2024 has been a year of extreme lows and highs! isopod thanks the community for their overwhelming love and support, as we went from doing punk shows, to mainstream venues (the punks still show, and we have new, mainstream patrons). Corporate audio work has slowed this year, but the music shows have picked up! isopod went full-time in August, (when Midge Ure asks for a band to fill a world tour date, you don't say no!), and that's led to some real improvements for the project, as well as some personal challenges. I've no clue how long it will last, but I'm very thankful for every opportunity that has come our way. For now, live music is my sole source of income.
My friend Robbie says I'm the reason he got back into music. He developed Robbie Wabi Sabi during lockdown, and RWS shows no signs of slowing! And now he's returning my encouragement by offering isopod a couple of dates out of town, which I am grateful for. We are performing at Super Happy Fun Land in Houston on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, in support of Vertigo Blue, and Robbie Wabi Sabi opens for Anything Box, at Sam's Burger Joint, San Antonio, November 27, 2024 (look for an isoBot sighting during Robbie's set!). I'm particularly excited about these shows, as isopod hasn't done a show outside of the Dallas / Fort Worth area since 2012.
isopod started performing open mics in 2001, and started performing as a band in 2006. The recession in 2008 was pretty much curtains for DIY touring, the MySpace way. My cheap Hondas and PT Cruisers are gone, the tour van needs restoration, and the VW is rusting in the back yard. I've developed a serious ADHD issue, which has made it dangerous for me to drive by myself.
I've no confidence in the health care system. They can make more money NOT producing the medicine I need, (just like Property Management can make more ejecting tenants than signing them up for leases— more on that later), so, I've retired from being my own tour driver, and I'm going with friends / other bands.
The healthcare and Tour Van fundraisers will probably start next year, but for now, we would like some help putting gas in the car, and with lodging. Its dangerous to ask fans for lodging at our age (sad but true), so Motels it must be. Its no secret that talent buyers at most indie music venues don't cover touring expenses, and streaming royalties don't cover recording costs. Where does that leave artists that have something to say? We are at the mercy of creative communities. As a friend recently told me, self-care and supporting the community is itself an act of resistance in times like these.
So, Robbie and I (Brent) are asking for donations to make this trip happen. Robbie has Venmo (@RobbieWabiSabi), and Brent has this site (www.buymeacoffee.com/isopodstudiodisco). Your generosity will see us to Houston, San Antonio, and back. Maybe there will be something for food as well. Thank you!