3 minute read
MOON TAXI
Set Yourself Free
By Kathy Fox
If you are not familiar with the alt-rock band Moon Taxi, their polished classic sound is sure to win you over. The five-member band touting vocalist/guitarist Trevor Terndrup, lead guitarist Spencer Thomson, bassist Tommy Putnam, keyboardist Wes Bailey, and drummer Tyler Ritter have been together since their college days in the early 2000s pushing the boundaries of their genre.
The dream to pursue music drew each of them to Nashville, and the shared passion for playing and crafting new music is what united the band. During their time at Belmont University, academic commitments restricted them from going on tours and creating albums, but they managed to showcase their talent at parties and in garages, honing their unique style. After graduation, the band embarked on a journey, hitting the road to share their music.
Fast forward to June 2023, Moon Taxi unveiled its sixth full-length album, Set Yourself Free, featuring a diverse array of tracks spanning rock, synth, pop, and bluegrass. “During the pandemic, we got used to FaceTime songwriting. For better or worse, it’s been a great way for everyone to collaborate remotely.
The lyrics for the title track, "Set Yourself Free," were even written on a 5-way call. And the song shows that collaborative color throughout. The idea of falling back on someone you truly trust is so important nowadays. But truly it’s how we’ve tried to operate as a band for all these years,” Terndrup remarked.
This latest album exemplifies what 15 years as a band can achieve — a refined, timeless sound marked by a fearless spirit of exploration. Moon Taxi returned to their musical roots to craft an album predominantly written, recorded, and released under their label, 12th South Records. Reflecting on the band's creative process, Bailey stated, “It was really rewarding for each of us. The last record had quite a few co-writes whereas this record did not. We challenged ourselves to write most of the material on our own and that’s really something to hang your hat on these days when you typically hire an outside writer or producer.”
Currently, the band is touring supporting their latest album, and had the opportunity to headline at the Harpeth Conservancy’s 20th River Swing Celebration in Franklin and rocked the night away as guests danced. Terndrup said, “I definitely support their cause and have done work in the Cumberland myself cleaning it up. I like to contribute how I can and I think musically is the best way I can contribute, but I'm not opposed to getting in the mud.”
During the new year, the band will continue to tour and is also working on writing new material. “That drive to create to write original music and to go out and perform that is really what's kept us together,” Terndrup said. “Our songwriting has gotten better and better over the years and the shows have been exciting and fulfilling.”
Catch Moon Taxi at the Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, a cool bowling alley rock club, on February 17, 2024. For tickets and tour information visit ridethemoontaxi.com and follow them on social media at @moon_taxi.
