December Band Of The Month Winner: Taxes

hometown: San Francisco, Ca

categories: Indie Rock

for fans of: Jimmy Eat World, Sunny Day Real Estate, Manchester Orchestra

background check:
Here’s an exclusive interview with Robby from Taxes:

Dawson from mySpoonful (mS): Your lyrics are very personal, obviously, but sometimes they go deeper than that; sometimes they feel like a therapy session. Do you ever use songwriting as therapy? Have you ever sat down to write a song with the intention to work through something? Have you ever written a song that changed your perspective on something?

Robby from Taxes (T): Very perceptive. My therapist will be thrilled to read this. There are so many parallels between songwriting and therapy. It's also less expensive. It's like writing a letter, saying all of the things you couldn't quite say to someone directly and then never sending the letter. The songs that simply spill out and, in a sense, write themselves are fascinating because they shed a light on issues that may not have been brought up otherwise.

mS: There are sonic moments on It's Always Something that are sweeping and emotional, specifically with the string arrangements, did you have that lush sound in mind when you wrote the songs or was it something that came after the fact?

T: A lush sound? Are you suggesting that our producer was an alcoholic? Regardless, yes, we did approach this record wanting an epic sound. We aimed for hi-fi. Tristan Eckerson, our keyboardist, beautifully wrote and arranged the strings which in turn were played to perfection by Magik*Magik Orchestra. John Vanderslice at Tiny Telephone told me I simply had to use them and I couldn't be happier that I listened to him.

mS: What artists inspire you most from a songwriting perspective? From a sonic perspective?

T: It's no secret that I am obsessed with Stephen Patrick Morrissey. The Smiths' remastered albums were just released and they are gorgeous. There are countless others.

mS: Do you prefer being in the recording studio or performing live? Which one is more challenging? Which one is more rewarding?

T: Ooh, that's like being asked to choose a favorite child (if you ask my parents, it's my sister) The studio indulges the part of me that likes to tinker and nerd-out. Playing live is pugilistic and very physical. It's a catharsis of sorts every night.

mS: What type of radio station do you think Taxes' music would sound the most natural on? There are clear elements of alternative/commercial rock in your sound, however your lyrics have the type of candor and wit that are associated with artists indie artists like Death Cab for Cutie or Elliot Smith. What are the qualities do you expect, or appreciate, in a Taxes fan?

T: Well, we're still trying to write that perfect, undeniable pop song without losing our way completely. It's a fine line. I'd love a spin on Live 105, but my radio in the car is constantly set to NPR. My dream is to be interviewed by Terry Gross and I consider this a step in the right direction, so thanks for that. I've played a bunch with DCFC back in the day and I adore them. Mr. Smith is also a favorite. Again, very perceptive.

mS: If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

T: ‘I'm sorry, you're not on the list.’ OR ‘Morrissey will see you now.’