Mild Orange on Tour

Words by Hannah Powell. Images by Kenzie Pigman.

Clear your calendars and mark your diaries. Mild Orange is readying a return to New Zealand as part of their ‘Looking For Space’ world tour. Yo Vocal caught up with lead singer Josh Mehrtens on what fans can expect – the whole band is excited for a visit home.

“We’re tighter than ever, sonically,” Josh says from London. Sitting in the living room of his flat that he shares with the rest of MO, it’s 11pm. Here in New Zealand, the sun has risen.

“One of the aspects of looking for space was that we found space for each other. Right now, especially living in the flat, we’re so full sounding together,” Josh says. “I’d expect it’s gonna get pretty dancy…we’re kind of leaning that way these days [for live performances].”

Think big energy, he says. Euphoric.

Still on the international leg of the tour, Mild Orange has been playing shows in the States, Mexico, and around the UK. Soon, they fly to Spain, Canada, the US, and Australia, before touching down in Aotearoa. Having already sold out a few shows in Canada and Europe, the future is looking good.

A particular show in New York was a highlight – Josh tells me he was handed a bouquet of flowers on stage. Real rockstar shit, I said. “[It’s] pretty special when you’re getting handed flowers on stage and people are so thankful. Then [the audience] singing the first song and everyone singing all of it,” he says. “This guy from the back yelling, ‘I’ve waited five fucking years for this moment’. It’s just so awesome.”

For the local leg, Josh (vocals and guitar), Tom (bass), Josh (guitar), and Jack (drums) will be playing Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland between 21 – 28 October. “I’m fucking so excited,” Josh laughs. “It’s gonna be awesome…really excited to play and enjoy it again.”

When I ask him what he misses most about New Zealand, he says how calm, relaxing, and friendly it is. And even though the band will be based overseas for the next few years, Josh says they will make their home visits frequent – “because we love it there.” Now a small fish in an ocean, they’re looking forward to working hard and making a name for themselves there. With a “phenomenal” reception to the shows already done, I doubt it will be too hard to make an impression.

“With touring, it’s always about meeting people and seeing how people interact with our music and how it affects them. You know, that bounce-back between you and the audience… I just love that energy,” he says. Make sure you find the band after the show – Josh says they always like to hang out for a bit and chat.

But before then, buy your tickets, stream their music, and purchase some merch. Let the anticipation build. Somebody buy the band a bouquet of flowers – let’s give MO the homecoming they deserve.