Midnite Gossip’s “Tightrope” steps onto the scene
“Tightrope” is the latest release from Calgary-based cinematic alt-pop duo, Midnite Gossip. The track debuted on November 8, 2024 and has been picking up steam on music platforms and radio airwaves.
“Tightrope” explores the uncomfortable, emotional journeys we face when navigating challenging situations in life. The song delivers introspective lyrics (Nicky Markin) and celestial soundscapes (Mickey Valenz) which listeners have come to associate with Midnite Gossip. The track opens with the twinkling sounds of a jewellery box, before taking listeners on a texture-rich ride with hazy vocals layered over snappy chimes and backbeats, sonorous guitar riffs and rich keys.
When I first listened to the song, I was transported back to a circus show I attended years ago. I remember looking up as a tightrope walker stepped onto a thin wire above me. She began to make her way across, one foot in front of the other. As she reached the centre point, she suddenly began to wobble, and fear flashed over her face. The crowd gasped. I watched, my heart in my throat.
It’s like I’m walking on a tightrope, tightrope
I can’t go left I can’t go right
At its midpoint, the song downshifts, taking on complex, edgy tones as the track’s protagonist confronts a difficult situation head-on - in this case, a broken relationship. We've all been here before - holding on to a past that no longer serves us.
But this is what I wanted, wanted
So why is it so hard to leave?
We found it hard to agree
We didn’t have the right chemistry
Each of us teeters precariously along metaphorical tightropes at times throughout our lives. Navigating challenging situations or decisions can shake our foundations, but we have to regain our strength and move forward. Nicky says, “For me, walking on a tightrope symbolizes those moments when every step feels uncertain, but you know you have to keep going.” It’s only when we come to terms with our circumstances and choose to be open to what lies ahead that we are able to find the courage to push through our darkest times.
I need to balance my weight and wait and
Keep moving forward and brace for flight
After what seemed like an eternity, the tightrope walker took a step forward and continued on with her routine. Once she reached the platform, she turned around and began to jump, cartwheel and backflip across the wire. Then, someone handed her a unicycle, and she cycled back and forth along the wire before completing a handstand on it. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause. She beamed. Moments before she had nearly fallen. But she had pushed through, defied gravity and reached new heights!
Brace for flight
I braced for flight
I braced for flight
I braced for flight
These lyrics echo as the track swells with bright, soaring notes, propelling us to take that courageous next step forward and embrace the unknown. “Tightrope” reminds us that there is hope and opportunity on the other side.
In true Midnite Gossip fashion, the duo has also released an instrumental version of the song. Give both tracks a listen! [Link to preferred site].
Mickey and Nicky are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their debut 6-song EP. Their tracks “Streetlights” and “Tightrope” give us an exciting sneak peek at what we can expect from the new album which is scheduled to land in 2025.
In the meantime, be sure to check them out live at Wintersong Festival on January 25, 2025! For more information and tickets, visit https://wintersong.ca/.
This review of 'Tightrope' was written by Morgan Johnson, a talented writer and music enthusiast.
