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‘I wanted it to sound alive’: cult DJ Midland on his musical journey through the Aids crisis

Having launched three labels and remixed the likes of Dua Lipa and the Chemical Brothers, the musician is now exploring a dark time – and his own queer reckoning

Born in Epsom, Surrey, in 1986, Agius had grown up in the shadow of section 28, which prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” in schools and by local authorities; meanwhile, HIV and Aids had always felt close to home: his childhood nanny had died of an Aids-related illness. Agius has reached many milestones in his 14-year career – amassing an international following in the underground dance music scene; launching three record labels; taking on remixes for artists including Dua Lipa and the Chemical Brothers – but his upcoming album feels like his biggest achievement yet. Other nods to LGBTQ+ culture can be found throughout the record: Ritual samples the dreamy vocals of Arthur Russell and Agius cites synth pop pioneer Patrick Cowley as an influence on the moody instrumental Never Enough.

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