I recently stumbled upon Brisbane's indie-rock sensation, Mid Drift, while browsing online, and I was absolutely captivated by their music. From the moment I hit play, I was hooked—Lemon Lime and Tan Lines, their debut EP, is a stunning collection of sun-soaked melodies, catchy rhythms, and dreamy guitar licks that make it feel like the perfect soundtrack to those long, carefree summer days. The band’s unique blend of indie-rock charm and laid-back vibes immediately grabbed my attention, and I knew I had to learn more about them.
Since bursting onto the scene, Mid Drift has quickly become one of the most exciting new acts in the Australian indie music scene. They've been lighting up stages with sold-out headliner shows and major support slots alongside some of Australia’s most beloved bands, including DICE, Old Mervs, and Rum Jungle. Their live shows are an absolute spectacle, brimming with infectious energy and an undeniable chemistry that pulls the audience in from the very first note. It’s no surprise that they’ve already captured the hearts of their hometown of Brisbane, and their loyal following is growing rapidly across the country.
With their debut EP in full swing, Mid Drift isn’t slowing down anytime soon. They’re about to embark on a run of summer festivals, bringing their electric live performance to even more fans as they celebrate the release of Lemon Lime and Tan Lines*. It’s clear that this is just the beginning for Mid Drift—they’re a band to watch, and their rise is only going to get higher from here.
Brisbane’s indie-rock band Mid Drift has quickly become one of the most exciting acts to watch in the Australian music scene. Known for their sun-soaked melodies, infectious guitar licks, and an undeniable energy that electrifies every performance, Mid Drift has been making waves with their debut EP, Lemon Lime and Tan Lines. Released to much anticipation, the EP is the perfect soundtrack to accompany those long, laid-back summer days. From the moment I first stumbled across the band online, I was captivated by their sound, and after diving deeper into their music, it became clear that this group is one to keep an eye on.
The band’s journey has been nothing short of impressive. Mid Drift has already built a loyal fanbase, capturing hearts not only in their hometown of Brisbane but across the entire nation. Their live shows have been a spectacle—high-energy performances that leave fans buzzing long after the music stops. From sold-out headliner shows to major support slots with Aussie favourites like DICE, Old Mervs, and Rum Jungle, Mid Drift has steadily grown into one of Australia’s most promising indie-rock acts. Their debut EP showcases their unique blend of indie-rock charm and dreamy vibes, and now, as they embark on a run of summer festivals to celebrate its release, it’s clear that they’re only just getting started.
The band’s roots in music run deep, and for lead vocalist Sarah, her love for music was sparked at an early age. “I remember hearing a neighbour play the piano when I was really little, around five years old,” Sarah recalls. “I just fell in love with it. I always loved hearing them practice, and from then on, I begged my mum to let me play. We were gifted an old piano by a family friend, and that’s where it all started for me. Since then, I’ve always loved playing music.” It’s clear that Sarah’s passion for music has shaped her into the talented songwriter and performer she is today. Her early inspiration has continued to influence her creative process, as she draws on her experiences and emotions to craft lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
When asked who inspired her to pursue music, Sarah has a clear answer. “Missy Higgins has always been a huge inspiration of mine,” she says. “Her songwriting is just out of this world, and she was the first live act I ever saw. The way she connects with her audience and the way her music makes you feel is something I’ve always admired.” It’s no surprise that Missy Higgins' influence can be heard in Sarah’s own music, which carries that same raw emotional power and depth of feeling.
Mid Drift’s sound has been constantly evolving as the band experiments with different genres and influences. “Our sound has definitely changed over time,” Sarah explains. “We’ve got a few different genres floating around in the mix, so it’s always evolving. In the EP, we’ve got some indie-rock tracks with a wash of sound, but there are also some indie-pop songs. We’ve got a lot of new ideas in the works, and we’re excited to throw a few more things at the wall in our next record, which we’ll drop later this year. We’re going to experiment with reggae, rock, R&B, soul, and even funk and blues. It’s going to be a mixed bag, but we’re just having fun with it. As long as we love playing it, that’s what matters.”
It’s clear that Mid Drift is a band that isn’t afraid to take risks and explore new sounds, and that fearlessness is part of what makes them so exciting to watch. They’re not constrained by any one genre or style, and instead, they embrace the freedom to create whatever feels right in the moment. “We honestly don’t really know what we’re doing,” Sarah laughs. “But as long as we’re loving it, that’s the main thing!”
The band’s chemistry and sense of unity are at the core of their success. They all met through mutual friends and a shared love of music, and that connection is evident in their performances and their approach to songwriting. “Usually, Sarah writes the lyrics and brings them to the rest of us, and then we work on the music together,” says guitarist Rowan. “Sometimes one of us will come up with a riff or a chord progression, and Sarah will write lyrics on top of that. It’s a really collaborative process, and that’s what makes it so fun.”
Mid Drift’s experiences on the road have been filled with unforgettable moments, both high and low. “The best gig that we’ve played was at a college party,” Sarah says. “We were playing on a huge lawn, and there was a crowd of about 600 students all packed in front of the stage. The sun was setting, and everyone was vibing so hard—it was incredible! The energy was unreal, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything like that.” On the other end of the spectrum, the band also recalls one of their most challenging shows. “We played a gig in a small town at the local pub, and before we even got on stage, someone tried to fight our drummer because of the outfit he was wearing. That pretty much set the tone for the night,” Sarah laughs. “We ended up playing to a crowd of just five people, including the guy who tried to fight Rowan. It was a tense one, but you know what? It’s all part of the experience.”
Despite the highs and lows of touring, Mid Drift remains incredibly grateful for their fans and the support they’ve received. “We are so incredibly grateful for every single one of our fans,” Sarah says. “For listening to our music, for coming to our shows, and for being part of our journey. It means the world to us that people care about what we do. We don’t take it for granted.”
The band’s focus is firmly on the future, and they have big plans for the year ahead. They’re looking forward to playing with some of their favorite artists and continuing to share their music with the world. “We’re definitely excited for what’s coming up,” Sarah says. “We’ve got some big shows lined up, and we’re already working on new music. It’s going to be an exciting year, and we can’t wait to share it all with everyone.”
With their undeniable talent, fearless approach to music, and a growing fanbase, Mid Drift is on the fast track to becoming one of Australia’s most exciting indie acts. If you haven’t yet discovered them, now is the perfect time to dive in. Their infectious energy and heartfelt music are sure to leave a lasting impression, and with everything they’ve got in store, it’s clear that Mid Drift is just getting started. Keep an eye out for this rising star—they’re destined for big things.
