Out April 16 on the band’s own label, Saturated Ideals, “Turismo” marks a significant moment for Belfast’s Middler—a band that’s been methodically carving its space since 2022. Blending shoegaze-leaning electronics with industrial noise and heavy post-punk textures, the new track doesn’t follow a verse-chorus template as much as it breathes in grey, hypnotic layers. Guitars scrape against pulsing synths. Vocals hover somewhere between resigned and defiant.
Written, produced, and mixed entirely in-house, “Turismo” reflects a broader DIY ethos the band sees as central, not circumstantial. Middler built their own studio and manages their own releases. As they put it, “It’s not just a necessity—it’s a fundamental part of who we are.”
The song’s lyrics evoke a world of emotional corrosion and alienation—“We’re the governments art,” vocalist Jonny Mccune sings, dragging images of societal control and inner collapse through bleak metaphors and decaying imagery. “There’s a tension between control and surrender,” the band explains. “It’s about the exhaustion of modern existence and the ways we try to numb ourselves, but also the realization that those coping mechanisms aren’t always an escape.”
Middler’s sound draws influence from late-90s and early-2000s acts like Nine Inch Nails and Linkin Park, but the real connective tissue lies in their rhythmic focus—structured yet unstable, like underground techno refracted through post-metal. Bassist and synth player Ross Machala is central to this, mixing the track himself and layering dense electronic undercurrents beneath sharp, angular guitars. As they note, “We treat synths as foundational elements rather than atmospheric add-ons.”
“Turismo” also reflects Middler’s growing control over their sonic identity. “In the beginning, our sound was more raw and exploratory,” they say. “But over time, we’ve developed a clearer sense of space and movement within our tracks.” That evolution is audible here—the track never explodes, but tightens and releases with a sense of deliberate tension.
“Turismo” is just the start. The band plans to roll out more material across 2025, slowly revealing the broader vision they’ve been building. “Each track will reveal more layers of our sound and vision, culminating in something larger,” they say. “We’re not rushing to reveal everything at once—we want to build a world around this music piece by piece.”
In the full interview below, Middler goes deeper into their creative process, their grounding in Belfast’s underground scene, and what comes next in their slow-burning rollout.
How did Middler come together? What sparked the formation of the band?
Middler formed in late 2022, driven by a need to create something that blended high-energy, immersive live music with electronic and atmospheric elements. We wanted to build something dynamic—where programmed rhythms and textures could sit naturally alongside live instrumentation without feeling forced or secondary.
How has the band evolved since its inception?
We’ve refined how we balance electronic and organic elements. In the beginning, our sound was more raw and exploratory, but over time, we’ve developed a clearer sense of space and movement within our tracks. Our songwriting has become more intentional, allowing each part to serve the larger dynamic arc of a track rather than just layering sounds for the sake of it.
What are your biggest musical inspirations, and how do they shape your sound?
A lot of our inspiration comes from artists who bridge the gap between electronic and alternative music—Nine Inch Nails, and Hybrid Theory-era Linkin Park were major influences on this current batch of songs. A general sense of nostalgia of sounds from the late 90’s and early 2000s. There’s also a strong connection to the hypnotic, rhythmic approach of underground electronic music, particularly the darker, more immersive sides of techno and post-punk. That balance of repetition and evolution is something we focus on in our writing.
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How would you describe Middler’s creative process? Do you start with riffs, beats, or synth ideas?
It depends, but most often, a song starts with a rhythmic or synth-driven idea. We treat synths as foundational elements rather than atmospheric add-ons, so they often shape the structure early on. From there, the live instrumentation is built around them, with bass and drums locking into a groove that supports the tension of the track.
What role does the DIY ethos play in your music and overall approach?
Everything Middler does is self-produced, mixed, and funded. We’ve built our own rehearsal studio, self-manage our releases, and maintain complete creative control. It’s not just a necessity—it’s a fundamental part of who we are. We want to prove that you don’t need major backing to create something meaningful and impactful.
What is the meaning behind Turismo? What themes does it explore?
Turismo is about the cycles of escapism—the way we turn to distractions as a reprieve from monotony, only to realize they come at a cost. The lyrics are always suggesting that we are not alone in our struggles and that burdens can be shared. It’s a reflection on both personal and collective exhaustion, framed within industrial and dystopian imagery.
How did the song come together musically? Any particular techniques or production elements that define it?
This track leans heavily on electronic textures, with a dense undercurrent of synths and a rhythmic pulse that feels almost mechanical. The guitars aren’t used in a traditional riff-driven way but instead stab through the mix in angular, percussive bursts. heightening the track’s sense of pressure and release. There’s an intentional sense of movement and hypnosis—something that feels locked in but constantly shifting under the surface.
What emotions or message do you want listeners to take from Turismo?
There’s a tension between control and surrender in Turismo. It’s about the exhaustion of modern existence and the ways we try to numb ourselves, but also the realization that those coping mechanisms aren’t always an escape. It’s not necessarily hopeful, rather a feeling of being pulled in opposing directions, between control and surrender. There’s a weight to it, but instead of a singular message, it’s more about creating a space where people can find their own meaning within it.
Does this track signal a shift in Middler’s sound or direction?
It pushes certain elements further, particularly the electronic side, but it’s not a departure. It’s part of a natural evolution, where we’re honing in on what makes our music feel immersive and distinct.
How does Turismo fit into the broader narrative of your upcoming releases?
Turismo is the first in a series of releases that will unfold in the coming months. Each track will reveal more layers of our sound and vision, culminating in something larger. We’re not rushing to reveal everything at once—we want to build a world around this music piece by piece.
How does the cover art for Turismo connect with the song’s themes?
The artwork reflects the track’s themes of repetition, degradation, and cycles of escapism. There’s a sense of decay, like something that’s been eroded over time, mirroring the process of creating the track
What is Middler’s overall approach to visuals? How important is artwork, video, and design to the band?
Visuals are just as important as the music. Middler isn’t just about sound—it’s about creating an atmosphere and a world around it. We’re intentional with our artwork and videos, ensuring that every element reinforces the themes of the music.
Can you describe the aesthetic you’re aiming for with your artwork and branding?
We’re drawn to a modern gothic style We want our visuals to feel textured and layered, much like our sound—never overly clean or polished, but still striking and deliberate.
What’s next for Middler after Turismo?
More music, more visuals, and a continued evolution of our sound. This is just the first step in a structured rollout that will unfold throughout the next year.
How do you plan to roll out new music in 2025?
We’re taking a methodical approach—consistent releases rather than dropping everything at once. Each release will be part of a larger narrative, building towards something more significant.
Are you considering physical releases, touring, or any other special projects?
Yes. We’re exploring physical formats and ways to make our releases feel more tangible. As for live shows, we’re being selective about when and where we play, focusing on making each performance an experience rather than just another gig.
What are your main goals for Middler in the next year?
To solidify our presence, expand our audience, and continue refining our artistic vision. We want to build something sustainable—something that lasts.
How has the Belfast alternative and underground scene evolved since you became part of it?
There’s been a noticeable shift towards more experimental and hybrid sounds. The lines between electronic and heavy music are blurring, which is something we align with. There’s also been a resurgence of DIY events and collectives creating spaces for artists who might not fit into traditional scenes.
Are there any key events, venues, or collectives that have been important to you?
Asphyxia has been crucial for championing experimental and alternative artists within the city, while parties like Plain Sailing in the Ulster Sports Club is where middler was conceived in the smoking areas.These spaces are essential for keeping the underground scene alive.
What other bands, artists, or labels from your scene would you recommend?
Artists like Mount Palomar, Jock, Yin Yang and of course Chalk have been really paving the way and creating interesting movements within the city
