ALBUM PREMIERE: Aline & Wes Keep It Moody, Introspective and Soulful on ‘In Between the Middle’

Music provides a soundtrack to our daily lives while simultaneously helping us to transcend this mundane existence. We need its power to make it through the day. Seattle duo Aline & Wes have harnessed music’s supernatural properties to create their newest record, In Between The Middle. 

Veterans of the Emerald City scene, Aline Vida and Wes Speight pool their collective songwriting and performance abilities to make moody, introspective, and soulful music. Vida is a graduate of American Academy of Dramatic Arts in L.A., and her unique, fluttering vocal stylings add dimension and emotion to the duo’s songs. Speight is a prolific and dedicated songwriter, whose instrumental prowess is on display in every moment of music he makes. 

Today Glide is excited to offer an exclusive premiere of the band’s new album ahead of its August 11th release date. In Between The Middle sees these two powerful performers wrestling in a world that feels divided between a variety of perspectives. But underneath all of these swirling viewpoints, love still reigns supreme. And it’s love that gives these songs a sense of peace. Vida and Speight know how to write and deliver a convincing, catchy melody. On the second track, “To Fade,” the two sing harmonies atop Speight’s thick, palm-muted chords. They sing, “I feel your wave, I chase your tail / numbing the blow, I flow at will.” Aside from being a set of phrases that roll off the tongue, the lyrics show that love comes in all shapes and dimensions. One minute, it’s infatuation. The next it’s heartbreak. Musically, the band moves from mid-tempo rockers to heart-tugging ballads in the drop of a hat. “More Room To Climb” shows the band’s softer side, and highlights Vida’s vocal range. The care and attention she places on small, subtle changes to her voice makes for a dramatic and compelling listening experience. 

Now more than ever, we need records that can take us through the highs and lows of modern life. In Between The Middle is that record. It provides a space for us to feel everything, from joy to sorrow. We come away feeling a little more understood. And at the end of the day, isn’t that all any of us want? 

Listen to the album below, and keep reading for an exclusive interview with Aline & Wes…

Were there any songs that changed from the initial moment of inspiration? How did the recording process affect the songs themselves? 

In Between The Middle changed a bit because I had an idea but really needed Aline’s input and insight to know if it was hitting the mark. The songs usually start as voice memo recordings, then pre-production, and then all the instrumentation and scratch vocals. Once Aline comes in to do final vocals, we like to leave room for any other vocal, melody, or instrumental ideas. – Wes

Since Wes and I have worked together for a while, we have grown to know each other and I believe Wes considers the influence of our mutual life experiences. We also have our perceptions of each other’s life experiences. My inspiration comes from my own experiences/challenges, how I feel about human interaction throughout life, and my understanding of his inspiration. Our views of reality change, and we create a mesh of ideas and emotions. The canvas may start with one hue and then morph into another state. The recording process was like adding layers.  Recording our vocals and new lyrics gave the songs more bite. – Aline

Aline, what inspired you to move from the Big Apple all the way out to the West Coast? 

I moved from New York City to Seattle because my mother wanted me to live closer to her. She suggested that my quality of life would be higher in Seattle due to its natural beauty and slower pace. Also, I was born on the West Coast, in California. – Aline

Wes, you’ve had artists join you on stage to paint pictures of beloved cryptid Sasquatch. What inspired you to incorporate live painting with live music? 

I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Andrew Miller, Ryan Henry Ward, Dave Bloomfield and many other talented visual artists. Andrew Miller started the live painting idea, and Henry and Dave joined soon after. It’s wildly inspiring to see such talented artists paint while performing live, and I cherish those many times we shared. 

Do each of you have favorite songs from the record? 

My favorite song is “Understood”. I feel so often people assume that they understand you and have an idea of who someone is, and they often have no clue. If more people took the time to understand each other, we would be better off. – Aline

“Here, Then, and Now” is a favorite for me. For one, because it’s somewhat of a challenge to play and perform and I love the way it resolves. It also has a pretty sweet time change. – Wes

What are you planning for the record release show on 08/17/23? Or, are you keeping it top secret? 

We are planning to have an album release show with a stellar lineup at the Royal Room, a beautiful venue in Seattle, WA. Get tickets here. – Aline

We’re planning on releasing our first full-length record! – Wes