Midstates

Midstates is a fusion of electronic space-pop and psychedlic rock from the south side of Chicago. Led by Paul Heintz (lead vocals and guitar), the original visionary for the group, Midstates have shuffled both lineup and sounds over the past 4 years to create Boxing Twilight. Every song is rich and diverse, spotlighting emotion and layered sounds to achieve an orchestral quality through the use of vintage and analog instruments with modern digital processing and effects.

The story began when Steve Munoz (Wurilitzer Organ) met Heintz and joined his band, Novasonic Down Hyperspace. The group was picked up by Marc Bianchi (Her Space Holiday), who fell in love with their freshman album Embracing Magnetics and decided to release it on his record label, AudioInformationPhenomena. Munoz and Heintz built a devoted following in Chicago, playinglive shows and exploring new recording techniques in their home studio, Spectra Mobile. The pair concentrated on developing a complex musical landscape they could call their own, while their desire for a multi-faceted sound led to the expansion of the group.

Angel Ledezma (drums and percussion) first met Heintz and Munoz at an art and music festival Heintz organized at Chicago's Metro. Angel's visceral and stylized drumming was instrumental in transforming their ambient sound into a more vibrant style of symphonic pop. In quick succession, three critical musicians permanently joined the band- Michael Dahlman on lead guitar, Adam Province on bass and Sasha on Juno Synthesizer.

Recharged by this new incarnation, Heintz seized the moment and began working on Midstates' debut CD, Shadowing Ghosts (Mental Monkey Records). Their haunting wintertime release, was a critical success, highlighted by a rave review from Chicago-Sun Times writer, Jim DeRogatis. Filled with chimes and echoes, Shadowing Ghosts enchanted listeners by its ability to sonically capture the theme of its season. With momentum building, Paul began working hard on a more punchy batch of songs.

Boxing Twilight, their upcoming release debuting February 21st, evolved over almost three years of tireless work in their home studio. Its sound comes closer to the vibrant live experience of Midstates than any previous record. Til Dead, the opening track, begins with an onslaught of shoegazing noise beneath Paul's honest vocals tooting "We will die and that's forever." Following is an army of pop songs, each containing rapid transitions in Angel's percussion and highlighted by Steve and Sasha's blossoming electronic arrangements.

In 2005, Midstates and Mental Monkey secured a co-release deal with Reincarnate Music who will help with their exclusive manufacturing and distribution deal with Sony/BMG.


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