Podcast Summary: Takin' a Walk

Episode: Independent and Proud: The Band Midlake and New Music Discovery

Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Eric Pulido (Midlake)
Release Date: November 7, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Takin' a Walk features an in-depth conversation between host Buzz Knight and Eric Pulido of the band Midlake. The discussion explores Midlake's evolution, their creative process, Texas roots, the complexities of keeping a band together for two decades, and the making of their sixth album, A Bridge Too Far. Pulido offers candid reflections on band dynamics, the meaning behind their new music, and what it means to stay inspired and independent in today's musical landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Significance of Walking and Inspiration

• Buzz opens by tying the podcast’s concept to creativity, asking who Eric would like to "take a walk" with (04:06).

• Eric's Answer: Would love to walk and talk with Abraham Lincoln for his historical wisdom, but also mentions Bill Maher for his blend of comedy and cultural commentary.

  “Maybe there's no wrong answers, but it's a big one. That's a tough one.” (Eric, 06:16)

• Eric relates his own habit of walking and running to the band's creative process, describing the physical act as a source of reflection and new ideas:

  "I've gotten a lot of ideas while on walks or runs...I'll sing a melody into a voice memo...even after the record's done, going on a walk and listening for mixed notes or things like that." (Eric, 07:17)

2. Band Chemistry & The Long Road Together

• Buzz asks what still surprises Eric about his bandmates after 20 years (08:01).

• Eric notes the enduring camaraderie and musical connection:

  “It's like riding a bike when we get together...no matter how long it's been, we just click right back in and just know one another very well musically to where it's not forced.” (Eric, 08:11)

• The evolution from constant collaboration to balancing life's demands is explored, especially as the members have grown older and started families.

3. Early Musical Influences & Denton, Texas Roots

• Eric’s musical foundation started at home:

  “My folks were into music...my dad was always a big fan of albums and bands from yesteryear, 60s and 70s...I always loved music and was just a self-taught musician.” (Eric, 09:43)

• Denton, Texas—the band's longtime base—provided a rich musical community and the spirit of collaboration (11:57):

  "Such a community of folks...this collection and community of artists and bands that would play around and try to also get out of Dodge and see where that journey could take us. ... It's always been a part of the bedrock of where we physically are." (Eric, 11:57)

4. The Creative Process: Then and Now

• Buzz highlights Midlake’s “meticulous craftsmanship” and the gaps between records (17:06).

• Eric details how their methods have changed from the all-consuming early days to a more balanced and intentional approach:

  • Early Days:

    • “No one knew who we were...we were devoted to writing, recording, rehearsing before we’d even made that first album...”
    • The band’s 2006 breakthrough, The Trials of Van Occupanther, resonated more in Europe at first (17:26).

  • Major Transition:

    • Struggled with creative block before Antiphon after Tim Smith’s departure:

    “...it ended in Tim departing. Obviously a gut punch, not in a personal way, but more of like, what do we do now? ... We wrote and recorded in six months, Antiphon. … It did feel like we recovered, but also felt like we need to land this ship.” (Eric, 21:41–22:41)

  • Current Approach:

    • More remote collaboration and embracing life outside of Midlake:

    “It was nice to have a reprieve, if not just a finality, and do those other things. And I think it helped inform what would or could come next.” (Eric, 22:41)

5. Band Dynamics, Independence, and Side Projects

• Buzz and Eric discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining band relationships:

  “Relationships are so key and how you travel together, how you communicate...it can sometimes just be the other 23 hours of the day.” (Eric, 24:09)

• The band’s collective bar, Paschall Bar, is a symbol of their collaborative spirit and a creative project that grew out of touring experiences:

  “We didn’t know what we were doing...I think it just seemed like possible and something we would selfishly enjoy...we were glorified interior decorators...Just jump and then hopefully the parachute will deploy.” (Eric, 25:05–26:14)

6. A Bridge Too Far: Reflections on the New Album

• Eric expresses pride in completing their sixth record and continuing despite challenges:

  “You ask yourselves collectively as friends...do we have it in us to do another album? ... I would never want to give less than what I feel is merited.” (Eric, 26:51)

• The song "Ghouls" was inspired by a management meeting about the band’s "goals," playing with the words to capture their anxieties and hopes (27:32):

  “The song was to say don't fear these things. There's a light at the end of the tunnel." (Eric, 28:36)

• Hope and Melancholy:

  “We're not a band that wants to be doom and gloom, but I understand that minor key songs can sometimes bring out the melancholy. But I think even in that sentiment, there's hope on the other side of it.” (Eric, 28:36)

7. Genre, Identity, and Musical Evolution

• Buzz and Eric discuss the challenges of genre definitions in indie/folk/Americana music (29:12–31:10):

  “Genres are tricky ... I hope there's been a commonality ... but I hope there's also elements that kind of live beyond that and evolve into something that says, oh, it's just Midlake, you know, it sounds like Midlake.” (Eric, 29:32)

• Buzz reflects:

  “I know what it is. It just sounds really good, you know.” (Buzz, 31:02)

8. The Album’s Message: Hope and Goodness

• A Bridge Too Far as a metaphor for reaching and believing in something greater:

  “I want to believe that goodness wins...there's a path...Even in that song...it's the belief and hopefully even a vessel to say, there's goodness, there is hope, and to collectively embrace that over elements that get thrown at us all the time in this world.” (Eric, 31:38)

Notable Quotes

• Eric Pulido on band chemistry:

  “It’s like riding a bike when we get together and play music...we just click right back in...” (08:11)

• On being inspired while walking:

  “It’s a great source of reflection and inspiration...if folks get moved while they’re literally moving, I think that’s a pretty cool mix.” (07:17)

• On band longevity:

  “Relationships are so key...you’re young and emotions are running high...it can sometimes just be the other 23 hours of the day.” (24:09)

• On the new album’s spirit:

  “I want to believe that goodness wins...there’s hope on the other side of it...hopefully someone else in their own walk of life can take from that, maybe their own meaning, but ultimately one that I hope is for good.” (31:38)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Who Would You Take a Walk With? – 04:06–06:44
• The Role of Walking in Creativity – 07:11–08:01
• Band Chemistry and Evolution – 08:01–09:37
• Musical Roots & Denton, TX Influence – 09:43–13:02
• Creative Process: Early Days vs. Now – 17:06–23:35
• The Paschall Bar: Band Side Project – 25:05–26:43
• Highlights of the New Album and "Ghouls" – 26:43–28:36
• Genre, Identity & Musical Integrity – 29:12–31:10
• Message of Hope & Legacy – 31:18–32:56

Memorable Closing Exchange

• Buzz: "We are grateful for Midlake and all the great music you continue to give us. And congrats on the sixth album."
• Eric: "Yeah, we got there. Lucky number six."
• Buzz: "Yeah, go get 'em. Thanks for being on Taking a Walk, Eric."
• Eric: "Thank you, Buzz. I appreciate it." (32:56–33:12)

Summary

This episode offers a heartfelt look at Midlake's journey, from their roots in Denton, Texas, through two decades of creative reinvention, lineup changes, inner doubts, and the perseverance required to make art that matters. Eric Pullido speaks candidly about the band's process, personal and collective evolution, and the enduring spirit of hope that defines their music. For fans and newcomers alike, this is a deep, authentic dive into what keeps an independent band thriving—and why their art still resonates.