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
Thank you Jason for all you've done for indie music. You and your work are much appreciated.
I’m sorry about that, Jason. You’ve done an amazing job for many years. I couldn’t imagine trying to do what you do professionally and full-time. I barely do a half-ass job on my podcast as a hobby 🙂
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.
Hey Jason,
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
Jason,
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!!!
Just a note to say how sad I am that the main IR should end. Hope your personal life takes a turn for the better, and great thanks for all the music you’ve introduced me to.
Although I never quite agreed to some of the bands you featured, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t like the show. With someone like you at the helm, a person with such diverse music tastes, I knew I could get a little bit of everything every time I turned in. Who knew that when I searched indie podcast on google it would come up with one as good as this? Sad to see you go.
I may not be able to completely understand how hard it is what your doing, but I would like to say good job and thanks. And don’t worry, I’ll continue to use the songs and artist you’ve introduced me to in my YouTube vids.;)
Jason,
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
Goodbye Jason…and Good Luck (Joes) …
In this world of American Idol-created pop acts, corrupted music executives and rehashed 70’s bands, Insomnia Radio gave me the opening to a world of independent artists and music that I only dreamed could exist. Well, Jason has decided to call it qui…
Jason. Sorry to hear you have to go, but I completely understand. I went through the same thing 2 years. Minus the Justine bit of course. But at times life can overwhelm. And when you have a hobby that takes up that much time and devotion, and still have to work to pay the bills, it becomes easy to feel ass whipped.
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
Whoa…like a ton of bricks. But…you gotta do what you gotta do.
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
Jason,
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
Jason,
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
Kara, you made my day. All I can say is thank you. And maybe repeat it a few times. You have come a LONG way since taking over IR Chicago – expanding your format, refining your show, and especially being comfortable with being yourself on the mic.
I wish you well…
Jason
Jason you will be greatly missed!! I understand why you are doing this! You have had a lot to deal with!! I wish you loads of luck and love!! Please don’t be a stranger!!
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
Jason. I don’t know where to begin. You will be greatly missed on IR, though not on Twitter 😉 It has taken me a while to process this. I wish you weren’t going but if it is best for you then go on with my blessing, I wish you great peace and success in your life moving forward.
Jason – you will be missed, believe me. Please do keep in touch, and if you ever need to talk about anything – and I do mean anything – you know my number.
However, we’ll still be here keeping IR going strong – if you decide to return! 🙂
sad to see IR go, but good luck in your new venture. Keep your head up, it’ll get better, some way or another, one day at a time. take care
Dan, Matt, Chris, Sam, Laurie: Thanks for your support and for your understanding. This won’t be an easy decision for me to carry out…hell I got an email today from a band I had slated for the next episode who was obviously a bit disappointed. It’s angles like that which make this difficult.
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
Thank you so much for everything, Jason.
My best for a bright future.
Thanks for all you helped create Jason. You built this network and we’re eternally grateful for all you’ve done. Enjoy your new hobby, and best of luck to you.
Sad but, knew the decision of yours was going to have to made some day. Always up for a chat Jason 🙂
I really appreciate the passion you pour into your work. I’m sorry it came to this, but will follow your new venture with interest. Thanks for all the good tunes.
Thank You, Jason, and Good Luck!