It does not seem like it could really happen-an unsigned band getting the opportunity to tour nationally as well as record a second album. But, finally, people are voting for Kodos.
The Madison-based ska band I Voted For Kodos is currently preparing for their summer tour and receiving attention both nationally and internationally. Kodos has the ability to reach audiences of all ages and book shows across America.
Lead vocalist and trombonist Rick Bisenius attributes I Voted For Kodos' success to a lot of touring as they worked their way up from nothing.
\We've been through so many band members and we are on our own,"" Bisenius said. ""We've worked really hard for what we have.""
Joining Bisenius are guitarist Lee Gordon, bassist Ross Gilliland, drummer Troy Reichernberger and guitarist Tyler Christensen.
""The Internet's taken us really far too,"" Bisenius added.
Since May 2001, I Voted For Kodos has been the reigning king of ska bands on www.mp3.com. The band's songs have averaged 1,000 to 4,000 downloads per day, as well as being voted the seventh-best unsigned band in the country by www.purevolume.com.
Since their debut, I Voted For Kodos has shared the stage with Reel Big Fish, Motion City Soundtrack, Catch 22 and Fall Out Boy.
The band is most proud of working its way up from scratch.
""Our group has gotten noticed without knowing someone in the business, which is how is seems to go today,"" Gordon said. ""We're not signed yet and we have a long way to go, but we're better people because of it. We're not super-spoiled. We don't care if we get 13 roses instead of 14.""
I Voted For Kodos' situation has been very rosy the past few months. In February, the band recorded a second album at Gravity Studios in Chicago. They had the opportunity to work with producer Sean O'Keefe, whose production made Fall Out Boy huge. Recording the album was Manny Sanchez, who has work with bands such as Smashing Pumpkins and Incubus.
""Being able to record stuff with O'Keefe was awesome,"" Bisenius said. ""It was a high-quality screening process.""
Tonight, I Voted For Kodos performs at the Richland Center in Richland, Wis. The band said they love coming back to Wisconsin and performing for a home-state crowd.
Kodos' greatest moment was performing at the 2004 Vans Warped Tour, a summer-long tour in which over 40 bands perform each day. It is a coveted event that is one of the largest punk shows of the summer, according to Bisenius.
""There were so many bands. ... It was definitely one of our greatest thrills,"" Gordon said. ""It was awesome just to be a part of it. ... [The Warped Tour] was definitely a notch added to our belt ... because we got to perform there. Bands we respect were there.""
The band also said part of its appeal was holding all-ages shows, rather than just 18, or 21 plus. Bisenius said the smoky, older bar scene is not a conducive place to perform. Also, part of the reason I Voted For Kodos is still successful is due to its ability to build and sustain both a profit and a loyal audience.
""Their shows are a lot of fun. There is always so much energy. They're bouncing off the walls,"" said long-time fan and UW-Madison sophomore Lori Elias. ""Their music appeals to a lot of people. Lately, they've gotten away a little from the ska genre, but still have their old touch, which keeps the older fans too.\
