Photo: Riley Johnson
After first emerging during the lockdowns of 2020, Nashville-based outfit Taxiway introduced themselves to the world with their shimmering debut album 'Absence' in November last year, showcased by the soaring new single 'Prime Meridian'.
Channelling a wonderfully warm and easygoing indie-rock aesthetic from start to finish, 'Prime Meridian' makes for a beautifully captivating listen. Filled with heartfelt tones, soaring hooks, and vibrant vocals layered throughout, these guys look set for big things in the years ahead.
So with the new single and album out now, we sat down with Mike Aurand from the group to find out more about his origins and influences over the years.
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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
My mom had Garth Brooks’ entire discography. I grew up knowing most of his songs by heart. There’s probably a parallel universe where I’m a country singer. A lot of people I talk to outside of Nashville think I am a country singer. It’s probably the accent.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
I formed a band called The Early Birds with my friend Andy as a teenager. We were around from 2008 – 2012. That band laid a pretty strong foundation for the direction my music would take. A lot of Taxiway songs are partial rewrites of Early Birds songs.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
I like challenging myself to write personal songs about big subjects. Classism, privilege, anxiety, imposter syndrome, etc. I may also just like the sound of my own voice.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Depeche Mode’s ‘Enjoy the Silence’ springs to mind. All of ‘Violator’ is great, but that song stands out as a masterpiece to me. Martin Gore is an underappreciated songwriter. I could listen to the outro of that song on repeat for hours.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
I played at the Walker Theater in Chattanooga with my other band Blind Tigers one time. I loved that venue. We played some weird radio rock battle of the bands thing. Taxiway would never fit in with that genre but the venue itself was awesome.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
I saw Khruangbin recently and their show blew me away. I’m hoping they’ll let me play tambourine with them sometime.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
I like a lot of weird electronic music. I’d love to blend Taxiway’s sound with someone like Four Tet, Bonobo, Jon Hopkins, etc.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Well five years ago I was in a different band with different people making very different music. So who knows? I’ll check in with you in 2027 and report back.
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Taxiway's new single 'Prime Meridian' is available to stream now. Check it out below.
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