Midnight Channel Hit the Right Notes on “Alien Love Song” [Premiere]

A free-flowing and passionate creative environment, like the one encouraged by Midnight Channel, most often leads to the finest results. If there were any words to describe their new song “Alien Love Song,” top of mind would be “loose,” “passionate,” and maybe even “animated.” This is the latest single from the modern jazz collective and most significant release since their 2023 debut album Gemini Sunrise.

The Lethbridge, Alberta, collective left a significant impression with the release of that record. Self-made, self-recorded, and self-produced, Gemini Sunrise moulded a vivid and liberating sonic landscape. It was a perfect introduction to the type of act that Midnight Channel strives to be. The songs are well-composed and demonstrate a clear appreciation for different musical approaches. They combine more modern jazz grooves while paying respect to the standards of yesteryear that established the genre. For a debut record, it is a very thorough, mature, and comprehensive effort from musicians still finding their place.

Discussing their new single and its development, bassist and primary composer Matthew Erdmann states:

“‘Alien Love Song’ began as a moody, waltzy tribute to (jazz composer) Sun Ra, back when we leaned heavily on jazz standards and conventional forms. Originally intended for our 2023 debut, it never quite clicked. We tried tempo shifts à la (John Coltrane’s 1958 album) Blue Train, added harmonies and lyrics, even toyed with the confusing 7-bar A-section, but it still didn’t feel complete.

“Eventually, we stripped it back—ditched the chord changes in solos and locked into a raw, hypnotic E minor 7 groove. That’s when it finally came alive. The song grew faster, weirder, and more physical, pushing us to our technical limits. One local jazz vet said it ‘sounded like Zappa,’ while our engineer joked, ‘like getting beat up by The Mothers of Invention.’ When our friends started moshing to it at a house show (that got shut down by the cops), we knew we’d found the right kind of chaos.”

What helps ensure the creative sharpness of Midnight Channel is that nothing really is off limits. The group is predominantly led by Erdmann, along with saxophonist Brandon deGorter, and keyboardist Chris Bernhardt. But songwriting is encouraged for all members and contributors. They operate as a dynamic, collective entity where membership is flexible, with some members flowing in and out even between performances. It fosters a valuable collective approach and maintains a dynamic, creative spirit.

They are less a band and more of a collective entity. Their modern approach and appreciation for the classics make for a fresh and original listening experience. With every member having the freedom to improvise and a collective love for performance, the ingredients are always there to make Midnight Channel a brilliant and enriching musical experience.

Midnight Channel “Alien Love Song” single artwork