dim Sum which is open late night too so big points there, Balthazar in Soho if you want to class it up, Hometown BBQ in Brooklyn, and big shout out to the Halal Guys street vendors if you’re jonesing for a gyro.

What’s next for you, after this release?

Playing anywhere and everywhere we can pop over to our website (www.themidnightcallers.com) to see if we’re coming to a town near you. Musically, we are part of another ‘JEM Celebrates..” compilation our label put together celebrating Ray Davies. We recorded the track ‘Come Dancing’ with Ryan Howe at Mozart St. Studios in BK for that one. We’ve also had some discussions and ideas for album three but we’re primarily just gonna enjoy the ride with Rattled Humming Heart.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just thank you for having us and really appreciate the support you guys are giving the album. And if anyone wants to stay up on our most recent shenanigans, give us a follow on Instagram at @themidnightcallers .

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