Midnight Channel unleashes their boldest, most emotionally raw track yet with “Celebration,” an overwhelming, unrelenting jazz composition that captures the chaos, beauty, and relief of simply surviving. Propelled by frenzied percussion, free-form improvisation, and a deep spiritual core, the song is both abrasive and serene – a noisy yet peaceful meditation on being alive.
“‘Celebration’ is celebrating that you’re still here. There’s nothing more important than that,” shares bassist Matthew Erdmann. “It’s about overcoming dark times/suicidal thoughts and accepting yourself. It’s about celebrating missed opportunities, as well as the ones you’re risking everything to take. It’s also about celebrating the end of another album, which always leaves me feeling empty but at peace.”
Written as both a personal anthem and a collective ritual, “Celebration” draws inspiration from church hymns, Pharoah Sanders, Cecil Taylor, and Zach Hill – a spiritual jazz piece meant to feel emotionally overwhelming at first, but comforting the more you sit inside it. The drums are chaotic but compressed, letting the melody float above like a breath of air. “If you separate the drums and melody,” Erdmann notes, “you’d have two completely different songs.”
At its heart, the track celebrates being in the present moment.
“This single is for the freaks,” Erdmann adds. “We chose it because it hits people over the head right away – that this is what we’re doing, and we’re not sorry for it.”
Listen to “Celebration” HERE. Watch the official “Celebration” video HERE.
Not everyone is going to understand this song, and some fans already hate it, but those who do get it I think will find it very special. – Matthew Erdmann (Bassist)
Midnight Channel blends the boundary-pushing spirit of 1960s cosmic free jazz with the vibrant energy of the modern jazz revival. Infused with elements of post-bop, Japanese fusion, and neo-soul grooves, Midnight Channel brings a sound that’s rooted in tradition yet refreshingly modern – perfect for longtime jazz heads and new listeners alike.
Following their 2023 debut album Gemini Sunrise – which hit #10 on the National Earshot! Jazz Charts – Midnight Channel continues to challenge and expand the limits of what a jazz collective can be. The Lethbridge-based ensemble’s rotating lineup ensures no two shows are alike, fostering an ever-shifting ecosystem of improvisation and collective expression.
MIDNIGHT CHANNEL FALL TOUR DATES:
Sept 5–7 – Regina, SK
Swamp Fest
Sept 12 – Lethbridge, AB
Initial Album Release Show
The Owl w/ Rinthy
Start: 9:00 PM
Sept 13 – Calgary, AB
CJSW Live Performance
Set time: 3:00 PM
Sept 13 – Calgary, AB
King Eddy w/ Joel Jeschke & Nate Waters
Highlight show at the prestigious King Eddy alongside Joel Jeschke — a drummer and composer celebrated for his debut album Time & Place.
Also featuring a notable Calgary saxophone quartet with Nate Waters.
Tickets: $15 advance / $25 door
Start: 8:00 PM
Sept 19 – Edmonton, AB
The Aviary w/ Joel Jeschke & Social Eyes
Tickets: $15 advance / $25 door
Doors: 7:30 PM | Music: 8:15 PM
Sept 20 – Canmore, AB
Tavern 1883
Free show | 9:00 PM–12:00 AM
Oct 17 – Regina, SK
O’Hanlon’s w/ Koyot & Burrow
Free show | Start: 10:00 PM
Oct 18 – Saskatoon, SK
Amigos Cantina w/ Funkjoint & Moon Runners
Tickets: $15 advance / $20 door
Doors: 8:00 PM | Show: 10:00 PM
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