Midland Gets Soulful in Acoustic Rendition of ‘Check Cashin’ Country’

“The song's just a peep into what it's like being any kind of band, really, but in particular a honkytonk kind of country rock-and-roll band, as we are,” Mark Wystrach of the trio explained to Sounds Like Nashville recently.

Written by Kelly Brickey
Midland Gets Soulful in Acoustic Rendition of ‘Check Cashin’ Country’
Midland; Photo by Harper Smith

It ain’t about the money for the guys of Midland, and they make their music motive clear in the acoustic rendition of their track, “Check Cashin’ Country.”

Grabbing a couple guitars for a pit stop on what they called a National Lampoon-style car ride through multiple states and over dangerous cliffs, the guys busted out their harmonizing vocal chops to show fans that a little road fatigue doesn’t stop the talent from overflowing in this exclusive video premiere of “Check Cashin’ Country.” The song itself embodies the trio’s spirit throughout their time together and that connection seems to be ever-present throughout their smooth and laidback style in the clip.

“The song’s just a peep into what it’s like being any kind of band, really, but in particular a honkytonk kind of country rock-and-roll band, as we are,” Mark Wystrach explained to Sounds Like Nashville recently. “It’s not easy when you go all chips in. Number one, it’s a business. You’ve got to find a way to be able to pay for your drummer and your lead guitarist and…get the gas and a motel and you’re booking your own shows, you’re recording it. You’re doing everything. We’re not making any money. It’s tough. It’s a really tough burn and you’re hauling your own gear. You’re getting in fights at some of these honkytonks. You’re breaking up fights. It’s crazy. It’s been a really wild ride, man. Touring in Cameron’s F-250, which was breaking down half the time. You got all your gear in the back because we couldn’t afford to rent a U-Haul for this five, six day run where you’re playing five shows in five days.”

After spending days on end all cramped up on their Million Dollar Highway roadtrip with family members included, they settled briefly along their route for an impromptu acoustic performance of the track. Showing that life on the road isn’t as glamorous as it seems, the guys emphasize that it’s all about the music at the end of the day.

“It’s chips in. You know? All your chips. There’s no way to do it halfway. I had to quit doing what I was doing. Everyone quit all their shit and this is it, all the chips in. If it fails, then we could say that we tried. You know what I mean,” explains Cameron Duddy, who also directed the video. “Look, can we have harder jobs? Absolutely. Can we have worse jobs, thankless jobs? Absolutely. It is an energy suck, it is, but Mark’s point is it really has become one of those situations where there is no halfway doing it. When we go all the way, there are a lot of sacrifices that you make. You know what I mean? It takes its toll. ‘Check Cashin’ Country’ is just a glimpse of a band on the road.”

Check out this exclusive acoustic performance of Midland’s “Cash Checkin’ Country,” and be sure to pick up a copy of the trio’s EP, available on iTunes now.