If New York’s music scene were summed up in two words, they would be Black Taxi. Kind of dirty, a little poppy, and VERY danceable, these Brooklynites fashion some of the most undeniably contagious music around. Each member brings to the table a style all his own, lending to Black Taxi’s widespread appeal and simultaneously distinct qualities, evident on their 2009 release, “Things of That Nature.” Lead vocalist Ezra Huleatt adds trumpet, keys, glockenspiel, and an array of noise-making gadgets to the mix that embellish Bill Mayo’s smooth backing vocals and virtuoso guitar skills, while Krisana Soponpong’s disco-infused bass lines interlace with Jason Holmes’s detailed drumming and resonant vocals. With finesse, Black Taxi compose songs of unmatched addictiveness, including “Shoeshine,” “Up Here for Thinking, Down There for Dancing,” “It’s a Ball,” and “Love Song for Ghost.” Revised fan-favorites from the band’s first two EP’s, “Pretty Mama,” “Head on a Pike” and “Wanted Man” remain staples in Black Taxi’s sets at their eye-catching, awe-inspiring shows.

What personal significance does “black taxi” hold?

Ezra: I had a dream…I was sitting on a riverbank with this man…the splitting image of Tom Hanks, except…black. We were having a conversation, albeit one-sided. Every question I put to him he responded, "Son, wait for the Black Taxi." I appreciated his outlook on life... In retrospect, our band should have been called “Black Tom Hanks.” Being another "black" band has caused a good bit of in-band drama, but the name stuck…

“Things of That Nature” is full of songs with great stories. Which tune

has the best back story (sharable, of course)?
Bill: "Take a Ticket"…In case you didn't gather it already, it's about the recreational and utilitarian use of ADD drugs. Kids are all hopped-up on them, and adults…now, too. I love that fans will come up to me and ask if I can get them some Adderall. Makes me laugh and feel like such a sleaze-bag, like I'm the "Adderall Guy.” Anyway, I always oblige…Just kidding.

What is a continual influence on your song writing?

Bill: It's always been friends and fellow musicians that influence my songs, more so than any notable recording artists... Plus, you can steal ideas from them much easier because it's less likely they will sue you.

What is the most bizarre fan encounter you have experienced?

Ezra: …A lady came up to me and asked if I was the guy from Black Taxi. I responded I was one of the guys. She then tried to turn that knowledge into a free drink and a rendezvous later. Not a bizarre encounter…both awkward and somewhat awesome that fan encounters are increasingly following us into realms outside the performance space.

If you could replace a member of another band (dead, alive, or touring), who would it be?

Ezra: Keith Richards. Hopefully I will be in med school when he passes…at the same time I hope he lives forever. If he does kick it, I would love to have him as my cadaver just to see how the hell his body worked. I am sure he is part alien. He fascinates me endlessly.

Bill: …I'm not ashamed to admit this: Trey Anastasio from Phish..kept great guitar playing alive even though the genre is passé. Plus I'd like to play with his gear. Wait. That came out wrong. His guitar and effects rig.... Grow up.

What has been the most rewarding this past year?