The Midnight frontman Tyler Lyle sits down with Paul Cashmere for an in-depth conversation about the band’s new album Syndicate, its themes of mortality, mythology and renewal, and why it became the record they couldn’t avoid making.
Written across three intense years, Syndicate emerged from a deeply personal period for both Tyler Lyle and bandmate Tim McEwan. In this interview, Lyle discusses how the album functions as an epilogue to The Midnight’s Kids, Monsters and Heroes trilogy, exploring death, acceptance and the urgency of living while there is still time.
Lyle also explains why the album was completely reworked late in the process, how writing more than 50 songs allowed the band to finally shape the definitive narrative they wanted, and why the next Midnight record will intentionally move toward a lighter emotional space.
The conversation dives into the album’s cinematic storytelling, touching on tracks like Shadowverse and Digital Dreams, and explores the philosophical ideas behind simulation theory, transcendence and consciousness that run throughout the record.
Lyle also opens up about collaborating with artists like Bonnie McKee and Carpenter Brut, the origins of The Midnight’s Mono No Aware philosophy, and how nostalgia continues to be the core lens of the band’s work.
The interview wraps with reflections on Australia’s importance to The Midnight, how Australian audiences shape their live shows, and the expanding Midnight universe, including novels, graphic storytelling and potential future screen adaptations.
This is a thoughtful, revealing look at one of synthwave’s most ambitious and emotionally resonant projects.
For The Midnight in Australia visit Live Nation for dates and tickets.
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