Blogpost: Intro

Posted by Graham Isador • September 22, 2008

Posted by Graham Isador • September 22, 2008

Might as well has this here too, it's been three years since I wrote it. I think it still holds true.

Space for rent. Your ad here.


My name is Graham Isador, the prodigal son of tradition and crackers.
I am eighteen years old and would rather not be.

Blink.

My entire life, culture, opinions, soul were bought on books, records, websites.
For six easy payments of mistrust and dignity this could be yours!
But right now it’s mine, and I don’t mind that.
Hornby and Gavin call it the best years.
I call it my teens.

When I was five I wanted to be a power ranger.
Nine a police man.
Twelve an anarchist.
Sixteen a martyr.

Now I just want to be. There isn’t nearly enough time for that anymore though; as I waste my days in a school, a coffee shop, a basement, a bar; playing a big city life in a small town. I rotate the things that are still here to make it seem as if none of the pieces are missing. A lot of time spent, shooting, and filling blanks. She hasn’t minded, so I pretend not to. I’ve always had a strong appreciation for vertigo. It keeps me grounded.

Giving up and growing up haven’t really been that different.

Cough.

The most important thing to remember when ordering a green tea is that it’s tall, medium build, brown hair, with a battling sense of arrogance and insecurity, five sugars and no milk. Milk just fucks it up. That’s not shock value. It’s just how I see it.

There is a time and place for subtlety and articulation.
Describing myself is not the time or place.

If you’re so enamored I still have some room in the back.
The front rows are reserved for a dog named Jodie and a girl named Cassie.
She’s in California. I don’t recall what colour her eyes are but mine are grey.
If you turned her sideways she’d disappear. I like that.

Capitalism, though the ism people like most, is organized exploitation.
But you and I have always run on cheap oil and profit.
So it goes. We’ll learn soon enough.
The right don’t get it and the left have it wrong. I hope, I think, I know.
But there’s still a hole where a phone was thrown.
A pint of Guinness to make me strong.
A light that never goes out.
And another pattern forming.
These tunes in play in my head and when no one's looking I sing along.

Twitch.

Sometimes I try and get the insides out.
Other times I’d rather not.

I wonder if they talk about me, and if they do what they say.
“A writer with no direction, a poet with no muse, a liar, a cheat, and a loser”
Not that I’d care. I just really want to be noticed.

Really. For real. Forever. Ever Ever? Really.

Every line I’ve ever written has never really said what I’ve wanted to say.
Every mic I’ve sang into has never been loud enough.
My voice cracks when too many people listen.

I am over prescribed and under the weather.
My parents tell me it’s a phase. They’re okay.
It may be a phase. I don’t see them enough to know.

Trust me.

I’ll say sorry if it’ll make you feel better.
I’ll apologize if I can have my way.
That’s childish. You’re childish.
Time out. Wait your turn.

I wait a lot under a thousand calories a day!
Terrified of ending up past thirty two.
Round. Right round. Sideways. Like a tape deck.

Just flip a coin to get some head or tell tall tales.
I’ve made a habit of learning how to kill time.
I commit its murder daily.
And despite it’s death it doesn’t ever stop.

Ever Ever? Really.

Graham Isador • September 22, 2008

More recent blogposts

Heavens To Betsy @ Fine Line

Posted by Loren • October 20, 2026

Heavens To Betsy, Tuffie, Scrunchies Fine Line Minneapolis, MN October 16, 2026 photo by Loren Green I'm still a little confused that this show didn't sell out, but I imagine that brand recognition is a real thing here. Heavens To Betsy, for those who don’t know, were an Oregon duo active from 1991-1994, featuring drummer/bassist Tracy Sawyer and singer/guitarist/drummer Corin … Read more

Taking Back Sunday/Thrice/Saves the Day 10/11/26

Posted by Aaron H • October 18, 2026

Taking Back Sunday - Credit: AMH One of the best alt-rock tours of the year and an "elder emo" dream come true, has been making its way across the country. Headlined by Taking Back Sunday, with support from Thrice and Saves the Day, it's a nonstop night of amazing music and performances, and I was fortunate enough to make it … Read more

Pennywise @ HISTORY

Posted by Mirela Z. • September 30, 2026

Pennywise @ HISTORY Toronto, Canada — September 27, 2026 Pennywise Live Review – Eastern North American Fall 2026 Tour Toronto was the only Canadian stop on Pennywise’s 10-date Eastern North American fall tour, bringing an incredible bill of old-school punk and hardcore veterans to HISTORY on September 27. The lineup featured Murphy’s Law, H₂O and Circle Jerks supporting Pennywise, making … Read more

Sex Pistols feat. Frank Carter @ History

Posted by Christopher D • September 24, 2026

Never Mind The Bollocks- Sex Pistols feat. Frank Carter Brings 50 Years of Punk To History, Toronto Venue: History, Toronto, ON Date: Monday, September 21, 2026 Support: Panic Shack photo by Christopher D. Controlled Anarchy Whenever a band returns without its original singer, people have an opinion. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone has a butthole. Ever since Frank Carter … Read more

Show Review: Social Distortion, Descendents, Chats

Posted by Christopher D • September 17, 2026

Social Distortion, Descendents, The Chats History (Toronto) – September 14, 2026 The crowd at History showed just how much punk’s demographic has shifted over the years. The room was clearly split: veterans who grew up on Social Distortion and Descendents stood shoulder-to-shoulder with younger kids who got into the genre through The Chats—a weird contrast against History’s polished, venue-security-heavy atmosphere. … Read more

Weird Al Yankovic @ Acrisure Arena 9/13/26

Posted by Aaron H • September 17, 2026

Weird Al - Credit: AMH Weird Al Yankovic has been on his "Bigger and Weirder" Tour for over the past year hitting every major and minor US city on the map. This past weekend, he made his way to the outskirts of San Bernardino county in Thousand Palms playing the town's Acrisure Arena. An oasis of a town just before … Read more

Bikini Kill/Alice Bag @ The Wiltern 9/9/26

Posted by Aaron H • September 13, 2026

Bikini Kill - Credit: AMH "Punk is still very much alive and well... and more needed than ever." In LA, punks of all generations gathered at The Wiltern to witness pioneers and legends converge on stage for a rallying call to action and celebration and fun. Bikini Kill are a few days into their 2026 tour. For their pair of … Read more

Savage Mountain Punk Festival 2026

Posted by Bree • September 2, 2026

For many punk rockers on the east coast - the beginning of August marks one of our favorite times of year in Appalachia - The Savage Mountain Punk Festival. This year the dates fell on August 6-8th and was held at the all ages venue, Mezzos, in Cumberland, MD. The building that houses the Mezzos has 3 levels. The bottom … Read more

Savage Mountain Pool Party

Posted by Bree • August 29, 2026

Savage Mountain Pool Party Private Event 8/8/26 I’ve heard about the legendary Savage Mountain Pool Party, but I have never been invited before until this year. That changed on August 8th, 2026 when I packed my cooler with Mountain Dew and water and headed to a private address to join some of the rest of the Savage Mountain attendees and… … Read more

Death Cab For Cutie @ Gallagher Square 8/4/26

Posted by Aaron H • August 8, 2026

Death Cab for Cutie - Credit: AMH For over the past month, Death Cab for Cutie have been on the road across North America promoting their new album, I Built You a Tower. Along the way, they were joined by Japanese Breakfast, Jay Som, and for this final stretch of shows, Nation of Language opened the show. I made my … Read more