New Video and Big News!
Chicago Punk Rock & Roll Band Walks Away from Disinclined Major Record Label
Dear friends, fans, peers, industry folks, and Roy Orbison:
Double high-fives in the air to all from AM Taxi. We’re thrilled to announce some really exciting news: we left our record label! We no longer “work” with Virgin/EMI. Things weren’t going the way we wanted, which is to say by the end, things weren’t going anywhere at all. We got sick of waiting, so we split. Adios. Adieu. Sayonara. We want to be more in touch with the people that are buying our records, and we want to be able to give away free music & videos.
Big changes went down at Virgin/EMI; people got fired, hired, replaced, and relocated. This caused things at the label to come to a stand still just as we started gaining some real momentum. After extensive touring and the release of our debut record, everything really began to come together. We wanted to keep working, but we couldn’t get a straight answer from anyone at the label. It quickly became obvious that they were too afraid of losing their job to make a move and support us. We also knew there were some people over there who just didn‘t get it. They didn’t care, and they certainly weren’t helping us or making things any easier. This went on for over two months before we finally said “fuck it” and let our lawyer go to town. Fortunately, we walked away owning all our masters, videos, and art.
All of this is to be expected in this fun business and believe me, it was expected from day one: we thought the record title said it all (We Don‘t Stand a Chance). You just gotta move on, and that’s what we’re doing. We tour the US all this month with the legendary Saw Doctors from Ireland. Some stops include Slim's in San Francisco; the House of Blues Boston; The Vic Theatre in Chicago and two nights at New York City’s Irving Plaza. We’ll also be frequently putting out free music and videos starting with this appropriate cover: here’s our version of the Sex Pistols' classic ,“EMI” recorded by Andy Gerber at Million Yen. The video was directed by Nathan Cox. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV4-jPg5V8I
We don’t know what lies ahead, but we do know that there are some really incredible people all over this country that have been kind, open and generous to us. We will continue to play music as long as they continue to listen.
Thanks for coming this far with us. See you on the road this month!
XOXO.
AM TAXI
Top 5 live performances of 2010!
Adam here. After playing a bunch of shows this year (122 of ‘em, mostly w/ AM Taxi) and going out to see a handful of gigs here in Chicago, I tried to narrow it down to the best five. Not an easy task. I try not to ever forget, but these five groups reminded me that there is indeed a reason why we do what we do.
5. Architects - October 7, Double Door in Chicago
Hey man, sick of hearing the same thing show after show? Nothing feels real anymore? Does the scene got you down, man? Well, stop complaining, watch the Architects from Kansas City and your soul shall be healed! This band has always been incredible live and we’re looking forward to touring with them this January. They played Riot Fest this year; apparently AC/DC’s been shagging the Clash and they made a baby…aw.
4. The Hold Steady - November 19, Otto’s in DeKalb
I had just gotten home from a short tour w/ AM Taxi, but I wanted to pack up and leave again as soon as I saw Hold Steady’s set last month at Otto’s. I had been listening for years but never got to see them play. They always came around when I was out on the road. The group is fantastic and loud, and the front man is a cartoon with a mic and a way with words.
3. Company of Thieves - March 19, ES Jungle in Indianapolis
Sometimes the best part of being on tour is getting to watch a band you love perform night after night. They play “Fire Song”, I think it’s called, and it gets me every single time! Goosebumps and the hair on the arms stand straight up. So good.
2. Vic Ruggiero & Band - December 4, The Lake in Brooklyn
I was on the road w/ Deals a few weeks ago. The “club” in Brooklyn was this dark speakeasy, flop house, rehearsal space, bar type place w/ a DJ spinning old ska 45‘s. Vic and two of the Slackers were there playing as a power trio. They did covers of the Sonics, Dion and the Belmonts as well as punked out Slackers songs. “Let’s try to remember how fun this was and maybe do it again sometime.” I hope so.
1. Larry and His Flask - August 10, Backstage at the San Diego Warped Tour
The people running Warped Tour took care of the bands. They gave us beer, dance parties and even delicious ice cream! But the best thing they ever gave us was Larry and his Flask. The guys set up after the show by the tour buses; 6 dudes, no PA system, no amps, no mics. Nothing but the real thing. Unbelievable! They did it again in Pomona and someone filmed it:
You got a top five? Share with us here or at facebook.com/amtaxi
November 2010 - Notes from the Road (Part Three)
Saturday, November 13
Boston, MA
TT the Bear's Place
3:45 PM at a hotel, lucky to have good friends...
We've set up camp here for the next few days. Two shows in Boston and the first is sold out already. The people here are into Lawrence Arms. Good start.
We played Manchester, NH last night. It was alright, but felt small after Philadelphia and the two Brooklyn shows. The folks there are great. Although, they warned us not to go outside. We threw darts with White Wives and got a little over served at the bar.
Talked to Toby and Brendan from the Lawrence Arms gang for a bit about the Television smash hit series "Golden Girls".
"This is the first time you've come out of your shell in three days... and it took "Golden Girls" to do it?" - Brendan.
Time to clean up a bit and head to the gig.
Boston Night one set:
Dead Street
Woodpecker
Paper Covers Rock
Charissa
Stepping Stone
Shake/Aint too Proud to Beg
Fed Up
Mistake
Sunday, November 14
Boston, MA
TT the Bear's Place
11:30 AM at the same hotel as yesterday...
This place is something else. Last night was the first of two shows here in Boston at TT's. It was an early show but it was sold out and I think the entire place was smashed by 8 PM. Played some pool with White Wives and found some great vintage looking postcards and magazines from a shop across the street. Chris thought he was a breakdancer and John thought he was British.
I also found out that French toast and soup at the Middle East is a great way to start your day if your day starts at 4.
I had more fun playing last night than I've had in a long, long time. Really comfortable. I have a feeling tonight wont be as good. It's the same club and the same crew, but it's Sunday and people tend to hold back.
Monday, November 15
Baltimore, MD
The Sidebar
7 PM in the Van...
We got up to leave around 9 this morning to find out some creep got into our van and jacked Phil's GPS. This sort of thing seems to happen to us all the time. They didn't take the radio, John's computer or the Boom Box though ... Just the GPS ... and a hat ... and some gloves. So if you see somebody who has gloves, a fedora and really good sense of direction, that's our guy.
I was wrong when I said the Sunday show would be the slower of the two in Boston. It turned out to be just packed and although the web page fucked up the set times, we had a few people singing along. We made some great friends and met up with our pals that play/played in Far From Finished, a band we spent the summer with on Warped.
Check out the Two Nights in Boston Video!! www.youtube.com/amtaxi
We had to say "adios" to the Lawrence Arms. It's just us and White Wives for the last two shows. That means smaller rooms and smaller turn out.
Gotta go. Happy hour at the Sidebar.
Thursday, November 18
Back home...
The last two shows were us, White Wives and locals. In Baltimore, we played for the smallest bunch ever but it was the most fun. Just drag the mic stand off the stage and hang out with 'em. Why not?
The opener was Head Home. Local. Check them out. One of our coolest friends in Baltimore turned up with a replacement GPS for the van and smokes. Hallelujah! She knows the way to our hearts!
The three person staff were polite but they had just about enough of us by the end of the night.
Last stop; Lemoyne, PA! The Champion Ship, or Champs, is a cool all ages DIY kinda joint. Another small crowd but they knew the words, most of 'em. We should get back around there soon.
Gonna miss White Wives. Can't wait for everyone to get to hear them.
Sunday, November 21
Subterranean
Chicago, IL
Back home...
Nothing beats the hometown show, especially if your home is Chicago. The club was sold out, over sold really. We picked the line up; The Frantic, The Scissors and The Run Around and we blasted records from bands like The Clash and Richard Hell between sets.
I don't know if we sounded any good, but we had a fun time and everyone sang along. I thought the balcony would collapse. Never seen so many people up there. Can't wait to do it again on New Year's Eve.
Set:
Shake
Woodpecker
Dead Street
Tanner
Paper Covers Rock
Charissa
White Man in Hammersmith Palais
Reckless Ways
Stepping Stone
Maydays
Fed Up
The Mistake
We got called back out, so we did Champagne Toast and Paint it Black
Boston, MA
TT the Bear's Place
3:45 PM at a hotel, lucky to have good friends...
We've set up camp here for the next few days. Two shows in Boston and the first is sold out already. The people here are into Lawrence Arms. Good start.
We played Manchester, NH last night. It was alright, but felt small after Philadelphia and the two Brooklyn shows. The folks there are great. Although, they warned us not to go outside. We threw darts with White Wives and got a little over served at the bar.
Talked to Toby and Brendan from the Lawrence Arms gang for a bit about the Television smash hit series "Golden Girls".
"This is the first time you've come out of your shell in three days... and it took "Golden Girls" to do it?" - Brendan.
Time to clean up a bit and head to the gig.
Boston Night one set:
Dead Street
Woodpecker
Paper Covers Rock
Charissa
Stepping Stone
Shake/Aint too Proud to Beg
Fed Up
Mistake
Sunday, November 14
Boston, MA
TT the Bear's Place
11:30 AM at the same hotel as yesterday...
This place is something else. Last night was the first of two shows here in Boston at TT's. It was an early show but it was sold out and I think the entire place was smashed by 8 PM. Played some pool with White Wives and found some great vintage looking postcards and magazines from a shop across the street. Chris thought he was a breakdancer and John thought he was British.
I also found out that French toast and soup at the Middle East is a great way to start your day if your day starts at 4.
I had more fun playing last night than I've had in a long, long time. Really comfortable. I have a feeling tonight wont be as good. It's the same club and the same crew, but it's Sunday and people tend to hold back.
Monday, November 15
Baltimore, MD
The Sidebar
7 PM in the Van...
We got up to leave around 9 this morning to find out some creep got into our van and jacked Phil's GPS. This sort of thing seems to happen to us all the time. They didn't take the radio, John's computer or the Boom Box though ... Just the GPS ... and a hat ... and some gloves. So if you see somebody who has gloves, a fedora and really good sense of direction, that's our guy.
I was wrong when I said the Sunday show would be the slower of the two in Boston. It turned out to be just packed and although the web page fucked up the set times, we had a few people singing along. We made some great friends and met up with our pals that play/played in Far From Finished, a band we spent the summer with on Warped.
Check out the Two Nights in Boston Video!! www.youtube.com/amtaxi
We had to say "adios" to the Lawrence Arms. It's just us and White Wives for the last two shows. That means smaller rooms and smaller turn out.
Gotta go. Happy hour at the Sidebar.
Thursday, November 18
Back home...
The last two shows were us, White Wives and locals. In Baltimore, we played for the smallest bunch ever but it was the most fun. Just drag the mic stand off the stage and hang out with 'em. Why not?
The opener was Head Home. Local. Check them out. One of our coolest friends in Baltimore turned up with a replacement GPS for the van and smokes. Hallelujah! She knows the way to our hearts!
The three person staff were polite but they had just about enough of us by the end of the night.
Last stop; Lemoyne, PA! The Champion Ship, or Champs, is a cool all ages DIY kinda joint. Another small crowd but they knew the words, most of 'em. We should get back around there soon.
Gonna miss White Wives. Can't wait for everyone to get to hear them.
Sunday, November 21
Subterranean
Chicago, IL
Back home...
Nothing beats the hometown show, especially if your home is Chicago. The club was sold out, over sold really. We picked the line up; The Frantic, The Scissors and The Run Around and we blasted records from bands like The Clash and Richard Hell between sets.
I don't know if we sounded any good, but we had a fun time and everyone sang along. I thought the balcony would collapse. Never seen so many people up there. Can't wait to do it again on New Year's Eve.
Set:
Shake
Woodpecker
Dead Street
Tanner
Paper Covers Rock
Charissa
White Man in Hammersmith Palais
Reckless Ways
Stepping Stone
Maydays
Fed Up
The Mistake
We got called back out, so we did Champagne Toast and Paint it Black
November 2010 - Notes from the Road (Part Two)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Brooklyn, NY
The Knitting Factory
In the van, before the gig...
The guys have gone off to find food, things are quiet in here for a change. Good times last night in Philadelphia, indeed! The Lawrence Arms are hilarious and they seem to like to drink, so I think we'll get along just fine. They are tight and have a super devoted following. White Wives were fantastic as always. I can't wait for everyone else to get to hear them.
After the show, we hung around with some local music fans and eventually made it out to another part of town. We went to my favorite place in Philadelphia: Ray's Happy Birthday Bar. Some of the other guys went to duke it out between Geno's and Pats. I think Geno's won this time.
We have two shows tonight here in Brooklyn. Both are sold out. This should be interesting!
Early Set:
Mistake
Peckerwood
Paper Covers Rock
Shake
Dead Street
Charissa
Fed Up
Paint it Black
Late Set:
Dead Street
Peckerwood
Shake
Paper Covers Rock
Charissa
White Man in Hammersmith Palais
Fed Up
Mistake
Friday, November 12
Manchester, NH
Rocko's
In the van, on the way to the gig...
Subway really hit the spot. Not feeling as hungover as I should right now. Things were on fire in Brooklyn last night! Two sold out shows last night with White Wives and The Lawrence Arms headlining.
I was surprised to find the attendees enthusiastic and interested. You don't always get that in "too cool" town. We were slightly intoxicated by the second set, but it loosened us up in a good way.
As expected, nobody from Virgin/EMI showed their faces...nobody except for good old Alex and the company credit card! Solid guy. Also ran into Kevin from back home, Tim from Ludo, folks from Warped and a few old friends. Miami Tony was there and after a few drinks, decided he should buy one of every item at the restaurant across the street.
Lost my phone, found my phone, Rocko's in 60 miles...peace.
Brooklyn, NY
The Knitting Factory
In the van, before the gig...
The guys have gone off to find food, things are quiet in here for a change. Good times last night in Philadelphia, indeed! The Lawrence Arms are hilarious and they seem to like to drink, so I think we'll get along just fine. They are tight and have a super devoted following. White Wives were fantastic as always. I can't wait for everyone else to get to hear them.
After the show, we hung around with some local music fans and eventually made it out to another part of town. We went to my favorite place in Philadelphia: Ray's Happy Birthday Bar. Some of the other guys went to duke it out between Geno's and Pats. I think Geno's won this time.
We have two shows tonight here in Brooklyn. Both are sold out. This should be interesting!
Early Set:
Mistake
Peckerwood
Paper Covers Rock
Shake
Dead Street
Charissa
Fed Up
Paint it Black
Late Set:
Dead Street
Peckerwood
Shake
Paper Covers Rock
Charissa
White Man in Hammersmith Palais
Fed Up
Mistake
Friday, November 12
Manchester, NH
Rocko's
In the van, on the way to the gig...
Subway really hit the spot. Not feeling as hungover as I should right now. Things were on fire in Brooklyn last night! Two sold out shows last night with White Wives and The Lawrence Arms headlining.
I was surprised to find the attendees enthusiastic and interested. You don't always get that in "too cool" town. We were slightly intoxicated by the second set, but it loosened us up in a good way.
As expected, nobody from Virgin/EMI showed their faces...nobody except for good old Alex and the company credit card! Solid guy. Also ran into Kevin from back home, Tim from Ludo, folks from Warped and a few old friends. Miami Tony was there and after a few drinks, decided he should buy one of every item at the restaurant across the street.
Lost my phone, found my phone, Rocko's in 60 miles...peace.
November 2010 - Notes From the Road (Part Uno)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Cleveland, OH
Pirates Cove
At a hotel after the gig...
The longest day i've seen in a while. No complaints though. Last night, after a bit of a soiree in Bucktown, i ended up back home, drinking and packing for this tour until about 4 AM. The best thing i have with me now is a big boom box with cassette and AM/FM radio from the early 1980's. It was supplied to me by local drinking pal, Jerry. I spent all day yesterday making mix tapes of rock & roll, reggae and soul. The guys think this is funny because they brought their little iPods and things and I'm lugging this huge box everywhere.
We left Chicago at 7 this morning and drove 7 hours or so to get here. Luke is wearing an eye patch cos his eye's infected not because the joint's called Pirate's Cove. Funny.
Before the show, we enetertain the nice bar tender and sound guy by stuffing Busse into a road case and locking the lid. The thing was suprisingly soundproof.
These first two gigs are gonna be on the small side. Tonight's was small and sloppy, but we were all just excited to be playing again for the first time in 5 weeks.
After the gig, I hung out in the van listening to Steven Van Zandt interview Keith Richards and got caught up with a girl i haven't hung out with in ages.
Time for night cap and rest.
Monday, November 8th
Columbus, OH
The Basement
Backstage before we our set...
White Wives are on stage right now and they're fantastic and hilarious, not taking themselves too seriously and at the same time, playing their hearts out. There are only 30 people here so far and I don't even know who'll stick around for us. First real "dud" we've had in a while, but i've said that before and it turned out to great.
Shirock from TN played before Wives, going places? The first band didn't even show up and i don't blame them. Gonna try a new Clash cover if we don't get too tipsy.
Day off tomorrow, sorta. Drive day. Might meet up with Hearset later at a hotel or bar. Time to smoke and warm up.
Columbus Set:
The Mistake
Peckerwood
Paper Covers Rock
Charissa
Tanner
Shake
White Man in Hammersmith Palais
Maydays
Fed Up
Dead Street
Wednesday, November 10
Philadelphia, PA
North Star Bar
On South Street with time to kill...
First of all, I was wrong about Columbus being a "dud" gig. It turned out to be a ton of fun even with the low attendance. We hung out with White Wives and some nice music fans before going back to a hotel to drink, jam tapes on the boom box and watch the hilarious premier of Conan.
Went to Jim's for cheesesteaks and then to Repo Records, but they didn't have any cassettes for the box.
At the club...
I remember this place! Friendly sound guy and staff. The Lawrence Arms are now with us and headlining the tour. That means the rooms will be sold out for the next few nights. Tony Gil is buying me a beer and I have nothing in the world to complain about right now excpet that I couldn't get to the radio station to say "hi" to Gordon and play "Paint it Black"
Set at the North Star:
The Mistake
Peckerwood
Paper Covers Rock
Shake
Dead Street
Charissa
Fed Up
Paint it Black
Cleveland, OH
Pirates Cove
At a hotel after the gig...
The longest day i've seen in a while. No complaints though. Last night, after a bit of a soiree in Bucktown, i ended up back home, drinking and packing for this tour until about 4 AM. The best thing i have with me now is a big boom box with cassette and AM/FM radio from the early 1980's. It was supplied to me by local drinking pal, Jerry. I spent all day yesterday making mix tapes of rock & roll, reggae and soul. The guys think this is funny because they brought their little iPods and things and I'm lugging this huge box everywhere.
We left Chicago at 7 this morning and drove 7 hours or so to get here. Luke is wearing an eye patch cos his eye's infected not because the joint's called Pirate's Cove. Funny.
Before the show, we enetertain the nice bar tender and sound guy by stuffing Busse into a road case and locking the lid. The thing was suprisingly soundproof.
These first two gigs are gonna be on the small side. Tonight's was small and sloppy, but we were all just excited to be playing again for the first time in 5 weeks.
After the gig, I hung out in the van listening to Steven Van Zandt interview Keith Richards and got caught up with a girl i haven't hung out with in ages.
Time for night cap and rest.
Monday, November 8th
Columbus, OH
The Basement
Backstage before we our set...
White Wives are on stage right now and they're fantastic and hilarious, not taking themselves too seriously and at the same time, playing their hearts out. There are only 30 people here so far and I don't even know who'll stick around for us. First real "dud" we've had in a while, but i've said that before and it turned out to great.
Shirock from TN played before Wives, going places? The first band didn't even show up and i don't blame them. Gonna try a new Clash cover if we don't get too tipsy.
Day off tomorrow, sorta. Drive day. Might meet up with Hearset later at a hotel or bar. Time to smoke and warm up.
Columbus Set:
The Mistake
Peckerwood
Paper Covers Rock
Charissa
Tanner
Shake
White Man in Hammersmith Palais
Maydays
Fed Up
Dead Street
Wednesday, November 10
Philadelphia, PA
North Star Bar
On South Street with time to kill...
First of all, I was wrong about Columbus being a "dud" gig. It turned out to be a ton of fun even with the low attendance. We hung out with White Wives and some nice music fans before going back to a hotel to drink, jam tapes on the boom box and watch the hilarious premier of Conan.
Went to Jim's for cheesesteaks and then to Repo Records, but they didn't have any cassettes for the box.
At the club...
I remember this place! Friendly sound guy and staff. The Lawrence Arms are now with us and headlining the tour. That means the rooms will be sold out for the next few nights. Tony Gil is buying me a beer and I have nothing in the world to complain about right now excpet that I couldn't get to the radio station to say "hi" to Gordon and play "Paint it Black"
Set at the North Star:
The Mistake
Peckerwood
Paper Covers Rock
Shake
Dead Street
Charissa
Fed Up
Paint it Black
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