Montreal Blues Rockers Midnight Miles Release “Coming On” Single
You can feel it coming alright! You can literally feel that heavy drumbeat taking you on a journey just before the electric sounds of the guitar relinquishes that angst in Midnight Miles’ newest single, “Coming On,” – available now.
The 5-piece vintage rock band from Montréal, Quebec, lets it all out as they get set to introduce their Steal Away debut EP, dropping this Spring.
“Coming On” is a rhythmic anthem that punctuates a combination of bright blues and rock vocals with elements of jazz. This track takes you on an exploration of the human condition and the need for change. The lyrics describe a night out that lasts too long and leaves the central character feeling disoriented and disconnected from reality. The chorus urges the listener to “feel it coming on” and to be ready for change. This is evident when lead vocalist and song-writer – Ryan Setton is heard saying:
“Can you feel it coming on, Got a little bit of time to spare.
Can you feel it coming on, Everybody wanna’ get their share.
Can you feel it coming on, Just let the melody flow.
Can you feel it coming on, Baby let’s go.”
“In writing ‘Coming On,’ we wanted to express something that would encapsulate the angst that many of us felt throughout the pandemic. That yearning to break free, try new things and feel unburdened,” says Setton. He continues, “Like a shot of riff-driven rock ‘n’ roll adrenaline, ‘Coming On’ is about all the infinite possibilities awaiting us just around the corner, so close you can almost taste it.”
The Steal Away EP is filled with classic rock sounds, including other bangers such as “Don’t Worry (‘bout a thing),” and is a perfect backdrop for going on long countryside road trips or riding through the city, as the fluidity of their music makes your mind and spirit roam free.
Setton describes the influence and creative process behind the making of Midnight Miles’ debut album by explaining:
“The name of the EP Steal Away is taken from the first line of one of our songs ‘Last Time’ and literally means to escape or sneak off, which conveys the general feeling and mindset of the record.”
Listen to “Coming On” below and learn more about Midnight Miles via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself?
My name is Ryan Setton, and I sing vocals in Midnight Miles. Growing up in Montreal and starting to play music at a young age are great gifts I’ll never take for granted.
Out of the bands I’ve been a part of throughout the years, Midnight Miles is by far the most fun. We’re a 5-piece original blues-based rock ’n’ roll band who’s dead set on becoming a regular on your road trip playlist.
Tell us about the process of writing “Coming On.”
I wanted to create a bluesy, upbeat tune that would liberate and free the listener. (‘Cause there aren’t enough songs like this already!)
I trust that during the pandemic, many of us felt overwhelmed in different ways and for different reasons, there’s no question. I recall hearing a lot of people asking things like “where’s the light at the end of the tunnel?” or “where do we go from here?” and so on.
That’s where the idea for the song first took root. The track is sort of an analogy for being amidst all sorts of craziness and finally getting a sense that change is on the horizon. It’s not necessarily what we planned or expected, but we “feel it coming on.” The character in the song insists we embrace the shift because it’s inevitable, and it’s gonna shake things up.
What’s it like being a musician in Montreal?
One thing that holds true about the Montreal scene is that there’s a little something to satisfy nearly any musical appetite. Classical, jazz, RnB… whatever your heart desires.
Being a Montreal-based musician or band has its perks because you’ve got options. From knocking out covers in pubs all over town, to playing more prestigious concert venues and festivals, I feel you can thrive in Montreal regardless of where you’re at in your career or what kind of music you’re into.
Like I often say, though, what impacts us the most as a band is our combined musical interests, strengths, and differences. The coming together of unique flavours and styles that end up becoming something else entirely that stands on its own.
Who was the first Canadian artist to blow you away?
I grew up on blues and rock ’n’ roll… Old habits die hard, I guess! That being said, the Chicago blues from the 50s and 60s really knocked me out when I first heard it. Then there were a bunch of British and American rock groups of the 60s and 70s that inspired me. First Canadian artist, though… I was really into Neil Young and his various projects when I was in my early teens.
You’ve been making music for a while now. What’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
One piece of advice for starting out would have to be… soak up inspiration wherever you find it. If travelling is your thing, travel. If food is your thing, eat. Nature, get outside. Love, go, and fall in love. But most importantly… be persistent in digging deep from within yourself. Learn as much as you can from others, yes, but remember, at the end of the day, your own voice will always be the most authentic. The one that connects to people and makes things happen. It’s great to be able to sing like Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding – but carving out your own thing… that’s the real deal.