From Nashville to Asheville, American indie-rock band, Moon Taxi has started their fall tour with a bang. Formed in 2006 by Trevor Terndrup on vocals and guitar, Tommy Putnam on bass, Spencer Thomson on guitar, Tyler Ritter on drums, and Wes Bailey on the keys, the band has rocked several music festivals and multiple venues since then. Their hit songs include “Morocco," “All Day All Night” and “Make Your Mind Up." In an email interview with guitarist Spencer Thomson, he discusses wanting to collaborate with Kanye West and what success means to the band.
The Daily Gamecock: What is a defining quality of Moon Taxi?
Moon Taxi: Our creativity. Whether on stage or in the studio we are always trying to come up with new ways to express ourselves.
DG: How does the songwriting process work?
MT: Every now and then someone brings a song to the table in a fairly complete form and it feels right for the band. More often it starts with a musical motif or lyrical idea someone has and it evolves as we work on it and get an understanding of where we want to take it. In the beginning, an idea can go in a million different directions and sometimes the hardest part is figuring out which road to go down.
DG: What is your favorite song you have written?
MT: I’m not sure I have a “favorite” but there is a song on new album called “Run Right Back” that we’re really proud of and is probably the most personal song the band has ever written. It speaks to what its like being on the road and away from loved ones.
DG: What does being successful in the music industry mean to you?
MT: Being able to make a decent living making music that you are proud of. If you can do that, I would call that success.
DG: Who are your influences? Is there anyone you wish to collaborate with?
MT: I’m constantly being influenced by new music. I think there are a lot of vibrant artists out there right now. I would love to collaborate with Kevin Parker or Kanye West.
DG: What are your goals?
MT: To continue to grow the band both creatively and in popularity.
DG: What can we expect from Moon Taxi in the future?
MT: Obviously we can’t wait to get out and explore this album on stage. I feel like once we have some perspective and distance on this album, we will really start thinking about what the next one might sound like and in what direction it might take us. But I feel like after this album, we are at the point of having a discography that might be ready for something really bold.
DG: What's the craziest thing a fan has ever done at one of your performances?
MT: We have the best fans in the world, we really feel that way. I don’t know if I would call this crazy but we love when fans bring artwork or items they have created that are inspired by our songs. So if anyone in Columbia has anything they want to bring to the show…
DG: Where is your favorite venue to perform?
MT: Georgia Theatre in Athens, Georgia and Bowery Ballroom in New York City. Although we haven’t played The Music Farm yet so that could change by next week.
DG: What do you want people to think of when they hear Moon Taxi?
MT: We want them to think they can conquer the world. To feel empowered.