Fort Wayne is definitely not running short on musical talent, which pretty much covers every genre, style, vibe, and mood you’re looking for. Every day of the week you’re going to find some local folks on local stages giving it their all and sharing their art and creative output with anyone willing to pay a cover charge … or sometimes no cover at all. 

One such local music project is Midwest Goodbye. The indie pop/rock project is the solo project of a fella named Jake Brauner. Music is a huge part of his life, so he’s decided to share his songwriting prowess with the world, starting right here in The Fort. 

The 10-song self-titled debut is a collection of modern pop and rock tunes with a studio sheen and a heartfelt disposition. It’s a debut you will definitely hit up for repeat plays. 

The album opens with the reflective and contemplative “Lite Brite.” The aforementioned children’s toy is a point of reflection, nostalgia, and melancholy as the vocals are delivered in a rhythmic spoken word flow over soulful keys. The song explodes in melodious vocals in a dramatic finish. “Let the Music Play” flows along on acoustic strums and precise, tight vocals. Midwest Goodbye once again builds the track to an anthemic crescendo, bringing to mind classic emo from the early 2000s. “A Sitcom Without You Is Just a Drama” lays out heartbreak and disappointment with the help of some classic ’90s TV shows. 

All of these songs seem to be looking back and reflecting. From “A Capella” to “Hemorrh-agig” to “TV Dinners” to album closer “Re(Me)mber,” Brauner takes Midwest Goodbye on a tour of his past. It’s like going through a tattered photo album and coming across memories both good and bad. 

Midwest Goodbye will hit hard for kids of the ’90s, bringing pop culture references in to paint a very specific childhood experience. With this one, Midwest Goodbye paints in vivid, visceral colors.