Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Today, brand new alt-pop duo [Middle Child](https://www.instagram.com/middlechild/) share their debut single, “Burn Out,” accompanied by a vibrant lyric video. Stripped down and effortlessly catchy, “Burn Out” is an instant hit filled with earworms that are bound to work their way up the radio charts sooner or later (you heard it here first). Proving that less really is more, Middle Child’s minimalistic production style feels evocative of JP Saxe or FINNEAS: a comparison that we don’t take lightly.
Although it may be their first single as a duo, this is definitely not the first rodeo for LA-based producer Jacob Lee and songwriter/vocalist Mikey Wax (who’s solo career has already hit over 1M online fans and music placements for major brands including Nike Swim, Hollister Clothing, United Airlines, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup). With a knack for writing pop hooks and catchy melodies, this is only the beginning for Middle Child. _Flaunt_ sat down with them to chat about their recent release, what sparked the collaboration, and what’s to come for the duo.
**What's the inspiration behind your debut single, "Burn Out”? Does the track relate to the transition from Mikey Wax?**
The inspiration came from being grateful to have someone in life that understands and accepts my crazy and worried mind. The transition to Middle Child was very natural in that all the songs were started by sitting at a piano late at night with a glass of whiskey. The biggest difference is the exploration and vibe that came to the project by teaming up with my buddy and talented writer/producer Jacob Lee. Together, we decided to get weirder on production and add different elements to some of the melodies and lyrics I had started.
**How did you come up with your new name, Middle Child?**
For starters, I’m the middle child in my family of 3 brothers. I've always had sort of the classic "middle child syndrome" that comes with that birthright. When I was first getting started in music, I’d independently release music under my label Middle Child Records. When I envisioned this new project, it felt natural to go by Middle Child. We became a duo because Jacob’s one of my best friends who understands me super well, and vice versa. We’re getting together weekly to write pop songs for other artists, and Middle Child became a fun project to escape from our natural pop song tendencies.
**How does "Burn Out" differ from your solo work? What's next for Middle Child?**
On “Burn Out” and most Middle Child songs, it's a "less is more" mentality and I'm generally singing in a falsetto style. I feel less afraid to sound like me, with all the imperfections that come with that. Whereas in the past, I always wanted to sound perfect like other singers on the radio. Next for Middle Child is to keep exploring sonically and melodically and creating more music that satisfies our itch to make interesting, emotional noise.
