iSOLA

iSOLA named itself after a record by one of its influences, Kent. Following that line of thinking, the guys just as easily could have chosen the Bends to honor Radiohead or the Man Who to celebrate Travis. The shift-key-defying quartet formed last year in San Marcos, Texas, and quickly earned a following. In March, voters in the Austin Chronicle Music Awards named iSOLA the ninth-best area band. It has not all been wine and roses, however; just days before heading out on this tour, iSOLA competed and lost in the Austin semifinals of the Opportunity Rocks showcase. Although the band didn’t score top honors, it can at least take consolation by proceeding with a headlining tour while the Opportunity victors must open for Hoobastank or the Goo Goo Dolls.