Distortion Productions Welcomes Pittsburgh's Dichro!!!

Distortion Productions is happy and proud to welcome Pittsburgh’s electronic rock act, Dichro to it’s ever growing family! “Pete and Char are old friends and I am so happy that they have joined us. Having booked them a few times in the last year, I can say that everyone is in for quite a treat! I used to see Pete’s old bands play around Pittsburgh when I was still in my teens so it’s as much a treat for me as it is for everyone else.” Label owner Jim Semonik says. Dichro joins fellow Pittsburgh based bands Tragic Impulse and Red Lokust that have been mainstays on the label since the early days.

In April 2020, amidst the chaos of a world in flux, Peter Guellard, renowned bassist of Pittsburgh's industrial rock legends Venus in Furs and former member of Mace and The Electric Hellfire Club, embarked on a unique musical experiment. Bringing together a cadre of local musicians, Guellard orchestrated an online cover of the iconic but "industrialized" folk classic "Man of Constant Sorrow," infusing it with an electronic edge that left listeners electrified and from this virtual collaboration emerged Dichro, a dynamic quartet poised to redefine the boundaries of darker types of music. 

August 2020 marked their official debut with a mesmerizing cover and accompanying music video of Dead Can Dance's "The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove," a bewitching rendition that captivated audiences with its exotic allure. Guellard is joined by guitarist Dirk Miller (Rusted Root, Uprooted), drummer and an established percussionist Tracey Whorton (Venus In Furs, Jenn Wertz Band), and singer/songwriter/dancer/actress Charmaine Evonne, back in the Pittsburgh area after several years spent touring with the Amazing Acro Cats and moving from Austin to New Orleans to Atlanta. She most often performs outside the band as a solo artist or as a professional stilt-walker and fire/LED flow artist and she appeared in the Netflix series "Cat People".

Fueled by the symbiotic creativity of Charmaine and Peter, Dichro embarked on a journey of sonic exploration, crafting a debut album titled "Stained Glass" at The Church Recording Studio and later in Psychotribe Studio in Pittsburgh. From remote demos to studio sessions, their collaborative spirit breathed life into each track, resulting in a collection of songs that push the boundaries of anthemic darkwave. 

The band's debut single, "One Lane Bridge," accompanied by a haunting music video reminiscent of "The Blair Witch Project," serves as a stark reflection of the anxiety and fear wrought by the Covid virus. With a message urging vigilance in the face of uncertainty, Dichro captures the frustrations of a world in turmoil. Following the success of their debut, Dichro unveiled "Strangled," a poignant exploration of "taxation without representation" from Charmaine's perspective. With each release, Dichro delves deeper into the complexities of the human experience, weaving a tapestry of sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. 

Signed to Distortion Productions label in March 2024, Dichro is poised to unleash their debut album "Stained Glass" in August 2024, promising a sonic journey unlike any other. Blurring the lines between music and visual art, their live performances feature bespoke video backdrops and customized light shows, transforming each show into a transcendent experience. As they venture into the pre-production stage for their third single and music video, "Mercy," Dichro continues to push the boundaries of music, infusing their anthemic darkwave sound with elements of goth, ethereal, industrial, and pop.

https://dichro.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=dichro

Electronic Saviors Vol. 7:ReUnion Submissions Open For Summer 2025 Release!

The popular Electronic Saviors: Industrial Music to Cure Cancer compilation series is officially returning in 2025 and will be released by Metropolis Records and Distortion Productions. Having donated 113K over the 13 years of it’s existence, the series was to have concluded in 2020 with vol. 6. However, creator and cancer survivor Jim Semonik has said that the series remains as strong as ever with recent spin off projects like Be One of Us, Draven’s Mixtape, Synthcore Dreams and Respect the Prime still selling and finding new audiences. The decision was made to continue the series at the Mechanismus Festival in 2023 when Distortion appeared at the festival to vend cds and vinyl. A volume 8 and 9 may very well follow depending on the reception of Vol. 7.

Electronic Saviors artists Jeff Confer and Samantha Johnson are returning with their stunning artwork. The set will be physical and digital. The cds will be the usual bookshelf format and will be a 6 disc set with the latter 2 discs being completely exclusive to the set and non digital. The first 4 discs will be available everywhere digitally. Jim has already started reaching out to artists and have confirmed several bands already.

Submissions are now officially open. The rules are as follows:

-Tracks must be 100% exclusive for 2 YEARS from release date. Tracks may be released after the 2 year period.

-Tracks must be completely new and written for this release only. No remixes, alternate versions or b sides will be accepted. We realize this is a big ask, but it is imperative to ensure the utmost quality that the ES series is known for.

-Tracks must be received in wav format only and emailed/uploaded to djhiem@gmail.com before Dec 31st 2024.

-Please DO NOT send tracks via Facebook Messenger. Also please do not message Jim on messenger asking if your track was accepted. Every track will be responded to with a formal letter in January 2025.

-There is no time limit on tracks but around 5 minutes is an acceptable length.

-Every artist is encouraged to write a testimonial about their personal experience with cancer. It will appear in the packaging liner notes.

-Send a band jpg and credits with your track how you’d like them to be listed. If you do not, we have been known to make up stuff.

-Proceeds will be donated to Young Adult Survivors United, The Colorectal Research Dept of Pitt University and Darkest Before Dawn among others.

Distortion Signs Vermont/NYC Goth Pop Act Metamorph!!

Distortion Productions is so very proud to announce the signing of Vermont/NYC Goth Pop act Metamorph! Distortion will release the brand new full length album in 2024. You can also catch Metamorph as part of the Dark Force Fest in Spring 2024.

Label owner Jim Semonik first recalls meeting Metamorph’s Margot Day at The Unconvention in 2022.

“I immediately got a friendly vibe from her and knew there was something special going on. Having not been familiar with The Plague, my interest was peaked. Her collab with Erik makes this a no brainer. You guys are gonna love this project!”

About Metamorph:

Fall under the spell of witchy Goth Pop band, Metamorph. Starring native New Yorker, multi-range vocalist, flute player and songwriter, Margot Day, who was an integral part of the 80’s NYC goth scene while fronting the legendary band, The Plague. By her side, Thaliana conjures luscious dance vibes, synth and harmonious backup vocals. Together, they fuse tech with magical rituals to deliver shows that are danceable, otherworldly, and intoxicating.

Available on all platforms, Metamorph beckons you with haunting melodies and tales of heartbreak, empowerment, magic, and twin flames. The “Kiss of the Witch” Album dropped in 2022. In 2023 the “Spellbound Empress” EP, and singles “Woo Woo” and “Witchlit”.

New Metamorph is produced by the Metamorph “Alchemist”, Erik Gustafson of Adoration Destroyed, Eva X and Grendel. 2023 also brought remixes of “Woo Woo” from the illustrious Moris Blak, Assemblage 23. Get ready for an electrifying 2024 as the next Metamorph Album drops on Distortion Productions, LLC.

After a profound healing in 2016, Margot Day established Metamorph. The Metamorph Music Channel on YouTube chronicles this journey, captivating over 150,000 viewers with bewitching music videos.
Traveling with their tiny mascot Melody, Metamorph has taken to stages in the US, Canada, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.

Metamorph invites you to embrace the allure and awaken your inner witch, vampire, superhero, wizard…


Third Realm Returns to Distortion with New Album: Into Oblivion!!

After releasing 2 hit albums on Distorion, dark electro act Third Realm is set to “come home” to Distortion Productions with the new album, Into Oblivion on October 20th. Third Realm first signed on to Distortion with the albums The Suffering Angel (2017) and Dystopian Society (2018). After reconnecting with label owner, Jim Semonik at a recent music festival, the two decided to partner up again for the new album. Band chief, Nathan Reiner posted on Facebook….

We got to chatting, and it was a no-brainer to return to the Distortion family. The loyalty, transparency and dedication Jim demonstrates is unmatched, so I am highly grateful to be releasing the new album with his support.”

“Every artist says this regarding their new releases, but from a production and songwriting point of view, this might be my favorite I've ever put together. I haven't always been content with my albums as a whole, but this came together exactly how it needed to. Due to all the heavy life circumstances of the past couple of years, I'll admit it wasn't easy to focus on this. That is why I decided to put it off until I could truly pour my entire passion into it.

Stylistically, it's a lot darker and heavier than recent releases. I suppose if you put "Love is the Devil" & "Beyond Good and Evil" in a blender, you'd get "Into Oblivion". Stay tuned and as always; thank you for listening! - Nathan”

North Carolina's Solemn Shapes Joins Distortion Productions!!!

After having recently signed their tour mates, The Russian White, Distortion has now signed North Carolina’s Solemn Shapes. Solemn Shapes just finished the Children of the New Dawn Tour with The Russian White, silver walks and others. Distortion is proud to add them to the growing family and we can’t wait to see what they do next. Expect the new album in the next few months and even more live shows!

Solemn Shapes is a North American electronic music group, formed in 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina where they are currently based. Vocalist and electronic artist Melanie Foxfire met touring synthesist/electronic musician Scott Sunset in 2009 and the duo started playing shows as Solemn Shapes in 2016. The Shapes have played over two hundred shows throughout the midwest, south and east coast USA with several tours since their formation. Their second EP, “Animalism” trended on the Bandcamp Darkwave, Industrial and Electronic charts in 2021 and has received a lot of airplay since its release. They have released music on two compilations and also have two songs in the film Sister Tempest by Joe Badon.

Solemn Shapes is often labeled as a Darkwave band, with influences ranging from early Industrial music to EBM and Electronic music. The name Solemn Shapes is derived from a Vincent Scully architectural article referring to the beauty of Louis Khan’s building, “all the hard and solemn shapes were now derived from an analysis of function and most of all, from the reception of light.” The shapes of the interior, Scully called ‘Brutalist’. Brutal Resonance described Solemn Shapes experimental electronics...”each trickle of electronics layered on top of one another gave me another reason to love, vocals perfectly matched, swiveling between a more-human-than-human vibe to creepy horror-tinged science fiction bouts. Tons of experimental sounds play out." Disturbed By Voices characterized Solemn Shapes’ music as “catchy melodies with brilliant vocal apparitions driven over gorgeously industrial landscapes...hauntingly dystopian, the gothically-tinged industrial/electronica embraces a not-altogether alien landscape, perhaps stressing a future-forced-aloneness with human connectivity verboten except through cold technology.”

Their Animalism EP is a lead-up to their full-length album, Prolonged Exposure to Darkness, which are both mastered by Rob Robinson (ohGr, Order of the Static Temple) with the album scheduled to be released in late 2023 with Distortion Productions, LLC.

The Russian White Joins Distortion Productions, LLC!!!

Distortion Productions is pleased to announce the signing of Pennsylvania’s The Russian White!! Having recently booked them on their most recent tour with labelmates, silver walks and North Carolina’s Solemn Shapes, Distortion owner Jim Semonik was blown away by their live show!! “I was fortunate to know Tom for a while, having them as part of Electronic Saviors Vol.6 was awesome. I love their show and they are really fun guys!”

Look for their new album in late 2023 or early 2024 with a lot more to come in the years to follow.

The Russian White is a dark electronic and deathwave project hailing from Pennsylvania in the United States. The Russian White take elements of post-punk, synthwave, witch house, and other underground genres to create a soundtrack reminiscent of an 80s stalker flick. Electronic beats, haunting atmospheres, shimmering effects, and lush vocals meet with stories of obsession, beauty, and the unknown. FFO: Health, Crosses, Nine Inch Nails.

Distortion Signs IIOIOIOII, Will Release New Album "Dreaming" This Year!!

Distortion is very excited to announce the addition of Charlotte, North Carolina’s synthpop act IIOIOIOII (Pronounced IO). IIOIOIOII has been an active band since 2012 and is best described as dark and atmospheric electronic synthpop taking inspiration from classic New Wave and Industrial music. IIOIOIOII takes on lush soundscapes and heavy melodic elements and combines them with hard hitting beats. Together with smooth vocals IIOIOIOII combines it all to form an emotional and introspective moment you can dance to.

Look out for their new album “Dreaming” in the latter half of 2023!!

Glass Apple Bonzai Signs With Distortion Productions!!!

Distortion is absolutely thrilled to announce the signing of Canada’s Glass Apple Bonzai!!!! Hailing from Niagara Falls, Ontario, GAB is led by talented singer/songwriter Daniel Belasco. Originally started as a tradition 80's synthpop throwback Glass Apple Bonzai has grown into a modern amalgamation of synth pop, darkwave, gothic rock, and even power pop.

Distortion is no stranger to GAB as they have contributed to Electronic Saviors Volumes 5 and 6. They also did a killer remix of the Madman single from Red Lokust. Glass Apple Bonzai will release their first album for Distortion in Summer of 2023.

https://glassapplebonzai.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/glassapplebonzai

https://www.instagram.com/danielxbelasco/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX_hRlrxeTGi58OjaSA90kA

Electropop Act Monody Returns With a New EP, 'Subtle Dissent" for Distortion Productions!

Distortion is pleased to announce the signing of Monody from Portland, Oregon. It’s been a while since we heard from this act. Their first track that gained the attention of Distortion was back on Electronic Saviors Vol 2. Their track “In Between (Irradiated Mix)” was a great combo of electro/ebm and synthpop. The new EP, “Subtle Dissent” will be unleased on Nov 11th and includes and amazing cover of “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel as well as future club hits Fallacy, Accuser and Eye to Eye which is also remixed by Eisfabrik.

Monody was initially conceived by a shared love for electronic music, and a desire to push the known envelope of what can be accomplished in a live situation. Monody was formed in the autumn of 2006 in the wake of the disbandment of 3 other groups. Fueled by the shared commitment to hone their respective skills, Monody’s members journeyed into Portland’s electronic music scene. With a writing style laden with pop sensibility, Monody has been able to capture the attention of electronic music fans local and abroad. With signature vocal harmonies, thundering drums, and edgy synth lines, the band has been able to leave listeners with a satisfaction typically reserved for seasoned veterans within their genre. Unsatisfied with the status quo, Monody’s philosophy behind their live performances has always been about providing their fans with an unforgettable experience. This is evident within the additional musical flourishes the band adds to each show, akin to a traditional “rock” band. The sheer force of an accomplished, acoustic drummer provides much of the driving force during their performances.




Washington, D.C.'s AMULET joins Distortion Productions!!

Distortion Productions is so very pleased to welcome Amulet from Washington, D.C.!!! Led by MJ Phoenix and Stephanie Stryker, Amulet brings a sound to the Distortion label that is brilliant and unique. As an intense live act, Amulet has been making the waves regionally with their brand of intense electronic gothic rock. Amulet got the attention of Distortion owner, Jim Semonik after submitting some hard hitting demos and really high end remixes. The first release on Distortion will be the Perfect Fusion EP.

Perfect Fusion is a seven-track remix release from Amulet’s full length 2021 album House of Black + White with electronic revisioning from Stabbing Westward, Grendel, Stoneburner, The Joy Thieves, 11Grams, Red This Ever, and unitcode:machine.

Through the miracle of modern alchemy, Amulet and their cohort of mad scientists have created what mankind has been reaching for: a perfect fusion of AI and human. 

Starting with a base of organic analog musical substance provided by the humans of Amulet, the panel of geniuses in artificial intelligence have used the power of the electric binary to exalt the best of both worlds into this creative cocktail of computer science.

Driving beats for the dancefloor fused with powerful sirenic vocals to electrify your darkened soul, Perfect Fusion is a remix album that will go down both in the history books and at the club.

https://amulettheband.com/

https://amulettheband.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0MIXqJTzEdqxtggC1GsfHy?si=VbxCYcJgRNeNu-TkaWdw0A&dl_branch=1&nd=1


Florida's MissFit Toys Joins Distortion Productions for New Album "The Nine"

Distortion is proud to announce the addition of MissFit Toys to the fam. You might have seen them as direct support for electro juggernauts Hocico on their Spring 2022 USA tour. Distortion will release their new album “The Nine” on December 9, 2022

Formed in 2007 by Richie V. Suriv, MissFit Toys is a Florida based industrial band who through heavy focus on the live aspect and  their dark synthesized sound has become a well known name within the alternative scene.

MissFit Toys has toured/played with the following artists; Dope, Hocico, Pig, Skold, Psyclon Nine, Combichrist, Striplicker, Grendel, William Control, Wednesday 13, Davey Suicide etc.

 

The latter half of 2019 saw the CD exclusive release of their latest album "Through The Glass" as they joined Psyclon Nine as support act on the RuinaTWOUR. The album was later released digitally and can be found on all major streaming service or bought directly from the band at missfit-toys.bandcamp.com.

 

During the pandemic MissFit Toys continued to stay focused with the release of two new singles and online streaming performances.

While the summer of 2022 saw the creation of the band's newest album THE NINE (Dec 9th) and a direct support slot on the Hocico hyper violent USA  east coast tour. Along with the announcement of a continuation for the Hocico hyper violent tour taking place in Mexico march of 2023.

 

 

 

Social Media:

 

Facebook:

http://facebook.com/missfittoys

Bandcamp:

http://Missfit-toys.bandcamp.com

 Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/18jzNAb9LzxzkkzLXD2FgC

EVA X Signs With Distortion Productions, LLC!!!

Distortion Productions is very excited to announce that Canada’s Eva X has joined the family! We have been aware of Eva X for quite some time going back to the submission for the Electronic Saviors Vol. 6 compilation. Eva X is the brainchild of Gaby Gustafson who has been making waves lately with her singles “Whipping Girl” and “Machine”. Her new album I Dream of A Reality will be released on Sept 9th, 2022! High profile appearances on 3 huge festivals (Mechanismus, Terminus, and Unconvention) are all confirmed! Catch Eva X live as soon as you can!

About Eva X:

Eva X is a robot girl singing about human things, or a one-woman gothic pop powerhouse. Blending elements of dark electro, industrial pop, and even synthwave and hyperpop, diversity is definitely on display for all. Whatever your poison may be, she’s got it. Her unique combination of high-power vocals, nostalgic synths, and heavy metal attitude have drawn a dedicated following in Canada and beyond. The singles "Machine" and "Whipping Girl" both made appearances on a few synthpop Best of 2021 lists in a very crowded year.

Bandcamp: eva-x.bandcamp.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evaxband

(@evaxband)

Instagram: @eva_x.exe 

Twitter: @eva_exe

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCga-bat8rhOrSDTpX9SboHg


Whipping Girl MV: https://youtu.be/7sBXfOw67C4

Machine MV: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QHP8usCaC5E&feature=youtu.be

Distortion partners with Tigersquawk Records for Ukranian Benefit Versus Compilation to Commemorate Dark Side of the Con 4!!

Tigersquawk Records and Distortion are teaming up to commemorate Dark Side of the Con 4 and raise funds for the Ukraine!!! We at Distortion think the world of Brian Graupner and the bands at Tigersquawk. Our friendship goes back a long time since the formation of the Electronic Saviors series. What a great bunch of folks! The artwork was done by our wonderful Jason Wolf!

https://tigersquawkrecords.bandcamp.com/.../distortion...

All proceeds for this release go to benefit the

International Committee of the Red Cross at www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine

We need to charge a dollar for pre-order to work, but will drop it to zero on release.

Cover art by Jason Wolf

releases April 1, 2022

Featuring (hoo boy):

Red Lokust

Injustrial

Interface

Cut Brain

Lorelei Dreaming

Beta Virus

Sensuous Enemy

The Gothsicles feat. Choke Chain

Null Device

Batávia

Dogtablet

Alia Synesthesia

Syrinx Starr

Tragic Impulse

Grasp Logic

Blue Eyed Christ

Landscape Body Machine

And Void

Gasoline Invertebrate

Pill Brigade

Esther Black

Klubovader

Silver Walks

Lightray

Spider Lilies

Psyence Fiction

Planetdamage

Trade Secrets

Stigmata With Screwdrivers

Traumabond

Severed Skies

Sapphira Vee

Smouldering Embers of Aggression

Melting Rust Opera - fanseite

Lewdo Zlex

Sanity Checks

Red Lokust to Support FRONT 242 at Mr. Smalls Theater in Pittsburgh April 14!!

Hey all!, Jim here! We are pleased to announce that Red Lokust will support legendary act, FRONT 242 at Mr. Smalls Theater in Pittsburgh on April 14th. First off, let me thank Jason Novak, the wonderful folks at Opus One Productions and Mr. Smalls as well as the band themselves for having us. Lee and I are both lifelong fans of Front 242 and are thrilled at this opportunity. 242 hasn’t played Pittsburgh in nearly 30 years. Their last appearance being Lollapalooza 93 which was coincidentally my first concert. It is a true honor to be a part of this. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY TWO U.S. DATES ON THIS TOUR!!! I will have tickets on hand all the time and at Eide’s Entertainment of course. Tickets go live today and links will be posted here when they do. We will have brand new band shirts to commemorate this occasion as well as a remastered re release of our first album, The Repercussions of Shedding Your Skin which has been out of print for a few years.

Red Lokust’s new album, Whom the Gods Wish to Ruin, They First Drive Mad was released in 2020 just as the coronavirus hit the world. We have not had an opportunity to play live since then so that makes this show all the more special. Our last show in Pittsburgh was 3 years ago. so this is an incredible joy for us.

GET TICKETS NOW!!

https://www.distortionprod.com/tickets/front-242red-lokust-mr-smalls-ticket-april-14th-2022