U.K. Act Agency-V Inks Deal with Distortion Productions!!

Distortion is so very delighted to announce the signing of Agency-V from the U.K. Having worked with band member Peter Steer on past projects, label owner Jim Semonik comments, “It’s a no brainer. I knew the second I heard the first song, that this band was something special”. Having recently signed U.K. act Inertia, Agency-V is another innovative act from overseas joining Distortion’s vastly diverse roster.

Bio:

Agency-V is a dynamic synthrock trio from the UK, known for infusing dark overtones with powerful blends of electronic and rock music. The band consists of Marie Williamson (vocals), Lloyd Price (synths, programming), and Peter Steer (guitars). Each member has a unique musical background and a shared passion for creating evocative, genre-blending music.

Marie, Lloyd, and Peter have been active in the UK electronic scene for years, crossing paths at various points before officially forming Agency-V. Their collective influences range from the pioneering sounds of Gary Numan to the energetic beats of Kraftwerk, which are evident in their intricate synth lines and compelling lyrics.

Coming together during the UK lockdown the trio produced their debut EP, "No Divide" which was released in 2020. This EP showcased their ability to merge melodic rock with pulsating electronic elements, earning them a dedicated following. Their music often explores dark, introspective themes, as delivered in the lyrics of the more recent 2024 single "We Can Erase You," which delves into the topic of accountability and retribution. With 2024 being witness to many live performances all over the UK, Agency-V also unveiled their most recent EP “Pray For The Sun”.

Having been well received by DJ’s and followers the EP earned the trio a glowing review in the electronic music magazine ‘Blitzed’. Now with 3 EP’s, 3 singles and multiple live performances under their belts they go from strength to strength. Agency-V are now working on new material and planning a year of live shows for 2025.

Everything Goes Cold Set to Release First Ever Vinyl 7" for Nadir Single!!

In collaboration with Distortion Productions and a wad of masking tape covered in bite marks, Everything Goes Cold present their first ever vinyl release: the 2024 single, "Nadir," pressed in icy blue, and regarded with a shocking lack of aplomb by a coyote who is otherwise occupied going to town on an old Demonia platform boot you lost while running from the cops.

This new 7" will be presented in a clear mylar sleeve and will be fully edible, assuming you can eat PVC plastic, which you could if you weren't such a coward.

Purchase here!!

https://everythinggoescold.bandcamp.com/album/nadir

https://www.distortionprod.com/music/everything-goes-cold-nadir-7-vinyl-single

Distortion Signs Post Industrial Powerhouse, Jane Jensen!

Distortion Productions is thrilled to announce the signing of Jane Jensen!! “Jane has been a huge influence on me ever since I heard that Oxygiene 23 album back in college” exclaims label owner Jim Semonik. “It is a thrill for me to sign her and have her join the Distortion fam! I can’t wait for you guys to hear the new single”. Jane’s first release for Distortion will be the Lost Highway single which drops Sept 27th with pre orders starting on Bandcamp immediately. Lost Highway includes remixes by Cyanotic, Sapphira Vee, Dogtablet, melodywhore, Shok (Lost Tapes) and more. Next year, the full length “Queen of Damage” will be unleashed.

From high school theater geek and garage band back-up singer to indie scream queen, Jane Jensen has checked a lot of interesting boxes on her musical trek across terra firmer. Her early love of poets, comic books, drum machines and guitars defined her unique approach to music that sways between dreamy landscapes and dark industrial complexes.

Jane’s music career began in Chicago with the release of “Sacrifice” a collaboration by Jane and industrial duo Die Warzau which was released on Martin Atkin’s Label Invisible and led to a full album released as Oxygiene 23 on Jared Louche’s Fifth Colvum Records. Jane moved to New York and began collaborating with Craig Kafton to release her most notable collection, Comic Book Whore, which was signed by Jimmy Iovine and released by Interscope. Jane toured the US and Australia tearing up clubs and festivals but not before establishing a solid presence in the 90’s New York club scene including the historic CBGB's.

Jane parted ways with Interscope and began working with Craig at the iconic Brooklyn BC studio with Martin Bisi engineering to release her follow-up album Burner on her label Autozen. She spent the year raucously touring with her all-girl band The Dolls and performing at events for Troma Films.

Though Jane continued her work in music production for film and TV, she took an extended break from promoting her own music to raise a family with a few quiet releases along the way including the EP Trust, with Marc and Eric Johnson at the Pop Machine, a remix single collaboration with jazz electronicists ESW “I Am Programmable”, a Born Again Floozies collaboration “Get Up and Holler” and the meditation album Enchant with Sri Kala. In 2022 Jane resumed production and promotion of her own projects in Los Angeles, releasing the double single and remix release Changeling with included the singles “Changeling” and “Revolution Maker.” She is a dedicated supporter of the Industrial music scene in Los Angeles and is currently working on the full follow-up album. Jane draws from a broad resume of associations with film, tv, comic books and poetry, but her newest music will likely be her most defining work.

Bandcamp:

https://janejensenmusic.bandcamp.com/album/lost-highway

Website:

janejensenmusic.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/JaneJensenMusic/

The Russian White and Solemn Shapes Tour Dates!!!

Everything Goes Cold Joins Distortion Productions!

MEANWHILE, INSIDE A GIRAFFE

Ten unfortunate years after the release of "Black Out the Sun" (Metropolis Records, 2014) Everything Goes Cold return to the dance floor to find it has been replaced with a gravel pit where people gather to watch and wager on bloody no-holds-barred combat between man and krill. Everyone knows that can mean only one thing: The band is releasing a new single.

"Nadir" releases digitally on July 23 through Pittsburgh's own Distortion Productions, which is similar to a regular record label but there's fries in it. Awash forever in a sea of human legs and inhuman sounds, Everything Goes Cold worked with INHALT's Matia Simovich to produce the single, finally making good on their long-forgotten promise to "sound good." A pounding remix by Susan Subtract of Physical Wash will leave listeners deeply regretting the aforementioned loss of the dance floor.

It really seems like they could have kept the dance floor and put the gravel pit somewhere else. Maybe it's a zoning issue, I don't know.

A new music video to complement the single would be nice, wouldn't it. I'll bet you'd like that, wouldn't you. If only Gabriel Roland, longtime live visualist for Everything Goes Cold, had directed one, you could watch it. And he did. So you can. And you will. You might be watching it right now. Stop that. Finish reading this first, don't try to do both things at once.

Bandcamp: https://everythinggoescold.bandcamp.com/album/nadir

Presave on Spotify and other streaming services: https://orcd.co/nadir

U.K. Based Industrial Legends, Inertia Join Distortion Productions for New Album "Estranged Icon"!

Distortion Productions is proud to announce the signing of U.K, based act, Inertia!

Formed in the early 90's, Inertia is fronted by Reza Udhin. Their rather extensive catalog includes releases on Metropolis Records, Celtic Circle, Khazad Dum, Nightbreed, Cryonica and others. Their energetic brand of electronic based industrial rock have made them a staple in the industrial scene for 30 years. Reza has also been in legendary act Killing Joke as well as other projects, Black Volition and The Devout.

"It is particularly thrilling to add Inertia to Distortion's ever growing family of artists." states label owner Jim Semonik. "I've been a huge fan of Inertia and Reza for a long time. I've worked with Reza and spent a great deal of time with him over the years, whether we played gigs together or I promoted a show for him. He has also contributed his mastering skills to my own work and has been on my Electronic Saviors compilations. This is a really exciting time."

You can expect the new album, Estranged Icon to hit shelves and Bandcamp/Digital Outlets on October 4th, however, you can pick up an early copy when they tour the U.K. with Ayria and Black Light Ascension or from the Distortion online store in August.

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…

MissFit Toys with Absynthe of Faith Tour!!!

Our MissFit Toys are going out with Absynthe of Faith this Fall!!!

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!!

Eva X Supports Danny Blu and Moris Blak on the American Dream Tour!!

Distortion artist, Eva X will be supporting Danny Blu and Moris Blak on their upcoming American Dream Tour. Dates are below!!

silver walks Join the Children of the New Dawn Tour!!!

Distortion act, silver walks has joined the Children of the New Dawn Tour featuring The Russian White, Komrads, I Ya Toyah, Solemn Shapes and more. You can check out the dates silver walks appears on on the flier below!

MissFit Toys to Tour with HOCICO this Spring!

We are excited to announce that Distortion act MissFit Toys will be supporting Hocico in Spring of 2023!

Catch this show if you can! The East Coast was treated to some dates last year and it was amazing!

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

MissFit Toys to Host Live Stream Event on Dec. 10th!

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.