Mildlife

Mildlife is an Australian psychedelic jazz fusion group that emerged from the vibrant music scene of Melbourne in 2010. Over the years, the band has crafted a unique blend of genres, earning them a distinguished place in the contemporary music landscape. The quartet consists of Kevin McDowell on keyboards, Adam Halliwell handling guitar and vocals, Tom Shanahan on bass, and Jim Rindfleish on drums, each bringing their own flair and expertise to the ensemble.

Discography and Musical Evolution

The discography of Mildlife showcases a progression of their sound:

• Studio Albums:

  • Phase (2017)
  • Automatic (2020)
  • Chorus (March 2024)

• Live Albums:

  • Live from South Channel Island (2021)

• EPs:

  • Mildlife Remixed EP (2018)
  • Phase II (2018)

• Singles:

  • "The Magnificent Moon" (2017)
  • "How Long Does it Take" (2019)
  • "Rare Air" (2020)
  • "Vapour" (2020)
  • "Automatic" (2020)
  • "Return to Centaurus" (2023)
  • "Musica" (2023)
  • "Yourself" (2024)

Musical Influences and Style

Mildlife’s sound is a rich tapestry woven with threads from diverse musical influences. Described as psychedelic jazz fusion, their music is a blend of jazz, dance, and neo-psychedelic sounds. They draw inspiration from artists like Miles Davis and Tame Impala as well as electronic dance music. Their style is characterized by elements of cosmic rock, electric jazz, funk, futurist disco, and sparse electronica, all coalescing to create a unique auditory experience.

Formation and Background

The band members have shared a lifelong camaraderie, having known each other since childhood. Mildlife was formed in Melbourne, Australia, and has deep roots in the local musical community. Adam Halliwell, Kevin McDowell, and Jim Rindfleish honed their improvisational skills at Victoria College of Arts, further contributing to their cohesive and improvisational sound.

Creative Process and Performance

Collaboration and improvisation are at the heart of Mildlife's creative process, where the synergy of live performances and studio recordings come together. Their focus is on crafting timeless sounds as opposed to chasing contemporary trends, giving their music a lasting resonance. Known for their energetic live performances, the band has built a reputation for their ability to captivate audiences, selling out tours both domestically and internationally.

Career Highlights

Since their emergence, Mildlife has achieved significant milestones:

• Their debut album Phase released in 2017 was met with critical acclaim.
• Automatic (2020) saw impressive success, debuting at #8 on the ARIA Album Charts and winning the ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album.
• They were also nominated for Best Album at the Worldwide FM Awards and AIR Awards.
• The group performed over 100 shows in 2022, with most of these performances taking place overseas.

Recent Developments

With their third studio album Chorus recently released in March 2024, Mildlife continues to expand their musical horizons. They have announced plans for a world tour in support of the new release, further cementing their status as innovative and influential artists. Their ability to navigate complex musical landscapes while maintaining a distinct sound has earned them praise and a dedicated following.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildlife
• https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mildlife/495002612
• https://www.musicismysanctuary.com/mildlife-phase-research-records
• https://www.vinylmeplease.com/blogs/artists/mildlife-vinyl
• https://www.last.fm/music/Mildlife/+albums
• https://www.stampthewax.com/2020/09/09/personally-i-dont-labour-over-tracks-i-want-to-get-the-magic-out-as-soon-as-possible-talking-tech-with-mildlife/
• https://tobemagazine.com.au/mildlife/
• https://mildlife.bandcamp.com
• https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/interviews/automatic-chatting-jazz-gear-and-the-cosmos-with-mildlife/
• https://www.fasching.se/en/mildlife/