Midland emerged as a distinctive force in modern country music, a trio celebrated for reviving the smooth, polished sound of 1970s and 1980s countrypolitan and outlaw country. Formed in 2016 in Dripping Springs, Texas, the band consists of lead vocalist and bassist Mark Wystrach, lead guitarist and vocalist Jess Carson, and rhythm guitarist and vocalist Cameron Duddy. Their meticulous attention to retro style, both musically and sartorially, quickly set them apart in the contemporary Nashville landscape.

The group's breakthrough arrived swiftly with their debut single, "Drinkin' Problem," released in early 2017. The song, with its clever wordplay and lush, pedal-steel drenched arrangement, became an immediate critical and commercial success. It earned the trio their first Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Song and ascended to the Top 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. This success paved the way for their debut album, On the Rocks, which was released in September 2017 on Big Machine Records. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was certified Gold, solidifying their arrival with a cohesive collection of songs that felt both nostalgic and fresh.

Building on this momentum, Midland continued to cultivate their signature sound. Their sophomore album, Let It Roll, arrived in 2019, featuring the hit title track and "Mr. Lonely." They further demonstrated their songwriting prowess and reverence for country tradition with the 2020 EP The Last Resort, a concept project that showcased their harmonies and storytelling. Their third studio album, The Last Resort: Greetings From, followed in 2022, expanding on the themes of the EP. Throughout their career, they have been recognized with multiple Academy of Country Music Awards, including New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year in 2018.

Beyond their recordings, Midland developed a reputation as a dynamic and engaging live act, touring extensively and performing on major television shows. Their music videos, often directed by Cameron Duddy, became notable for their cinematic quality and narrative depth. The trio maintained a consistent creative vision, collaborating with producers and songwriters like Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Dan Huff to refine their throwback aesthetic. As a group that formed in 2016, Midland carved out a unique and enduring space in country music by looking unapologetically to the past to create their present-day success.