Distortion Welcomes Dogtablet to the Family!

Distortion is overjoyed to announce the addition of Dogtablet from the United Kingdom. You may know Martin King from his work with legendary industrial band Test Dept. With collaborator, Bob Soave, these gents will be releasing new material through Distortion as well as physical editions of their albums Feathers & Skin (2019) and Pearldrop Blue (2021). Recent Distortion signing, Sapphira Vee has also collaborated with Dogtablet bring this addition full circle.

Dogtablet’s individual parts all make sense on their own, but together they should not. Combine the people involved in Industrial agit-noise disruptors Test Department with the baroque-goth figures in Shelleyan Orphan as well as the machine rock’n’roll pioneers Chemlab, add dashes of The Cure and some Beat Generation ghost voices and you’d naturally come out with a directionless howl of meaningless cacophony.
Instead, Dogtablet’s sound is a rich mixture of thrumming yet down- tempo grooves that nestle comfortably next to luxurious, grey-skied soundscapes. Their aching yet driving sounds are never more effective than on their fourth album, the newly-released “Pearldrop Blue”.

By turns lushly intimate and brashly sweaty, Martin King and Roberto Soave’s programming sweeps from delicate to darkly hypnotic, groove-drenched and disturbed, confidently cycling from threatening to comforting without missing a beat. Jared Louche, front man for Machine Rock band Chemlab, sings, croons, whispers and shouts through four of the tracks this.....Covid restrictions in the UK making it hard for the trio to get together in the studio to jam their new ideas Martin and Bob once again invited an array of talent to contribute vocals and words to the project.

This is something that they will hope to continue with in the future.

Distortion Signs New York's Sapphira Vee!

Hailing from Western NY, Sapphira Vee is a prolific electronic artist who emerged in late 2018 with a steady stream of releases that combine alluring, elegant vocals with her trademark percussive beat approach and emotionally affecting synths.  In that time she’s also collaborated with many other artists such as Dogtablet, The Joy Thieves, Spanktheun and Melodywhore both as vocalist, and remixer and programmer.

She makes dark, trippy music with an industrial edge. no boundaries and very few filters. Heavily influenced by her industrial roots, her driving beats, dark wave and trip hop vibe make her an electro vixen who demands your attention!

Sapphira Vee’s first release for Distortion will be the Duets EP in July. This is a special collaboration between Sapphira Vee and 3 vocalists of her choosing. Chicago’s Mike Reidy (W.O.R.M./Joy Thieves/Dogtablet) contributes a track as does Chris Connelly (Ministry/Pigface/Revolting Cocks/Cocksure etc) and Jim Semonik (Jimmy Semtex/Red Lokust/Rein[Forced]/Electronic Saviors Creator). The Ep also features remixes from Caustic, Eva X, Melodywhore and Joy Thieves.

Check out Sapphira Vee’s work at:

https://sapphiravee.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/c/SapphiraVeeOfficial

John Fryer to Produce New silver walks Album!!!

Various Positions, the new silver walks album, has a new producer! Exciting news out of the silver walks camp recently dropped. Direct for the Facebook page of Daniel himself…

“As these songs are quickly developing into the best things I've written, I decided to see exactly how far they could go. Why is VP taking so long, you ask? Well, it's because legendary producer John Fryer (NIN 'Pretty Hate Machine', Depeche Mode, Stabbing Westward, Nitzer Ebb, Cocteau Twins) is now involved.”

“*shrugs* So that's a thing. NOT INTIMIDATED AT ALL.”

Look for the album to drop on Distortion in late Summer/Early Fall!

Electronic Saviors Vol. 6 Makes Highest Donation Yet and Crosses 100K in Combined ES Donations!

We here at Electronic Saviors are completely ecstatic to report that the donations from the success of Electronic Saviors Vol. 6 are the biggest in ES history. Donations of $5,000 were sent to Cap For Kids and Darkest Before Dawn with a donation of 10K to the colon and rectal cancer research team at Pitt University c/o Dr. David Medich. Additional Funds will also be sent to Young Adult Survivors United as well. Over the course of the 10 year existence of Electronic Saviors, we have donated to many different charities and individual GoFundMe accounts. Nearly 400 different artists from all over the world have come together over the years to make this happen.

Series creator, Sir Jim Semonik exclaims “I can’t believe we did it. 6 volumes, 3 spin offs, multiple tours and lots of blood, sweat and tears led to this. We are crossing 100K with these donations and I can only help that we made a difference.”

As this very difficult year ends, we think about those in need.

Electronic Saviors will continue to live on starting with next years Crow Tribute album entitled Draven’s Mixtape. It’s a covers project that pays homage to the 1994 movie and soundtrack. Similar in style to Respect the Prime: 1986 Revisited, Draven’s Mixtape will release this Summer. Other projects still in the works are the second volume of Synthcore Dreams and Respect the Prime: The Forged EP, a collection of original songs based on Transformers comics.

As a document for those curious about ES’ past donations, here is every donation and charity that we’ve given to over the years. Thank you everyone for your continued love and support of this project.

ES1-$23,162-The Foundation For Cancer Research and Wellness (2010)

ES2-$9,000-Gilda’s Club of Western PA (2012)

-$1,000-The Bone Marrow Foundation (2012)

ES3-$10,000-Our Clubhouse (2014)

ES4-$5,000-Our Clubhouse (2016)

-$1,000-Patricia Stevens GoFundMe (2016)

-$5,000-Pitt University Medical Health and Sciences/Colorectal Surgery Research (2016)

-$1,000-Rik Milhouse GoFundMe (2016)

ES5-$5,000-Darkest Before Dawn (2018)

-$7,500-Pitt University Medical Health and Sciences/Colorectal Surgery Research (2018)

-$2,500-Cap For Kids (2018)

-$250-Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

-$832-Philadelphia Marathon

-$210-Lisa Reep GoFundMe

-$1,000-Genesis P. Orridge GoFundMe

-$1,000-Darkest Before Dawn (2019)

-$156-Long Run and Extra Life

-$350-Brandon’s Celebration of Life

-$1,000-Cap For Kids (2019)

ES6-$10,000-Pitt University Medical Health and Sciences/Colorectal Surgery Research (2020)

-$5,000-Darkest Before Dawn

-$5,000-Cap For Kids

-$2,500-Claus Larsen GoFundMe (In Memory of Kurt)

-$2,000-Andrew Griffith GoFundMe (For Claudia)

-$541-Young Adult Survivors United

Love and Respect,

Jim and Chase

Distortion Welcomes Chicago's Lorelei Dreaming!

Distortion Productions is very pleased to announce that we have added Chicago’s Lorelei Dreaming to our ever growing label fam!

Lorelei has played live and recorded with bands such as Angelspit, Velvet Acid Christ, Go Fight and St. Griselda.

"The future is uncertain - but what is certain is that music and dance will continue to be integral to our community in the face of adversity. Now more than ever, we need to celebrate our diversity and come together through dance and music. The grim future never sounded so good!"
- Lorelei

The songs of Lorelei Dreaming hinge on mischief, dissent, pushing out ever further, and at times get glibly political.

You can expect the new album from Lorelei Dreaming and first for Distortion Productions this coming winter!

Blue Eyed Christ Debuts First Track From "World On Fire"

Blue Eyed Christ has unleashed the first track, “America H” from his new album World On Fire due out May 22nd on Distortion.

Check out the track here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUTUTPQtOeM&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR3J9ONXFtPPB5nIuzkbWUUZc3ZG1OqXQpjaMsG41596VUWFd_EpAwiWxiE

And the press release for World On Fire here:

https://madmimi.com/p/9142c01?fbclid=IwAR03Fq8ET-qBZ_WqlYiiwLAREr0beWLz323yI0LMzf-cywUq41xeZ8oR5JA

Distortion and Electronic Saviors to Begin Series of Releases to Benefit EMS FDNY Help Fund!

Hey all. Jim Here. We have decided, in this difficult time to create a series of releases to benefit those in need. Most notably, the EMS FDNY Help Fund. The first release is a new exclusive remix by Trade Secrets for their popular Games single. Future releases are in the works from Interface, Red Lokust and others.

You can grab the new remix here!

https://tradesecrets1.bandcamp.com/track/games-synestheths-deconstructed-mix

Steven Archer Returns Home To Distortion With New Project Oscellus!!

We are happy to welcome back Steven Archer to planet Distortion. As you know, Steven is responsible for the projects Ego Likeness, Stoneburner (Distortion’s first national signing), QueenNeon and Hopeful Machines. He is now back with a new project called Oscellus!

Oscellus is a primal scream against the void. It is the dark behind the stars. It is the noise that’s left after the last signal fades. It is the soundtrack to humanities final film.

For fans of Godflesh, The Swans, and the soundtracks of John Carpenter.

From the shattered mind of Steven Archer (Ego Likeness, Stoneburner, QueenNeon). 

You can expect Oscellus’ debut album False Lashes For False Eyes on July 24th, 2020!

Distortion Productions Signs And Void Project From Scott Fox (Ivardensphere), Mika Goedrijk (This Morn Omina) and Mari Kattman (Helix)!!!

Distortion is very happy to announce the signing of And Void. This amazing electronic project comes from well known tribal/industrial artists Ivardensphere and This Morn Omina. And Void brings together lush atmospheric soundscapes with the sultry vocals of Mari Kattman (Helix, Mari and the Ghost). Also lending his vocal talents to “Midnight Black” is Andy Deane (Bella Morte/The Rain Within). This downtempo masterpiece will see release this Spring. Prepare to be blown away.

Blue Eyed Christ Joins Distortion Productions, LLC For New Album, World On Fire!

Los Angeles based old school industrial act, Blue Eyed Christ has signed on with Distortion Productions for their 5th album, World On Fire. We at Distortion are thrilled to include John Norten’s project as we’ve been a fan since the band’s early days at KK Records and their compilation appearances on Re-Constriction Records. “I used to spin Catch My Fall all the time when I used to DJ. This is going to be a great partnership” says label owner, Jim Semonik.

More recently, John put out the Trash Deity album with Metropolis Records with friend Franke Nardiello (Groovie Mann) of My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult. World on Fire boasts appearances from label mate En Esch (KMFDM, Slick Idiot, Pigface) as well as Mea Fisher from Lords of Acid! Watch this space for an April/May release date!

Blue Eyed Christ is the Electronic Industrial Rock project of established Producer/Engineer John D. Norten. John has worked with many of the biggest artists in music helping them achieve their visions (Lady Gaga, Prince, Fergie, Dr. Dre) In contrast, Blue Eyed Christ is 100% John’s artistic vision in the studio. That vision is the visceral combination of heavy electronic industrial rock mixed with personal lyrics and just the right balance of hooks and noise. Blue Eyed Christ is the combination of John’s experimental Chicago Trax background mixed with the pop and polished sheen he brings to other Artists. In 1991, while still in his teens, Chicago's John D. Norten signed his first international recording contract under the band name Blue Eyed Christ to famed Belgian EBM label KK Records. The first Album, Leaders + Followers, was released that same year. Blue Eyed Christ still enjoys a loyal following today and Leaders +Followers is considered an EBM classic. In 1995 John recorded the second Blue Eyed Christ Album, Crash while working at Chicago Trax Recording Studios. At the same time he assembled an intense live band that helped further create a buzz throughout the music industry. 2002 saw the release of the third Blue Eyed Christ album, American Whore, with a new Los Angeles Live band taking on the underground club circuit. With a new studio savvy, 2014 saw the release of A Rush and a Thrill, a whirlwind ride straight into the world of Blue Eyed Christ. Eric Zimmerman (Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Ministry) directed the decadent “Freakshow” concept video short recorded on Halloween of that year. A chance meeting at an art event in 2015 led to the formation of Trash Deity with Grovvie Man (My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult). Metropolis Records caught wind and released the debut Trash Deity Album, Cross & Divide, Sept 2018.

Sensuous Enemy Joins Distortion Productions for New REBIRTH EP and Album!!

We are excited to announce the signing of Sensuous Enemy from Madison, WI. SE have been longtime friends since we met them in Chicago in 2011. They have been frequent contributors to our Electronic Saviors series and will be featured on the upcoming Volume 6. Distortion Productions cannot wait to help them unleash their new REBIRTH EP upon the world on Nov 1st with a follow up full length album in 2020.

More info about Sensuous Enemy can be found below!

Sensuous Enemy is a female-fronted darkwave electronic band led by the powerful voice of JAI, whose lyrics, melodies and soaring vocals stand out in the electronic scene. Sensuous Enemy blends driving drum sequences, EBM synth lines, orchestral strings, piano, and vocal harmonies to create a sound that stands apart. The band adds live electric rhythm guitar, drums, and brilliant lighting to create a sublime and compelling stage presence.

Sensuous Enemy is comprised of JAI [vocals/piano/lyrics], John Freriks [programmer/guitars], Bob Hensley [programmer/synths], and Katja Lunde [synths/guitars]. The band began in 2004 and released their first album ‘Deadly Sins’ in 2006 on Sonic Mainline Records, which won Best Electronic Album of the Year at the 2007 Madison Area Music Awards.

In 2008 Sensuous Enemy completed their full length CD "Fragments", which was recorded and produced by Wade Alin of The Atomica Project/Christ Analogue in Chicago, IL. “Fragments” was also chosen as one of the Top 10 CD's of 2008 by Madison’s Isthmus newspaper and SE won Best Electronic Artist of the Year at the 2008 Madison Area Music Awards. In 2009, Sensuous Enemy went on to win Best Electronic Album of the Year for “Fragments” and Best Electronic Song of the Year for “Over” at the 2009 Madison Area Music Awards.

All this only paved a stronger path for the band’s future. In 2010, Sensuous Enemy returned with a new EP, “Parity”, on the label Radio Active Music. “Parity” contained three original songs—including their club hit “Intentions” and their Goddess of Death metal inspired song “Kali”—along with numerous hard dance-floor remixes by artists such as Heliosphere, CTRLSHFT, and The Dark Clan.

In September 2013, Sensuous Enemy shifted gears into a more sophisticated and silky sound embodied in the digital release of their single track, “Sirens of the Sea.” This single was accompanied by killer remixes from I:Scintilla, Endless Blue, Loss, I.X.XI and Killcrop. It was only a preview for what was to come on their next full length CD titled “Voyager”, released in November of 2013. This time, their album was recorded, mixed, and produced by Dan Clark of The Dark Clan with vocal recording and mastering by Eric Oehler of Null Device at Submersible Studios. Voyager was released on their new label Nilaihah Records.

In 2014, Sensuous Enemy took some time off to pursue other interests, but now after a five-year hiatus, they are back together again making music and looking forward to releasing their next album. During the first half of 2019, SE began working on three new songs that will be featured on their new EP "Rebirth". This new EP was recorded and mixed by Jim Marcus out of Chicago, IL and mastered by Eric Oehler of Null Device at Submersible Studios. “Rebirth” is being released on Distortion Productions label managed by Jim Simonik and Chase Dudley.

SE has played shows across the midwest and on the east coast with Covenant, Assemblage 23, Imperative Reaction, Combichrist, Rotersand, Android Lust, Razed in Black, Iris, Caustic, Stromkern, Hungry Lucy, Null Device, The Azoic, C/A/T, I:Scintilla, and many others! They have also played numerous midwest music festivals such as Reverence 2005 - 2008, the Madison Electronic Music Festival, and Sound n Fury I and II in Wisconsin, WTII Showcases in Chicago, Elektrofest in Cleveland, OH and much more.

https://www.facebook.com/Sensuous-Enemy-97077419023/

https://sensuousenemy.bandcamp.com/

Cop International and Distortion Productions Join Forces For New Deathline International Album!!

Big news here at Distortion!!! We are very pleased to announce a new partnership with COP International Records. COP has been a major influence on us here at Distortion and we’ve been a fan of everything they’ve released for over 20 years. We are extremely honored to enter into a new partnership with them to release the brand new Deathline International album, Pax Americana!!!

Th3chount (aka Christian Petke), the driving creative force behind the band Deathline International and the mastermind behind the record label COP International, is set to launch his latest sonic missile in the form of their new album Pax Americana.  With their long history of guitar-driven, emotionally intense songs, Deathline International has made their mark on the industrial music scene world-wide.  This new album welcomes legendary producer John Fryer into the mix.  Pax Americana provides a healthy dose of aggressive reality in the music and vocals paired with vivid production elements reminiscent of Fryer’s engineering strengths in mixing guitar for bands such as Stabbing Westward, Fields of the Nephilim, and Die Krupps, as well as his synth brilliance working with bands such as Fad Gadget, Moev, Yazoo, and Nine Inch Nails.  Their dynamic pairing has created a multi-layered album that is as intense and aggressive as it is beautiful in its raw descriptions of the world around us.

The title of their new album is derived from the historical reference of Pax Ramona, a cautionary tale resulting from a period of relative peace within the Roman empire that came out of a long history of wars and revolts only when a strong leader emerged.  Petke’s Pax Americana calls for a return of America to a positive global force at a time when the country has been recently scarred by questionable leadership.  This album challenges our society to face the darkness politically and socially around us to create a culture where prosperity can become common again.  Song topics range from political strife and climate change through the formation and demise of relationships.  Connecting on an intense human level, Pax Americana is packed with dance floor grooves paired with heavy guitars and vocals that will bring up feelings of rage, passion, and pain.

 Christian Petke began the record label COP International in Frankfurt, Germany in 1991 and set up shop in Oakland, California to continue his goal of bringing quality electro-industrial music to the masses.  In the past 16 years, he has focused on propelling the careers of artists like Diatribe, Soil & Eclipse, Battery, Oneiroid Psychosis, and The Razor Skyline in addition to producing an impressive number of diverse compilation albums including New Life, Electronic Challenge, and the Diva X Machina series. 

After the decision to refocus creative energies back into the band, Deathline International’s new album Pax Americana shows why this long-standing industrial project is a must have for those who are fans of the genre.  In addition to Th3count on vocals and programming, this new album also features the talents of Slam on guitar and keyboards, James Perry on guitar, and John Fryer who provides additional aural stimulation.  Pax Americana pushes past the band’s previous material to provide a unique experience for listeners that will take them on a journey through a world of strife that calls out in hopes for a better future.

Synthcore Dreams Launches Indiegogo Campaign!!

The new project, Synthcore Dreams has launched a new fundraiser on Indiegogo to fund the comic book/CD compilation project. Darkest Before Dawn, Distortion Productions and Electronic Saviors are all sponsoring this release. Synthcore Dreams will feature exclusive material from Chemlab, 16Volt, Acumen Nation, Leather Strip, Red Lokust, Hate Dept, Society Burning, SMP and much more. Additional info and a link to the campaign itself can be found below.

Synthcore Dreams, a comic that will spread the gospel of industrial music. Profits will benefit Darkest Before Dawn, a suicide prevention charity...AND Electronic Saviors, an incredible cancer charity. It features a tribute to the late great Jamie Duffy and an awesome lineup of participating bands. A wild post apocalyptic story with lots of action, comedy, tragedy and a little bit of romance...plus a large helping of craziness!

Check out the campaign here!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/synthcore-dreams--3/?fbclid=IwAR0hXkH_-c-SLNfjYzk7cKWAUcdFkvZi_j0R-0QzCisc0Iv2ax7uGo5vX40#/

Electronic Saviors Creator Receives ASCRS Local Hero Award!!

Electronic Saviors creator, Jim Semonik was honored this past weekend in Cleveland, OH by the ASCRS (The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons). He was selected to receive the Local Hero Award for his work with the Electronic Saviors Compilation series. The link to the whole press release/video is below.

https://www.fascrs.org/electronic-saviors-creator-jim-semonik-wins-2019-local-hero-award

Distortion Productions Bands Light Up The Unquiet Grave Compilation on Cleopatra Records!

5 Distortion acts will grace the Unquiet Grave 2019 compilation on June 14th. Traumabond, silver walks, Spider Lilies, Red Lokust and Tragic Impulse will join many others from across the goth/industrial scene including Abbey Death, Lorelei Dreaming, Angel Metro and many others.

Full info is right here:

https://theunquietgrave2019.bandcamp.com/album/the-unquiet-grave-2019

Esther Black to Play SXSW Industrial Showcase!!

We are proud to announce that Esther Black has been selected to play a special showcase at South by South West. The fest was put together by Phildo Owen of Skatenigs and Revolting Cocks. Other acts appearing are John Fryer’s Black Needle Noise, Curse Mackey, Skatenigs, Project 44 and David Boring. Martin Atkins (Pigface, NIN, Killing Joke, PIL etc) will be the MC!!! There will be plenty of Distortion Productions cds and other giveaways on hand.

Distortion Proudly Welcomes NYC's INTERFACE to the Label Roster!!!

Active since 1993, Interface is based in New York and is one of the area's longest lived underground electronic music acts. Founded by producer/programmer/vocalist Eric Eldredge, the lineup is currently rounded out by Jon Billian on synths and programming and Justin Parker on live drums. The band has released five studio albums, contributed to a number of compilations and remixes, and performed countless tour dates and festivals over a 25-year career.

Interface caught the attention of Distortion owner and Electronic Saviors creator, Jim Semonik back in 2006. Eric and Jim became fast friends and Interface went on to contribute some of the most acclaimed tracks to the Electronic Saviors compilation series including the hits “Never Say Farewell”, “My Promise” and “Pathfinder”. Distortion is very delighted at the inclusion of Interface to the family. It’s a match made in the future!

Interface will release their sixth studio album, Where All Roads Lead, on Distortion Productions in mid-2019.

Prior Discography:

Tinman Records:

The Artemis Complex (1999)

Angels In Disguise (2002)

Nilaihah Records:

Beyond Humanity (2006)

Visions Of Modern Life (2009)

The Perfect World (2013)

Electronic Saviors to Donate 15K to Various Charities, Breaks 70K Total and Will Expand to Include Mental Health/Suicide Prevention!

We here at Distortion Productions are so proud to announce that this coming December, Electronic Saviors will make donations to a few charities for the grand total of $15K. The charities include The Medical and Health Sciences Foundation at the University of Pittsburgh c/o Dr. David Medich. Most of you know him as the guy who performed the surgery to remove the cancer of Jim Semonik. He is the head of the colorectal cancer dept at Pitt. The next charity is called Cap For Kids (http://www.capforkids.org/). This charity helps kids with cancer. People cosplay as superheroes and visit kids affected by the disease.

Finally, going forward, Electronic Saviors will be expanding it’s focus and will include mental health/suicide prevention. A donation to Darkest Before Dawn (http://www.db4d.org/) is on deck for this. Darkest before dawn focuses on Suicide Prevention for the workers of the nightlife industry who suffer from depression.

Electronic Saviors 5 and the previous volumes as well as the Respect the Prime Comps have now donated $71,712!

Vol 1-$23,162

Vol 2-$10,000

Vol 3-$10,000

Vol 4/Respect the Prime-$12,000

Vol 5/Respect the Prime-$15,000

Misc Pittsburgh Marathon Donations/Gofund Me-$1550

Grand total $71,712

Volume 6 submissions will open in January. We at Distortion and Electronic Saviors would like to thank all of the bands (OVER 400), labels, promoters, magazines and organizers that have supported and helped us in this tremendous endeavor. The future is very bright!

Much Love and Respect,

Sir Jim Semonik, OMS and Chase Dudley

Chicago Industrial Act, Traumabond Joins Distortion Productions!

Hailing from the windy city of Chicago, Traumabond is a new 3-piece Electro-Industrial act. This project started in late October of 2016 with Matt Flaherty (vocals/synths) and Jenn Jilbert (vocals/guitar). Nicola Palazzo (drums/producer) joined the group in April 2017 and they recorded their first independent EP titled “Scratched Out” in Nicola's Wicker Park studio, Evolution Recording. The band has a unique dynamic not heard much in the current dark music scene. Matt and Jenn trade off aggressive style vocals that complement Nic's bombastic drums and the band's overall dark synth vibe while maintaining a melodic tone as well. 

Traumabond caught the attention of Distortion after their contribution to the Electronic Saviors 5 compilation. The band met with Distortion recently and over some Chicago deep dish, decided that this partnership was a great idea. Their energetic live shows are truly something to behold. Watch for their debut album in 2019 on Distortion Productions, LLC along with a bevy of singles and eps.

FACEBOOK:www.facebook.com/traumabondband

TWITTER/INSTAGRAM: @traumabondband 

WEBSITE: www.traumabondband.com

MERCH:traumabondmerch.bigcartel.com

Ghostfeeder to Tour with Birthday Massacre and Julien K!

Ghostfeeder will hit the road with The Birthday Massacre and Julien K in October!

Catch them in your town!