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Midnight Youth - Aidan Bartlett

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Midnight Youth recently released their second album ‘World Comes Calling’ drummer Aidan Bartlett took some time out to answer some questions from URGE… What made you choose your career path?

I started playing drums when I was about 10 but it took the coincidence of meeting Simon before I ever joined a band. After a few jams we pretty much decided we were going to make it a career choice..

 

How influential was / is the support of your friends and family?

Extremely supportive – mum and dad never seemed to mind me hitting drums as hard as I could.. more supportive than the neighbours. Now that I don’t have a drum kit at my parents they’re always telling me how much they miss it!

 

What are some of the struggles you have faced getting to where you are today? How did you overcome them?

You have to accept that the music industry is fickle and that you have to enjoy your success as much as  you can. You also have to accept that everyone will think you’re rich when you can barely afford baked beans.

 

Do you have any advice for young people wanting to get into your line of work?

Be prepared for many ups and downs, and never underestimate the power of a great manager.

 

What has been your career highlight so far?

Playing Big Day Out has been a goal for us since we started, and to play the Main Stage on our debut of BDO was insane.

 

What are you currently working on?

We just released out second album called ‘World Comes Calling’, so right now we’re getting ready for our summer tour.

 

If you go out socializing , what are some of the things you do to make sure you and your mates stay safe?

Be with mates and know when to chill.

 

What impact do you think drinking underage and/or taking drugs has on youth?

NZ has quite a drinking culture so a lot of people do drink before 18. If it’s by choice it’s by choice, but peer pressure shouldn’t be a factor – and that goes for anything else.

 

Growing up what lessons did you take on board about drinking and drug use?

Our school used to do classes about all that stuff, so I’m sure it helped educate everyone.

 

Note from Urge: Education is an ongoing process, for more information on Alcohol and Drug issues, link to: http://www.urge.co.nz/drugs-and-alcohol/alcohol.html