This Is: Midday Wednesday

Midday Wednesday: A Band Forged in Adolescent Love and Musical Exploration

Midday Wednesday is a rising band captivating audiences with their heartfelt lyrics and unique melodies. This article delves into their story, musical influences, and future plans, as shared in an exclusive interview.

The Genesis of Midday Wednesday

Formed in 2018, the band originated from midday Wednesday rehearsals—hence the name—among Ateneo students Rian Mallorca and Vigo Lanzona. Tristan Monsod and Gab Dungca joined, completing the lineup, with Joaquin Tanpoco later adding his keyboard talents.

Teenage Love as a Musical Muse

The band’s music revolves around teenage love, exploring various facets of relationships, friendships, and family bonds. Vocalist Rian explains their lyrics stem from personal experiences, giving their music authenticity and relatability. Their musical style began in bedroom pop but recently incorporated elements of R&B, creating an evolving and diverse sound.

Meet the Members of Midday Wednesday

• Rian Mallorca (vocals, rhythm guitar): The band’s creative force, inspired by artists like Daniel Caesar and Frank Ocean.
• Gab Dungca (guitar): Contributes technical guitar skills, influenced by Lola Amour and All Time Low.
• Tristan Monsod (drums): Provides rhythm and valuable networking connections.
• Vigo Lanzona (vocals, bass): The band’s emotional core, inspired by indie and emo music.
• Joaquin “Joax” Tanpoco (keyboard): Enhances their sound with keyboard skills inspired by Wave to Earth and Reality Club.

Musical Influences and Sound Evolution

Early influences included She’s Only Sixteen and IV of Spades. However, their sound has matured to incorporate R&B, jazz, and neo-soul elements.

Balancing School and Music

The members began as high school students, demonstrating remarkable dedication to balancing academics and their musical passion. Their success hinges on teamwork and open communication.

Heartfelt Lyrics

Midday Wednesday uses music as a therapeutic outlet, pouring personal experiences into their lyrics.

A New Direction

Their single “Paglaho,” written in Tagalog, marked a departure from their usual English-language songs, expressing Rian’s feelings for his family, particularly his grandmother with Alzheimer’s.

Memorable Moments and Future Aspirations

Their first official performance was at Ateneo High School, followed by numerous school events. A post-pandemic gig at Miriam College High School, opening for established bands, marked significant progress. The band looks forward to releasing new music, performing live, and continuing to develop their unique sound while exploring new creative directions.

Midday Wednesday’s commitment to passion, authenticity, and collaboration is evident in their music and continues to resonate with audiences. Their future is bright, and their story is only just beginning.

Full Interview

Q&A

MR: Could you share the origin story of the band name “Midday Wednesday” and how the band members came together?

MW: In the summer of 2018, Rian and Vigo decided to form a band. They recruited Tristan and Gab, later joined by Joax in 2020. The name, derived from their midday Wednesday rehearsals, unexpectedly stuck.

MR: What’s the central theme or concept that underpins your music? How would you define the unique style and genre of Midday Wednesday?

MW: Our music centers on adolescent love, exploring different kinds of love through personal experiences. We started with bedroom pop, subtly shifting into R&B.

MR: Can you introduce each member of the band and shed light on their musical backgrounds and roles within the group?

– Rian (vocals, rhythm guitar)
– Gab (guitar)
– Tristan (drums)
– Vigo (vocals, bass)
– Joax (keyboard)

MR: Influence often plays a pivotal role in shaping a band’s sound. What are some of the key artistic influences that have contributed to Midday Wednesday’s music?

MW: Early influences included She’s Only Sixteen and IV of Spades. Currently, our sound draws heavily from R&B/Jazz/Neo Soul artists such as Daniel Caesar, SZA, and Frank Ocean.

MR: Midday Wednesday’s discography displays a diverse range of musical flavors. How do you maintain a cohesive identity while exploring different soundscapes?

MW: We maintain our identity through the core concept of love, even as our sound evolves. We build on the foundations of lyrical imagery and concepts.

MR: You guys are still students when you started out right? Can you walk us through your creative process when crafting new songs? How do you collaborate and bring your individual strengths together? And how do you juggle between school and music?

MW: We started in high school and continue to balance school and music through communication, compromise, and dedication. Our creative process involves Rian initiating the chords and lyrics, then collaborative input from all members.

MR: The lyrical depth in Midday Wednesday’s music is quite captivating. What themes or experiences often serve as inspiration for your songwriting?

MW: We write about relationships with those closest to us; for Rian, it’s a form of self-expression and therapy.

MR: Your past music was all in english, but we noticed your recent single “Paglaho” was written in tagalog. What motivated this evolution in sound, and how do you ensure it stays authentic to Midday Wednesday?

MW: “Paglaho” was written in Tagalog to better express feelings about family, specifically Rian’s grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

MR: Reflecting on your journey so far, are there any particular albums or moments in your discography that hold special significance for the band?

MW: Our first post-pandemic gig at Miriam College High School, opening for Lola Amour and Itchyworms, stands out as a significant moment of growth and recognition.

MR: Looking ahead, what can fans anticipate from Midday Wednesday in terms of future releases, live gigs, and the direction your music might take?

MW: We’re creating new songs, planning more live shows, and will continue to evolve while staying true to our signature sound.

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