Turning heads with debut single ‘Different’, Middle Name John embodies an experimental attitude, delving into both introspective and observations of the world around him through his untethered lyricism and gritty delivery. A player, writer, observer and activist, Middle Name John is an anonymous and faceless expression, believing in a future without oppressed people, poverty, war, borders or oligarchs.
First the lead singer and songwriter of ‘Los and the Deadlines’, and now venturing solo alongside involvement in the Love Music Hate Racism campaign as a musician and organiser and spending time as a radio host for Soho Radio, Middle Name John is an enticing new avenue.
Released as a collaboration between Slowfoot Records and Juicy Records, Middle Name John has now unveiled the extensive, glitchy and dystopian atmosphere of his debut album ‘Obviously Confidential’. Across the eight tracks of musical uncertainty, the artist draws from post-punk, rock, electronic and jazz, never staying within the confines of genre. Amongst the malfunctioning sound design, distorted ramblings and unsettling themes, there arises a feeling of hope, as if the mere acknowledgement of the state of the world is a sign change is on the horizon. By the end of the album, the chaos becomes a comfort, and Middle Name John’s unrestricted writing is refreshing.
Middle Name John adds, “There are a few common themes and ideas running throughout the album. Uncertainty is surely one of them. Another would be that it’s okay to reject divisive ideas fed to us by authoritative figures and if that turns people off, that’s okay. Say hello to friends and cherish the people who push you forward when you feel too slow (you aren’t too slow). Everything does feel different, but while the world may be cruel…don’t let it make you mean.”
Listen to ‘Obviously Confidential’ here!
