Backyard Bands Series: Mike & the Moonpies
For a band that thrives on playing an impressive 250 shows a year, there’s an irreplaceable feeling in returning to the place you call home. Mike and the Moonpies, a renowned country band, have captured the essence of that sentiment in their eighth studio album, “One To Grow On.” This musical masterpiece is a heartfelt homecoming, bringing the band back to its roots as a genuine working man’s country ensemble.
Led by frontman Mike Harmeier, the album is a tapestry woven with Telecaster twang, honky tonk harmonies, and lyrics that resonate with the struggles of the everyday person trying to remain optimistic in a demanding 9-to-5 world. It’s the kind of organic music that fills dance halls with life and energizes car stereos, serving as a soundtrack for navigating the mid-week blues while infusing them with a burst of weekend energy.
Harmeier’s inspiration for the album sprang from a desire to create something that could be cranked up on a Friday afternoon in your truck, just as quitting time approaches. To achieve this, he developed a central character and narrative – a hardworking individual striving to make ends meet, living in the present moment, and seeking a sense of balance amidst life’s challenges. This character reflects the Everyman’s journey, and Harmeier found himself drawing parallels between this persona and his own life.
Over a decade, Harmeier and his dedicated bandmates, including pedal steel player Zach Moulton, guitarist Catlin Rutherford, bassist Omar Oyoque, and new drummer Taylor Englert, have carried the banner of Texas music far beyond their Austin origins. They’ve become global ambassadors for an authentic blue-collar country sound, striking a remarkable equilibrium between timeless influences and contemporary flair. Their journey has seen them explore various musical territories, from the breakout success of “Steak Night at the Prairie Rose” in 2018 to the orchestral vibes of “Cheap Silver & Solid Country Gold” recorded at Abbey Road Studios and the honky-tonk homage of “Touch of You: The Lost Songs of Gary Stewart.”
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted the Moonpies’ relentless touring schedule, prompting Harmeier to revisit the very core of their musical identity. This journey of rediscovery led him back to his own sound, inspired by his personal experiences and the stories of those around him. As Harmeier delved into memories of his father’s old square-bodied Chevy pickup, he found himself reflecting on his family’s history, the lives of his friends, and the dedication of countless individuals working tirelessly in non-musical professions. These reflections culminated in the creation of a true working man’s story, a narrative that would form the heart of “One To Grow On.”
Harmeier retreated to his backyard studio, channeling his free time into crafting and refining the album’s tracks. Ideas flowed back and forth between him, his producer Adam Odor, and the bandmates, who contributed their creativity from their own home studios. The resulting sound merges the best of 70s southern rock with 90s country, boasting twin guitar harmonies and earthy storytelling that pays homage to the band’s roots.
The months of isolation during the pandemic allowed the Moonpies to engage in a level of collaborative refinement previously unattainable. The album’s character and narrative were carefully cultivated, with each band member delving into the protagonist’s psyche and emotions, contributing to the rich instrumental tapestry that encapsulates the album’s essence.
Co-produced by Mike Harmeier and Adam Odor, “One To Grow On” was recorded at Yellow Dog Studios in Wimberley, Texas. The album’s opening track, “Paycheck to Paycheck,” sets the tone with its anthemic portrayal of hardworking lives. The album’s journey takes listeners through a range of emotions and soundscapes, from the wild west ambiance of “Whose Side Are You On” to the irresistibly groovy “The Vein.” The participation of renowned artist Shooter Jennings on songs like “Social Drinkers” and the return of former Moonpie John Carbone on keyboards contributes to the album’s depth and texture.
“One To Grow On” culminates with “Burn Out,” a poignant autobiographical country-rock ballad that shifts focus from the album’s central character to the narrator himself. Through this exploration of identity and relatable experiences, Harmeier encapsulates a universal essence that resonates with listeners from all walks of life.
In the words of Harmeier, “I knew I was writing a character-driven record, but I wasn’t sure who he was until we finished. He’s a bit of me, a bit of my father, and a bit of my friends. He’s the Everyman. He’s everyone I know, and everyone I don’t know.”
Mike and the Moonpies have crafted more than just an album; they’ve painted a vivid portrait of human experiences, trials, and triumphs. “One To Grow On” stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to connect people across boundaries, echoing the sentiments of the Everyman while providing a sonic haven for listeners seeking authenticity and emotional resonance.
