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Insomnia Radio, Signing Off
This is an emotional post to write, and as such it’s going to be stripped down to the essence. I have battled this decision for awhile, but I have to say goodbye to my show, and to all of you amazing hardcore indie fans, and move on. Hopefully you all realize there is no RIGHT time to do this, just the NECESSARY time.
In the past 3 months I have resigned from what I thought would be a successful business venture for the network and myself, been screwed to the tune of over $20, 000, been handed divorce papers, left home, and lost my beloved grandfather. Yea, this is the distilled version of course…
But as they say, something’s gotta give.
I feel as if I should dedicate 5000 words to defending this decision, I feel I owe that to you. But I’m exhausted, and I’m going to ask that you trust me, that this is literally the only option that feels right in my life. You would think Insomnia Radio would bring me sanity, excitement, comfort, but that’s not the case. And though I DID really enjoy recording the last 2 episodes, I just can’t get that back. So much of what’s happened over the past year with Thimble media has unfortunately spoiled it all for me.
The emails never end, the packages never end, the maintenance never ends, the promotion never ends.
I’ve had my success with the show, and while it’s not monetary, I’m ok with that. It changed lives, literally at times, and propelled many individuals and many bands into better places. Those of you reading this, it’s my sincere hope that it’s had a positive impact on you as well.
Look, it’s not all sour grapes and depressing goodbyes. Our regional shows live on, and now that I feel I can be completely honest with you – two of them deserve to take over my show. IR: SoCal & IR: Chicago. Charles & Kara are ridiculously dedicated, have impeccable taste in music, and have the passion for all of this that I have simply lost. (This isn’t to say our other shows are equally good, but these two are in your face all the time!) You may see their content on the IR proper feed soon. I haven’t decided what to do, but I will say NOT to unsubscribe. I wouldn’t mind grabbing the mic on occasion.
I guess I could go on for pages. Bottom line: Thanks for believing, thanks for listening, thanks for spreading the word. Now, please redirect your attention to several other regional shows who are more than deserving of your ears.
Can’t think of anything else, and this was more difficult than I thought.
Keep it loud, keep it indie, and stay real;
Jason Evangelho
matt · 884 weeks ago
Dan · 884 weeks ago
Laurie · 884 weeks ago
Sam · 884 weeks ago
Chris Marshall · 884 weeks ago
My best for a bright future.
jevangelho · 884 weeks ago
Stick around though, support the other shows, and keep in touch for sure. I'll still be sharing music, just have to figure out the new medium...
Jason
Scott · 884 weeks ago
Les Zaldor · 884 weeks ago
However, we'll still be here keeping IR going strong - if you decide to return! :)
David S · 884 weeks ago
irchicago · 883 weeks ago
By the way having you say what you said in your letter absolutely made my day! I have listened to you for two years now and you were one of the people that sparked this passion that I have for podcasting and discovering some awesome music!!! I know that I will be keeping IR Chicago alive!! Believe me it has only just begun! Thank you so much for all that you have done for us!! Like I said you will be missed! Maybe I could get you on as a special surprise guest someday!!
Much Love and Understanding,
Your Friend
Kara
jevangelho · 883 weeks ago
I wish you well...
Jason
Bob · 883 weeks ago
I sure hope you'll still be reading these comments. I haven't been as rabid a follower of IR as I was at one time but when I saw this post, my heart sank a little bit. I am so sorry to hear about all that's been going on in your life, and although I could sorta see it coming, it's still very sad to see. There are so many important events in my life that I look back on fondly when it comes to my obsession with indie rock and music in general, and my discovery of Insomnia Radio is very high on that list. Your passion for music and your kindness to me as well, are things that I will never forget man. There's so much more I want to say, but let me just wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Your show was/is an inspiration, and this is truly the end of an era. I'm not a huge Bruce Cockburn fan, but there is a verse in one of his songs that I've always enjoyed. It states that 'nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight. You've got to kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight.' I know I'll be seeing or hearing from you again in one forum or another sometime in the future. You may be a little bruised and beaten a bit, but I have a feeling you'll be kicking at that darkness pretty damn hard when you return. Chin up, dude....
Bob
co · 883 weeks ago
How disappointing to hear you are closing shop. Insomnia Radio was one of the feeds I subscribed to when iTunes opened up to the podcasting world. It is one of the few that I kept subscribed to for that whole time. I will continue to enjoy the regional shows which have sprung up a a result of your drive, determination and enjoyment of great independent music. I will even get to hear your voice on the sweepers for these shows. But I really will miss hearing you on your own show. I enjoyed the way your shows were edited with a mixture of professionalism and openness which let us hear your occasional screw ups and rants.
You had confidence in your audience, and you were willing to take them in unexpected directions (the Muncie shows, the hip hop shows, the electronica shows ...) You introduced me to things I wouldn't usually listen to. In some cases, I will continue to not seek out these things. But I was willing to give these things a chance because I had come to respect your ability to recognize good music.
Good luck and know that you a lot of fans/friends.
C
GZ Expat · 883 weeks ago
Jason, I'd like to think that some of that sanity you lost, I gained. Stranded out here in southern China in a sea of bad Canto and Mando-Pop music, IR was the oasis I had been searching for. Through your podcast, I learned there is so much more out there than what I can browse at HMV. I've gotten the Indie music bug, and I won't let it go.
Thank you for opening the doors to music to people around the world. I wouldn't want to say you would quit forever...its in your blood too. But, just step away, re-energize and then come back with new ideas and great new music. You ARE new media...and you will be missed.
You have no idea how you have changed the world for the better.
God Bless...
GZ Expat
Michael at IR Florid · 883 weeks ago
I wish nothing but good things for you in the future. Give me a call anytime if you need to talk my friend.
Cheers
Michael
Goodbye Jason...and Good Luck (Joes) ...
Trackback from GZ Expat, Part II
Kelsey · 883 weeks ago
You are going to missed more than I can put into words. Your show and those that have branched off of it have gotten me through most of my high school career. If it weren't for your amazing podcasts, mix, playlists, and super hilarious antics and rants I probably would have listened to the local radio more and ended up wanting to murder myself daily. Your podcast opened a world of music to me that I wasn't familiar with at the time and now I cannot live without.
I hope everything goes well for you as you part from IR. Good luck be with you in all things. I'll be watching your sites for sure always in hope for some musical quip, a good laugh, or just an informative journal about this and that.
Thanks Jason,
Kelsey
Evan · 883 weeks ago
Liam · 883 weeks ago
Andrew · 883 weeks ago
charles · 883 weeks ago
I'm definitely disappointed to see you step away from IR, but at the same time am also looking forward to following what you have on your plate currently with your developing podiobook/soundtrack. Thanks again for all the face melting opportunities!!!
JD · 883 weeks ago
So sorry to hear you signing off of IR. I will definitely miss hearing you behind the mic. Thank you for all that you've shared.
IR has been such a positive force. I will continue to follow the Regionals and I hope you hear you around from time to time.
I hope things are looking up for you.
~JD
Lola · 882 weeks ago
I hope you're able to come back to podcasting and to IR sometime. Maybe you just need some time.
Good luck, and remember to always do what's best for you.
SuLE · 747 weeks ago