https://www.facebook.com/theisolatedbrigade
LinkTree
From: Illinois
Sounds like: Rock
1. What's new with The Isolated Brigade??
Maximillian: This year, we plan to release 10 songs. We have not released music in over 4 years but we feel now is a great time to create and release music again. We have been working on making T-shirts and stickers as well and we hope to have those ready by the time we play shows again.
Alex: Just life. Our bassist moved to Arizona, but we still have been trying to focus on music and wrapping up songs that we want to release.
2. What can you tell us about the new music??
Maximillian: The new music is a lot more hard hitting in my opinion: more rock and roll sounding and energetic. For example, our most recent release, Touch Me with Shame, is very energetic and fun to play live. While eventually we may release some softer songs again, I can say right now, that is not the plan for 2025.
Alex: A lot of the new music feels heavier than our previous material. Feels like we've been sitting on some of them for a while now. So it feels like a breath of fresh air to get them released for others to hear.
3. What have been some highlights within the past year for the band?
Maximillian: First, a bad highlight is our bassist, Steve, has moved to another state. We definitely miss him. Luckily, he recorded 5 songs that are coming out this year so at least he is present with our music. A positive highlight is simply recording music again and getting back at it. We got to work with 2 amazing studios and their engineers. So I want to give a shoutout to Matt and Mike at Sonic Palace and also Rob at Uptown Recording Studios. Those 3 engineers have been amazing and insanely helpful with our journey back into music.
Alex: Mostly just getting back in the studio again the past year. Last time we recorded was during COVID, so it feels good to get back into music again.
4. Your visual style (artwork, music video, etc.) has always been impressive, what can you tell us about that?
Maximillian: Another shoutout to our past visual artist, Brad Hofbauer. He made those 5 song art covers back in 2020/2021 and they are truly amazing. Unfortunately due to time, he is unable to assist us with all of our new releases this year; however, 3 upcoming songs will feature his artwork. Our newly designed logo was created by our great friend, Jason Moore. He hand drew that logo and it was exactly what Alex wanted. Jason is going to help us create 5 artworks for 5 of the songs this year. He has graciously taken up the challenge to help us with that. For example, our upcoming song, One True King, releasing April 11th, has his artwork that he also drew by hand. We are truly appreciative of our friends assisting us with our musical journey.
5. What are some pre-show rituals you may have?
Maximillian: Given we have just gotten back into making music, we haven't done many shows so I can't really say what pre-show rituals I might have. I like to listen to a pitch finder to make sure I'm ready to sing the right key before taking the stage. Also of course talking to people in the crowd prior to taking the stage; thanking them for their support.
Alex: I don't really have pre-show rituals. I feel like we all get nervous. We haven't played a lot recently. Only 1 show in a while so it still feels like it's just getting psyched into getting on stage again.
6. What's your favorite show you've ever played and why?
Maximillian: For Alex's 30th birthday, we did a show for him and our good friend, Darius. That is honestly, at the moment, my favorite show that we played. There was no real pressure to make sure our set is perfectly timed so we wouldn't accidentally tick off other bands on the roster. Plus, we played primarily in front of all of our friends and while it's a bit nerve wracking to play in front of friends, we felt comfortable. It was our first show as a three piece in over 4 years (due to COVID) and it is what helped ignite a passion to record and release music again.
Alex: Probably our only 1 from the past few years. We played a birthday show for myself and our close friend's 30th birthday party. Felt good because it was the first time we played a lot of songs that were released during COVID and it just felt good to see old friends again.
7. What's something you wish you could change about your local music scene?
Maximillian: In my opinion, I feel the local music scene in Chicago heavily relies on cover bands. Lots of listings I see are specifically for cover bands and while I can understand venues wanting that, it makes me feel the original bands get left out unless they have a massive following already. However, I have noticed recently a lot more DIY locations and passionate music fans creating their own venues for local bands to play at. It's very refreshing to see and, of course, something I truly appreciate people doing for local, original artists.
8. What are you currently listening to?
Maximillian: I'm a big fan of The Who so I'm always listening to their stuff. A couple years ago, I recently got back into listening to Oingo Boingo. Not many people know Oingo Boingo but they do know Danny Elfman. I found it funny that right when I got back into listening to Oingo Boingo, Danny Elfman released an album, Big Mess, and I really enjoyed it. It's a good blend of punk and orchestra music mixed with weirdness. That album personally helped me realize that I should and can write whatever music I want without feeling judged. One of our songs releasing this year is actually influenced by Danny Elfman and Primus so if that isn't an indicator of weirdness, I'm not sure what is. Other than that, I usually joke that my taste in music is basically bands from the 60s/70s or consists of the soundtracks from every Tony Hawk video game. Also slight digression but shoutout to the Spotify curator who put Touch Me with Shame on a Tony Hawk inspired playlist. I don't think you'll ever read this but you have no idea how much that personally meant to me. Thank you.
Alex: Feels like it's constantly changing and I haven't been hyperfixed on any one artist or songs lately. Depends on the mood. But one modern that is always active that comes out with stuff nearly each year is King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. They have a great variety to always go back to them for something different. A lot of 90's stuff too like Jar of Flies by Alice in Chains or anything by Radiohead. Also bands from 2000's like Arctic Monkeys or Queens of the Stone Age.
9. What do you wish to accomplish in the next year?
Maximillian: Honestly, for 2025, I just am glad we are releasing music again. It is a nice feeling knowing your music is out there and there are people out there enjoying it. Plus with 1 new song every single month this year, the momentum is steady. Hopefully for 2026, we will continue to have music recorded and ready to release but at the moment, we are focused on making sure 2025 goes strong.
Alex: Getting all our new songs released and eventually supporting them by getting back into shows again. Seeing some old friends again and having fun.
