It was during the spring of my freshman year at the University of Georgia that I had my first encounter with the intoxicating melodies of Moon Taxi. With March's shifting climate and spring parties just around the corner, I’d heard of the band on a whim and decided to tune in out of sheer curiosity.
It should comes as no surprise that it only took one or two songs until I too was hooked. To me, spring time in the south is defined by their airy indie jams. Moon Taxi soon decorated my Spotify playlists, providing an almost religious backdrop to hours spent studying and writing in the SLC. Growing in fame, the band’s release of Cabaret in February took a minor Athenian obsession to an entirely new scale. Mesmerized by hits such as Mercury and Whiskey Sunset, Moon Taxi soon became…dare I say, “All the Rage".
In retrospect, it is only as a Senior that I realize that I have observed what should be called 'The Moon Taxi Effect', as this band's following has grown astronomically over the past four years. Amassing a diverse and devoted audience, Moon Taxi is killing the fame game...hell they were even featured on David Letterman and Conan O'Brien.
Expanding from an initial collegiate fan base, Moon Taxi’s fame has only grown as Athens prepares yet again to overflow the Georgia Theatre on 2/12 and again on 2/13. Prior to their Georgia Theater show, Tommy Putnam, the band's bass and vocals, was gracious enough to answer a couple of The Odyssey's questions on behalf of the band. Although our conversation was short, is seems as though Moon Taxi has the world at their feet. Revealing a more laid back aspect of their rock star identities, it's no wonder people are obsessed with them because on top of everything else, they're hilarious. If I learned anything from our minor exchange, it's that Moon Taxi adores their fan base.
Whether you are jamming out in the audience or upstairs on a balcony just bobbing along, keep in mind Moon Taxi's performance is already dedicated to their first and only true loves... Athen's beautiful 'chicks'.
1. Do you guys remember your first performance in Athens? Did you have any lasting impressions about the town and students?
"Our first show was at Caledonia lounge. Our drummer Tyler got thrown out for peeing in the yard out back and trying to fight the bouncer for calling him "Hippie." There were no chicks there."
2. What’s your favorite thing about playing at the Georgia Theatre?
"The chicks"
3. Does Athens stand out as a town to you guys? What sets us apart? What makes you keep coming back to perform? If you could guess, how many times have you guys actually performed here?
"The chicks stand out, it's why we keep coming back. I think we've played Athens 1000 times by now. We keep getting older and they just stay the same age"
4. How do you feel about the South vs. North. Are there any differences in your fan bases?
"The chicks"
5. Have you had any interactions with fraternity guys… thoughts?
"What's a fraternity?"
6. What are you all looking forward to the most while Athens? Is there anything special you plan to do while you are here?
"The chicks. The chicks"
7. How would you guys describe your own music? What’s your favorite song to perform? Do you fit a certain genre?
"We'll be whatever the chicks want us to be... Baby"
8. Some girls on Milledge have been asking… do they have a chance? Are any of you band members looking to date a sorority girl and what’s your go-to pick up line?
"Not looking to date anyone, just get married and promptly divorced. My go to line is "Let's get married."
9. The University of Georgia has a very vibrant Greek life, were any of you in fraternities in college? If not, what were your extra curriculars like?
"???? We played a lot of music ????"
10. Biggest band accomplishment, what are things looking like for the future?
"My Instagram account. Loaded with babes. Hopefully more insta-followers"
Needless to say, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Moon Taxi brings as much humor to the stage as they did in our little conversation. From one chick, to the entire female population of Athens, I'd have to agree with Moon Taxi, our chick are outstanding. The countdown has begun and those curtains can't rise soon enough. As far as tickets go, if you haven't already bought one...it pains me to inform you that you just might be out of luck. The fact of the matter is that Moon Taxi is a pretty hot ticket in Athens. If you're a die-hard fan, then I trust that you've already bought one. However if you haven't bought tickets and still want to attempt to get into the concert, I encourage you to check out The Georgia Theatre's website.
