EP322 Conan x Weedeater Round Three: Jon Davis on US Tours, Vinyl DIY & Life in Heavy Music

In Episode 322 of And Now The Band, Tom Robbins sits down with Jon Davis of UK doom/sludge powerhouse Conan for a wide-ranging conversation about touring life, creative independence, and building a sustainable music career without sacrificing happiness.Jon opens up about recovering from illness and the realities of staying healthy on the road, recalling past strep throat scares while touring the U.S. The focus quickly shifts to Conan’s upcoming American run with Weedeater — their third tour together — a pairing Jon has loved since first discovering the band long before meeting them on their 2016 Australia/New Zealand dates.The two discuss the benefits of co-headline style tours, sharing audiences in smaller venues, and playing with bands at similar levels rather than traditional top-heavy bills. Jon also talks about recent lineup changes, with David stepping in, which has pushed Conan into noisier, more experimental territory.On the recording front, Jon breaks down the band’s DIY ethos, including plans for a new 10-inch release, writing riffs at home with a drum machine, and maintaining long-term continuity with their trusted producer Chris. The conversation highlights Conan’s balance between consistency and evolution — protecting their core sound while still allowing creative risk.Beyond music, the episode gets personal. Jon reflects on:Navigating U.S. immigration and touring logistics (CARN paperwork, airport checks, red tape)The realities of UK visa requirements for touring bandsAging in heavy music and staying passionateLeaving a stable HR job to pursue music full-timeChoosing fulfillment over financial securityFamily also plays a central role. Jon shares stories about attending metal shows with his kids, including Cannibal Corpse and Cryptopsy, and how his career shapes their perception of music and life choices — from prideful moments to hilarious embarrassment, like a teacher playing his band in class.At its core, this episode is about longevity, authenticity, and betting on yourself — a candid look at what it takes to survive and thrive in underground heavy music.Touring with like-minded bands creates stronger, more engaged showsDIY formats like 10-inch vinyl keep releases creative and personalA stable production team helps preserve sonic identityImmigration and touring logistics remain a major hurdle for international bandsLong-term happiness often requires risk over securityHeavy music can strengthen family bonds across generationsAging doesn’t diminish passion — it deepens it#ConanBand#JonDavis#Weedeater#DoomMetal#SludgeMetal#AndNowTheBand#HeavyMusicPodcast#DIYMusic#Vinyl