Black Midi is a band that’s hard to categorize. Their avant-garde rock style is a complex mix of math rock breakdowns with elements of post-punk and jazz, making their records a head-spinning experience. Given their unique, experimental sound, one might think they draw influence from equally unconventional acts. However, frontman Geordie Greep recently revealed that AC/DC has had a significant impact on the band’s music.
In an interview with Total Guitar, Greep acknowledged, “You might read this, listen to my band and think I’m talking gibberish, but there is definitely an influence!” He understands that the AC/DC influence isn’t immediately obvious in Black Midi’s music, but insists it’s there. “One thing that’s very prevalent in some of the best music is people taking influence from other things and imitating it in their own way,” he explains.
Greep reflects on how artists are often inspired by their predecessors, transforming these influences into something entirely new. He notes that the original inspiration isn’t always apparent. “If you played AC/DC to a hardcore Chuck Berry fan back in the day, they wouldn’t have liked it, mistaking it for noise,” he says. “Sure, Angus is trying to play like Chuck Berry and old blues guitarists like that, but he doesn’t sound like them. It became his own thing.”
He draws a parallel with Hendrix, stating, “He was playing his own version of the blues. But it didn’t come across like that at all, it sounded like something new.”
Many artists have taken their inspirations and created something unique. Taylor Swift, for instance, cites Paul McCartney as her biggest influence. DJ Zedd, known for his EDM hits, draws inspiration from various genres, expressing his admiration for classical music and death metal alike.
