Artist Interview: Mid America

nickinhailer
May 11
3 min read

Mid America is the Western folk rock duo of Mia Carruthers and Curtis Roush (The Bright Light Social Hour). Their music, written and recorded at their home studio in the Texas Hill Country, lives in the mythology of the forgotten middle—songs shaped by endless highways, unseen towns, and the quiet resilience of those who endure there. Rooted in the craft of 70s record-making, they build upon tradition with harmonies and guitar work that feel both timeless and fiercely alive. Mia and Curtis talked with us about meeting, music, and the road.

The “Live From Juniper Hill” film is so incredibly beautiful, how did that come about?

Juniper Hill is the name of the land we live on, a 14-acre ranchette outside of Wimberley, Texas. We share the land with Curt's folks, sister and our nephew. We cook and eat together as a family most nights, and one of the best features of the property are the gorgeous hill country sunsets — of which we have a perfect view from our dining room table. The land means a lot to us and is a constant source of inspiration. Setting up the gear and having our brilliant friends in Hermano Sisters come out to make this film felt like a natural extension of our private world and everyday life.

How did you both meet and did you have a moment when you knew you wanted to play together?

We met at SXSW in 2018 at an amazing venue, Cheer Up Charlies. Our bands were on the same record label at the time and we had heard of each other. After sharing a bill and meeting in person, the connection was instant. We kept in touch and developed our friendship, long-distance. The urge to make something together was pretty immediate and we got into the studio the following summer in Austin. The session was so natural and wildly productive — co-writing and producing, arranging vocals and crafting a "mood" for what we were making came easily.

What is the earliest musical memory for each of you?

Curt: Listening to "Born in the USA" in the backseat of his mom's car as a toddler, singing along.

Mia: Learning to sing harmonies with my dad — and laying on my stomach in front of my family's stereo listening to tapes and CDs for hours.

You've described your music as being for the open road. Do you have any favorite songs that fit that style?

"Running on Empty" - Jackson Browne

"Ventura Highway" - America

"The Chain" - Fleetwood Mac

"Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses" - U2

Do you both have a certain way you approach song writing, or is it different every time?

There weren't many songs on this record that we wrote completely together — so, I think solitude is a part of the practice that we share. We'll bring an idea at varying stages to each other and help finish it and then arrange it together in the studio. Individually, songs come to us all different ways — a lyrical concept, a feeling, a personal story or experience, an injustice.

Did you both learn anything new about yourselves after writing these songs?

Learning to sing in each others' registers and arranging vocals for our respective "sweet spots" was a cool take away from this record and project together.

Do you have any advice for artists who are starting out and want to go on the road?

By any means necessary, get up and go. We both believe strongly in the irreplaceable power of touching people directly with the music. It will always be an investment until it isn't, bet on yourself.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?

We've both been involved with so many different kinds of records — a vast array of emotions, stories and aesthetics. For this record, we wanted to make something that would call people in. Something beautiful. Not necessarily easy, but songs and sounds that could bring someone peace, even relaxation, emotional connection and catharsis. The feeling of romance — even if it's just for yourself.