The Taxpayers return to the Che Cafe on July 25th
The Che Cafe, a legendary hub for punk and independent music in San Diego, is gearing up to host The Taxpayers, a band known for their raw energy, heartfelt narratives, and unwavering commitment to DIY culture. We had the chance to chat with Andrew Taxpayer ahead of their July 25th show, diving into what makes the Che Cafe their favorite San Diego venue, their unique songwriting process, memorable moments in our city, and what keeps their live performances so vital after all these years. We’re excited to share our chat about community, creativity, and the enduring spirit of independent music with The Taxpayers.
ListenSD: The Che Cafe has a rich history as a DIY and community-focused venue. How does playing in a space like that, with its unique ethos and long-standing connection to punk and independent music, resonate with The Taxpayers’ own values and sound?
Andrew: We love Che Cafe, it has always been our favorite place to play in San Diego. Most of us in The Taxpayers grew up going to shows in similar DIY spaces around the country and we can’t emphasize enough how important they are to us. We as a band have a strict all-ages only show policy for this very reason. Music should take the front stage and support the community, not be background noise for people drinking.
LSD: Your music often weaves together personal narratives with broader social commentary. When you’re writing, do you find yourselves starting with a specific story or observation, or does the musical idea come first, and then the themes emerge?
Andrew: I feel like it is always a little different! Making music with The Taxpayers is kind of like a slinky. Rob will have a few songs he will bring to the table and then it will just kind of guide itself from there unfolding into more concepts and stories down the proverbial stairs. Everyone loves a slinky.
LSD: San Diego has its own distinct music scene. Have you had any memorable experiences or interactions with other bands or aspects of the San Diego music community during past visits, or maybe a record shop you like to visit while in town?
Andrew: It’s always fun to visit. One of our all time favorite San Diego bands Di Nigunim always put on a very memorable show! Also one time I ate a burrito in San Diego and there was a toothpick in it!
LSD: Given the often raw and energetic nature of your live performances, what’s one element of playing a show that you look forward to the most, and what’s one thing that you still find challenging or surprising after all these years?
Andrew: I would say we all look forward to playing for our incredible fans! We have the best fans ever, I will die on that hill. It’s cool to see everyone get a little crazy and be comfortable enough to express themselves during our shows. There aren’t enough safe spaces to have that kind of cathartic release you get from seeing live music. It’s been surprising to see all the younger fans mixed in with the older fans in the audience, after playing for nearly 20 years it’s really special to see a younger audience that still relates to our messages and stories.
LSD: Looking back at your discography, if you had to pick one song that you feel most accurately encapsulates the current spirit or message of The Taxpayers, which one would it be and why?
Andrew: Everything Will Be Different off our new album Circle Breaker comes to mind for us. It’s a song about perpetual change. It encapsulates a lot of the themes of the new album with utter simplicity. Growth/death, dystopia/utopia, optimism/pessimism, the only constant is change.
Don’t miss The Taxpayers at the Che Cafe on July 25th, you can get tickets here! Make sure to bring cash: Signed used socks will be for sale at The Che Cafe Friday July 25th use code word DIRTY, while supplies last.
Interview by Narda Crossley
Gallery coming up!