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5 reasons why Mike and The Moonpies are the best live country music band on the circuit
by Travis Feutz
On August 24th I got to see Mike and The Moonpies live at Venue 1235 in Lawrence, Kansas. It’s hard to believe this is only my third time seeing this band. Between videos posted on YouTube and social media I feel like I’ve been on the road with them for the better part of four years. The first time I saw them live in concert was in March of 2019 at Knuckleheads in Kansas City. I was completely blown away. Now, I religiously follow their tour schedule and always try and catch them when I can.
Music isn’t a competition and I don’t like the idea of comparing artists and bands careers to each other’s. But I can’t help myself when it comes to The Moonpies. I think their live show is the pinnacle of a country concert. So many factors play into this opinion, but before we get started let’s meet the boys in the band. First and foremost let’s start with the star of the show, Mike Harmeier. He is “Mike” in Mike and The Moonpies, the front man of the group. Stage right you’ll find lead guitarist Catlin Rutherford. Stage left you can find pedal steel player Zach Moulton. Playing the bass guitar and a fan favorite, you’ll find Omar Oyoque wearing the biggest smile, covering every square inch of the stage. Last but not least, Taylor Englert on the drums. These five gentlemen make up Mike and The Moonpies. So, without further ado, Let’s Begin.
Reason # 5: The Songs
If you’ve ever listened to anyone talk about country music in any sort of philosophical since, you’ve heard the mantra “three chords and the truth.” Pardon the pun, but there is a lot of truth in that statement. The Moonpies take those three chords and add what seems like every possible chord tone available in the key of the song. Their progressions and melodies aren’t simple, they are intricate and profound. They take the concept of three chords and the truth and really spice things up. We will talk more about this in a later section, but the instrumentation on their songs needs a masterclass. Lyrically, they are top notch as well. I’m not sure how the songwriting process is handled among the band, but well done boys, well done. If you are unfamiliar with this band, I suggest starting with their album Steak Night at the Prairie Rose. This is my favorite album of theirs, and I believe the strongest example of their writing. Cover to Cover Prairie Rose is a masterpiece. It’s country music at its finest.
Reason # 4: Brotherhood
People may laugh at this but I believe this may be the most important factor in becoming a great band. Good hangs mean good vibes. Good vibes mean good moral. Good moral means good music. Like most bands that have been on the run as long as these gentleman will have members come and go, but I believe the core unit has been together for much of The Moonpies existence. Taylor replaced Kyle Ponder on drums recently, Kyle was a founding member. Kyle was terrific, but so is Taylor. These boys are road dogs. I think they’ve slowed down a bit, but are still one of the most prolific country touring bands in the world. Spending that much time on the road together you truly become a band of brothers. That brotherhood definitely shines through in their music.
Reason # 3: Experience
Mike formed The Moonpies in 2007 down in Austin Texas. They cut their teeth keeping The Texas Dancehall tradition alive and well, but as their legend grew they began hitting the road hard and never once looked back. There’s a term in the industry called “Road Hot.” Bands out on tour, playing night after night, can find that special magic you can only acquire by playing show after show. That’s “Road Hot.” Bands become so tight that their live shows take on a life of their own. That’s what experience brings. Country music can often times be more about an artist, and not the band they are playing with. Sometimes artist will have different members on different tours fairly often. That doesn’t make the musicians any less talented, but there is a special magic found in any band that plays together for the better part of sixteen years. You can’t put a price on experience.
Reason # 2: Musicianship
Each member of this band is a master at their craft. It’s so fun watching them work as a unit. The tempos they can play at with precision. The arranged harmony parts on the stringed instruments I feel is something you don’t often see in country music. It’s flawless. Omar is a phenomenal bass player, and Taylor on the drums anchors the rhythm section very well. I swear at this last show they played “Road Crew” faster than the studio version, and kept it between the lines perfectly. In 2022 Shooter Jennings put together an all-star tribute to his father, Waylon Jennings out in LA. He asked Mike and The Moonpies to be the house band for the evening. That is such an amazing honor. Tells me I’m not the only one who thinks very highly of The Moonpies.
# 1 reason: Community
The word “Fans” doesn’t seem to accurately describe the atmosphere at a Moonpies Concert. Again, I’ve only been to three shows (as of writing this), but I have seen a few of the same people at every single show. The people attending are very passionate about the music. They are kind, polite, and a close knit group. As their popularity grows I imagine this won’t always be the case, but for now it’s something special. It’s not uncommon for members of the band to come hang out before and after the show. Over my three shows I’ve had a chance to meet and talk to every member of the group. They are super generous with their time and I believe that is what makes them so endearing to their fans. I wish these boys all the success they want and deserve. I believe they should be playing sold out ballrooms, but selfishly I love seeing them in small intimate settings where I can stand in front of the stage, go grab another beer, and come right back to my spot. That will soon be changing. People are starting to catch on. Rolling stone is giving them major love. They played the Grand Ole Opry for the first time this year. Word is getting out and I couldn’t be happier for this group of individuals.
If you see Mike and The Moonpies coming through your town I highly recommend attending their show. I’ve been fortunate enough to have witnessed many concerts in my time, with some amazing stories to tell and many memories made. Mike and The Moonpies are right up there with the best of them. Cheers boys!
