St. Petersburg’s own music outlet sat down with Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock via Zoom to discuss the band’s upcoming tour and the challenges of making music today. The group’s eighth album, An Eraser and a Maze, will be supported by a series of dates that begin next week in Clearwater, Florida.
Clearwater launch
The first stop is set for Wednesday, Sept. 16, at BayCare Sound. Tickets are on sale now, and local fans can expect the band’s signature blend of gritty rock, eclectic rhythms and atmospheric touches. Brock noted that the set will include a brief, 34‑second track called “Stoner Party,” which he described as a tongue‑in‑cheek “conga line” that sits between the more melodic songs.
Recording is work, not always fun
When asked whether music still feels like an adventure after decades in the business, Brock admitted that the creative process can be “tedious.” He likened the effort to a workout: “Creating’s great, but the brutal work of getting it right isn’t necessarily fun. It’s rewarding, like going to the gym.” He explained that even simple decisions—like choosing microphones—can become a grind when the goal is to capture the right sound.
Live shows and touring life
Playing live remains a highlight for Brock, though he warned that the logistics of touring can be “bullshit.” He’s about to embark on a six‑week Florida leg, which means long bus rides and endless waiting. Still, he expects the performances to be enjoyable once the band hits the stage.
Studio as an instrument
Brock reflected on the early days of recording when the band used “really, really simple tricks,” such as flipping tape reels, to achieve unique sounds. Today, he says, technology has turned those tricks into computer‑based operations, forcing musicians to find new ways to challenge themselves.
Songwriting from the subconscious
The singer shared that many ideas arrive in his sleep. He often wakes with a fragment, writes it down, and later decides whether to keep or discard it. “Ninety‑some odd percent of the time I just end up going with the words that were there,” he said, noting that the subconscious often guides the final lyrics.
Influences and favorite tracks
When asked about musical influences, Brock mentioned Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks as a record he can listen to repeatedly. He also praised Dylan’s “Idiot Wind” for its storytelling, calling it “mellow and mean‑spirited,” a rare combination he admires.
Fans in Clearwater can look forward to a set that mixes classic Modest Mouse hits—like the 2004 single “Float On”—with new material from An Eraser and a Maze. The tour promises the band’s trademark energy, experimental touches, and a few unexpected moments, such as the brief “Stoner Party” interlude.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
