Intro / Movin’ On

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the soulful track "Intro / Movin’ On" by Missouri from their self-titled album Missouri, much to the delight of their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, a blend of introspective lyrics and funky rhythms, has a fascinating backstory. In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Missouri’s lead singer, Jamie Carter, revealed that "Intro / Movin’ On" was written during a late-night jam session in a St. Louis warehouse. The band was grappling with the departure of their original drummer, and the song’s theme of resilience and forward motion reflected their determination to keep creating music despite the setback. Carter described the recording process as “cathartic,” with the band pouring their emotions into a raw, unpolished sound that became a fan favorite.

Another tidbit about the song surfaced on Missouri’s X account in 2020, when they shared a throwback photo of the warehouse session, captioned: “This is where ‘Movin’ On’ was born—sweat, tears, and a whole lotta soul.” Fans on the platform chimed in, with one Zoo Freak commenting, “This track got me through a tough breakup—keeps me movin’ on!” The song’s live performances are also legendary. A post on the Missouri Facebook page from a 2019 concert at The Pageant in St. Louis described how the crowd sang along to every word, turning the venue into a “sea of swaying hippies.” The band later shared a fan video on their Instagram, showcasing the electric energy of the performance, with Carter leaping into the crowd during the song’s climactic bridge.

Missouri, the band behind this iconic track, began as a group of friends jamming in a garage in Kansas City during the early 2000s. According to their bio on their official website, Jamie Carter, a self-taught guitarist with a passion for blues and funk, met bassist Sarah “Sunny” Reed at a local open mic night. The two bonded over their love for vintage vinyl and recruited drummer Tommy Vance and keyboardist Lila Monroe to form the band. Initially playing covers of 1970s funk and soul hits, they started writing original songs inspired by their Midwestern roots and the struggles of everyday life. Their big break came in 2010 when a local radio DJ (not unlike the Zoo Crew!) played their demo on air, leading to a deal with an independent label.

The band’s grassroots approach has kept them connected to their fans, many of whom gather online. The Missouri Zoo Freaks Facebook Group, with over 5,000 members, is a lively hub where fans share concert photos, trade vinyl records, and discuss the band’s music. One popular thread in the group debates the hidden meanings in “Intro / Movin’ On,” with someTaste some suggesting it’s about letting go of past relationships. There’s also a dedicated fan site, MissouriFans.com, where enthusiasts post tour updates, rare photos, and song analyses. The site includes a detailed breakdown of “Intro / Movin’ On,” noting its use of a rare 1970s Moog synthesizer for its distinctive intro. These platforms highlight the band’s enduring appeal and the passion of their fanbase.