Midnight South Are in a “Natural State of Mind” on Their New Single [Premiere]

In times of great upheaval and uncertainty, nature stands out as one of our biggest allies. As a band, it’s a natural feature of Midnight South and represents a lot of what they stand for. They pay tribute to the great outdoors again with their new single “Natural State of Mind” (Rock Ridge Music). The title is fairly self-explanatory: a song inspired by the wonderful surroundings of a group born and bred in Arkansas.

That upbringing is part of what fuels them as people and as a musical act. They wouldn’t be who they are and where they are if it weren’t for growing up singing gospel in church and then coming home and listening all day to ’80s and ’90s country bands. It’s a life they truly cherish, and it stands as one of their most significant creative inspirations.

Discussing the new song, singer and guitarist J.L. Jones states:

“‘Natural State of Mind’ is a song that came about years ago when I worked in a little office with no windows. I knew it was sunny and 75 degrees outside, but I couldn’t go out to enjoy it. I was feeling trapped, both in the moment and by the grind of a 9-to-5 job. And I wrote most of the lyrics down on a legal pad at my desk, and I skipped work the next day to go to the Buffalo River, where I finished the song. It’s both a love letter to Arkansas’ natural places and a call to not take life so seriously all the time.”

Midnight South had a monumental first few years. It features highlights such as being named “Vocal Group of the Year” by the Arkansas Country Music Awards Association and supporting Sister Hazel on tour. Lately, the band has continued to write, record, tour, and connect with a growing fanbase. They have been focused on recording, with a number of single releases in 2024 and 2025, followed by “First Tattoo” and “Curves on a Square Body” earlier this year. The band has continued to tour the South and the Midwest, defining themselves as one of the area’s best modern acts. Midnight South is that unique act that seamlessly bridges vintage, classic musical culture with the tendencies of today. With more new songs to come this year, they are proud of where they came from and excited for where they’re headed.

Midnight South “Natural State of Mind” single artwork