Tag Archives: #independentartist

Inside j:dead: Confrontation, Catharsis, and the Refusal to Look Away

At its core, j:dead is not simply a music project—it is a psychological space. A place where self-reflection replaces performance, where discomfort is not avoided but examined, and where creativity becomes a form of survival rather than spectacle.

The name j:dead was never meant to function like a conventional band identity. Instead, it represents a second state of being—a presence that takes over once the creative process begins. For him, it exists somewhere between an alter ego and a dissociated mindset, where instinct leads and the “normal” version of himself steps aside. It’s a familiar sensation for creatives: the moment when something internal assumes control and drives the work forward without hesitation or self-censorship.

That mindset arrived at a pivotal time. After touring since the age of 17 with various dark-scene acts—and quietly writing original material since the age of 14—he realized he was sitting on decades of unreleased work. Songs that had lived privately for years, heard only by him, accumulating meaning without ever being given space to exist publicly. Eventually, that archive became impossible to ignore.

More than a career move, j:dead became a necessity. Not because collaboration had failed—there were no creative conflicts—but because this project needed to belong entirely to him. It became a place to process thoughts honestly and therapeutically, without compromise or external expectation.

Lyrically and emotionally, j:dead is grounded in lived experience. While societal context inevitably seeps into the storytelling, the focus remains inward. He has no interest in positioning himself as a commentator or spokesperson. He writes from emotional proximity—his own life, his relationships, and the internal patterns he understands most intimately.

Looking back at the earliest releases, the project reflects a period of transition. New routines, reconnection with self, and the slow rebuilding of identity. Much of that music drew from experiences spanning nearly two decades, blending past trauma with present change. Years later, those releases are remembered fondly—not as endpoints, but as markers of growth, both personally and artistically.

The current chapter of j:dead unfolds through an approach that mirrors life itself—unstructured, reactive, and honest. While Pressure introduced themes of endurance and emotional strain, its follow-up, Disgusting, sharpens the focus inward. The escalation wasn’t meticulously planned; the upcoming twelve-track series is being released largely in the order the songs were written and finished, allowing real-time emotional shifts to guide the journey.

That unfiltered sequencing works. Disgusting arrives early, providing immediate contrast and signaling that the path ahead will not be linear or comfortable.

At its core, Disgusting is about self-directed disgust—an unflinching confrontation with personal behavior, insecurity, and physical self-image. It isn’t a plea for reassurance or sympathy. For him, tough love is necessary. Self-criticism, when handled constructively, becomes fuel rather than damage. He views this mindset as deeply human, culturally familiar, and not inherently unhealthy when it leads to reflection instead of paralysis.

Sonically, the track leans harder into industrial-rock aggression, though not by design. His process always begins with music before vocals or lyrics, and style is never predetermined. Writing primarily from his home studio, the emotional weight of the day dictates the sound. This instinct-driven approach has resulted in a wide emotional and sonic range across the upcoming releases.

That raw energy is sharpened through trusted collaboration. Friends and seasoned professionals helped refine the mix and master, adding precision and impact without dulling the emotional edge. Every distorted texture, rhythmic push, and dynamic shift acts as a catalyst for the lyrical content—and vice versa. Sound and emotion are inseparable here.

The decision to release music monthly comes from a desire to give each track its own moment. In a time when full albums are rarely experienced front-to-back, this strategy ensures no song is lost to passive listening habits. Not every track needs to be a “hit”—but each deserves recognition. At the same time, he is candid about the practical reality: this approach aligns with modern listening behavior and supports the continued growth of the project.

Creatively, the process required a fundamental shift. Instead of working linearly, the writing was divided into phases—melody and structure, sound design, lyrics and vocals, final production—allowing different mindsets to coexist without bottlenecks. The result is a body of work that feels more complete and intentional than anything before it.

Emotionally, detachment remains impossible. For him, release doesn’t come from letting go of meaning—it comes from getting the thoughts out of his head and into the music in the first place.

When listeners describe feeling uncomfortable or “called out,” the response is deliberate. j:dead does not project negativity outward. The harshness is inward-facing, reflective rather than accusatory. While many artists frame their work around triumph and uplift, j:dead occupies a different space—one where doubt, regret, and self-criticism are acknowledged without resolution. It isn’t about making people feel better. It’s about being honest.

Over time, a unifying thread has emerged across the upcoming releases: a personal reset. Frustration with others mirrored by frustration with self. Patience lost, then rebuilt. Each track stands on its own, yet together they trace an arc of internal recalibration.

Sonically, the direction moves toward something more emotionally raw and industrial-forward, balancing aggression and restraint with greater clarity. While synth-pop influences remain part of his creative DNA, the emphasis has shifted toward heavier textures and deeper emotional weight.

At its core, j:dead will always be about self-confrontation. The project exists first and foremost as therapy. There is no calculation around perception, no attempt to tailor the music for external approval. As life evolves, so will the project—but its purpose remains unchanged.

Live performance plays a crucial role in that evolution. j:dead was never meant to exist behind static keyboards. On stage, it becomes fully alive—drums, guitars, bass, vocals, and musicians fully present in every moment. That physicality has directly influenced the production choices on the upcoming material, grounding the recordings in movement and urgency.

Ultimately, he hopes listeners walk away with a simple understanding: it’s okay to be human. It’s okay to feel, to fail, to not have answers. Life doesn’t always deliver messages or resolutions—it simply exists. j:dead exists to reflect that reality without apology.

For those discovering j:dead for the first time through Disgusting, understanding isn’t required. The goal isn’t clarity—it’s presence. To offer something stylistically distinct in an overcrowded landscape, and to let the work stand on its own terms.

j:dead exists because without it, he isn’t sure where he’d be.
It is the space where reflection happens, where growth begins, and where lived experience becomes sound.

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Glitch Mode Recordings Amplifies the Pulse: .SYS Machine Unveils “Doubtless”

⚙️ .SYS Machine returns with a commanding new single titled “Doubtless,” released via Glitch Mode Recordings. Built on precision-driven electronic architecture and industrial tension, the track delivers a focused, unflinching sound designed for dark rooms, late nights, and underground systems.

🔊 “Doubtless” moves with mechanical certainty. Relentless rhythms lock into place while layered synth structures create pressure and forward momentum. The track avoids excess, choosing discipline and intent instead—each element contributing to a tightly controlled atmosphere that feels cold, powerful, and deliberate.

🖤 This release marks another confident step forward for .SYS Machine, reinforcing the project’s reputation for sharp sound design and uncompromising electronic identity. It’s a track that doesn’t ask for attention—it commands it.

🎶 Listen Now:

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Burn Down the World (Start Over): DarkHeart Syndicate’s Inferno of Reckoning and Renewal

OUT NOW: Burn Down the World (Start Over) by DarkHeart Syndicate


The new single is live on all platforms—and it arrives with purpose, pressure, and intent. 💀

A Confrontational Vision, Sharpened by Fire

“Burn Down the World (Start Over)” is a no-illusions statement about tearing down systems already rotten beyond repair. The lyrics reject false authority, broken promises, and inherited lies—using fire not as chaos, but as purification. This isn’t nihilism; it’s responsibility. Destruction becomes the necessary first step toward rebuilding something honest.

Release Review: Controlled Detonation

This release hits like a deliberate blast—emotional, focused, and unapologetically heavy. From the opening moments, it establishes a tense atmosphere that’s both intimate and confrontational, pulling the listener into a headspace shaped by collapse, reflection, and resolve.

Sonically, the production balances grit and clarity. The low end drives with purpose, while layered textures and subtle details reward repeat listens. Nothing feels accidental; every element contributes to momentum and pressure, as if the track is always pushing forward—even when it pauses to breathe.

What stands out most is intent. This isn’t chaos for chaos’ sake; it’s destruction with direction. There’s a quiet defiance embedded in the arrangement—the feeling of standing in the aftermath, still upright, still moving.

Lyrical Review & Interpretation: Ethical Destruction

“Burn Down the World (Start Over)” reads as a manifesto of disillusionment, reckoning, and radical rebirth. The world is framed as corrupted beyond repair—rot, cages, rigged games, false gods, and manufactured lies dominate the verses. Power structures are exposed as hollow: kings, thrones, flags, gods, and empires reduced to debris.

The repeated call to burn it down is ethical, not reckless. Fire becomes a tool of purification. The chorus makes it explicit—there’s no promise of luck, salvation, or easy redemption. Starting over is cold, painful, and costly. Growth comes with loss.

The bridge sharpens the blade: rejecting divine authority and comforting illusions alike. It’s clarity through annihilation—truth emerging only after everything false collapses. By the final moments, the song pivots from destruction to ownership. No utopia is promised. If we rebuild, we do it knowingly—without myths, without excuses.

In essence, the track confronts:

  • The failure of inherited systems
  • The courage to destroy what cannot be fixed
  • The loneliness and resolve required to rebuild honestly
  • Transformation through fire rather than comfort

This is not rebellion for rebellion’s sake. It’s a declaration that when the world is broken by design, starting over may be the only moral choice. 💀

🎧 Listen Now

Burn Down the World (Start Over)

Turn it up. Share it. If it resonates, you already know why.

20 Years of Faderhead: Reflection, Resistance, and the Skill Gap Nobody Wants to Admit

As the calendar turns, there’s a quiet milestone approaching in the Faderhead universe. March 31, 2026 marks 20 years since the release of FH1—the debut album that kicked open the door back in 2006. Two decades later, the machine is still running, sharper and more self-aware than ever.

20 Years of Faderhead ⚙️

With the anniversary looming, planning is already underway. While the final release schedule is still being locked in, all signs point toward a brand-new Faderhead album landing in the second half of 2026, accompanied by very few “20 Years of Faderhead” headline shows—likely no more than two. No victory lap. No nostalgia overload. Just precision.

2025 Patreon Songs 🎧

To close out 2025, a snippet mix of the 12 Patreon-exclusive tracks released throughout the year was shared—offering a rare look behind the curtain. The reaction was unexpected: a surprising number of listeners didn’t even realize Patreon existed, let alone what it actually offers.

So let’s clarify.

What Is Patreon, Really? 🔒

Patreon is the Faderhead Inner Circle—a space for fans, creatives, and curious minds who want more than just the finished product.

What You Get:

  • One exclusive song every month – Patron-only releases, usually never available elsewhere
  • Weekly “Faderhead Friday” newsletter – Over 500 consecutive weeks and counting
  • Private Discord access – Community, discussion, questions, ideas
  • Studio livestreams & Q&As (Producer tier) – Real-time writing and production insight
  • Monthly 1-on-1 mentorship calls (Mentor tier) – Personalized Zoom sessions to level up your art or project

This isn’t about content farming.

It’s about connection, insight, and transparency—a direct line into how things actually work, without industry theater or posturing. And yes, it costs less than a McDonald’s meal.

Live in 2026 🔥

  • March 28, 2026 – E-Tropolis, Oberhausen (DE)
  • June 26–27, 2026 – Black Lower Castle, Kranichfeld (DE)

Limited appearances. No filler.

You Don’t Hate Social Media. You Just Suck at It. 🧠

This part might sting—but it matters.

If social media feels exhausting, humiliating, time-consuming, or vaguely insulting to your intelligence, there’s a strong chance the issue isn’t the platform.

It’s inefficiency.

Slowness Turns Neutral Tasks Into Enemies

Watching someone spend nearly an hour editing a simple Instagram Reel—basic cuts, timing, text—says everything. For someone experienced, that’s a 3–5 minute task. The task didn’t change. The skill level did.

And with it, the emotional reaction.

If every post feels like an existential crisis, the problem isn’t social media. It’s friction.

“Hate” Is Often Just Resistance

Most musicians who claim to hate social media don’t hate publishing.

They hate:

  • Not knowing what to post
  • Taking forever to decide
  • Feeling clumsy with the tools
  • Watching others move fast while they struggle

So the ego steps in with comforting lies:

  • This is fake
  • This isn’t real art
  • I shouldn’t have to do this

Convenient. Comfortable. Completely useless.

The Hidden Cost Nobody Calculates

When posting takes an hour, you avoid it.
When you avoid it, you stay bad.
When you stay bad, the hour never becomes five minutes.

That loop—not algorithms, audiences, or “culture decline”—is the real enemy.

An untrained muscle you refuse to train because you resent the gym.

Speed Is Freedom, Not Selling Out

People who are good at social media don’t dramatize it.
They don’t overidentify with it.
They don’t justify it.

They open the app.
They do the thing.
They close the app.

The faster something becomes, the less emotional weight it carries.
Ironically, competence is what creates distance.

One Uncomfortable Question

Before declaring social media beneath you, ask this:

If this took five minutes instead of fifty, would I still hate it?

If the honest answer is no, then this isn’t a values problem.

It’s a skill gap.

And skill gaps don’t close by pretending your frustration is philosophical.

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DarkHeart Syndicate Reveal New Single “Behind My Eyes”

A raw transmission from the inner machinery of the self, “Behind My Eyes” marks a defining moment in the evolution of DarkHeart Syndicate.

DarkHeart Syndicate have officially released their new single Behind My Eyes, delivering a stark, emotionally charged entry into their growing catalog of dark electronic and industrial-infused soundscapes. The track arrives as both a confession and a confrontation—an unfiltered look at the internal battles that rage beneath the surface.

A Glimpse Beneath the Surface

“Behind My Eyes” leans heavily into atmosphere and tension, pairing brooding electronics with a sense of restrained aggression. Rather than relying solely on brute force, the song builds its impact through mood, pacing, and lyrical introspection. It feels claustrophobic by design—pulling the listener inward, into a mental space shaped by isolation, perception, and unresolved conflict.

There’s a deliberate contrast at play: cold, mechanical textures collide with deeply human emotion. The result is a track that doesn’t just play—it lingers, echoing long after the final note fades.

Soundtrack for the Inner War

At its core, “Behind My Eyes” explores the divide between what is shown to the world and what remains hidden. It speaks to survival, endurance, and the quiet strength required to carry unseen weight. This is not a song engineered for surface-level consumption; it’s meant for listeners who resonate with darkness not as spectacle, but as truth.

A Statement Release

With this release, DarkHeart Syndicate continues to sharpen its identity—blending dystopian aesthetics, emotional realism, and a cinematic sense of scale. “Behind My Eyes” feels less like a standalone single and more like a mission statement, signaling deeper narratives and heavier transmissions yet to come.

Fans of industrial, dark electronic, and emotionally driven alternative music will find plenty to dissect here—both sonically and thematically.

This isn’t about fitting into the system or playing along with its rules—it’s about reshaping the landscape entirely and claiming what was never meant to be given.

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Aesthetic Perfection: A Winter Tour, Reimagined Album, and More

Happy Monday, Perfectionists! Things are busy at Aesthetic Perfection HQ. While we’re gearing up for our upcoming winter tour with Till Lindemann, we’re also excited to announce a series of headline shows on the We Bring the Beat Tour. All dates and ticket links are listed below.

We’re also secretly working on a new album and even discussing a potential return to North America in 2026. Stay tuned for more details as they develop, and if you want access to top-secret information and regular updates, consider joining our Imperfect Society community.

In the meantime, the reimagined reissue of my debut album, Closer to Human, is finally available in the North American shop, and my Dark Force Fest lecture has been published on YouTube. You can find all the details on these below. Your support means the world to me!

Closer to Human | Out Now!

On June 20th, I released the long-awaited reissue of my debut album. This isn’t just a simple re-release; it’s a complete reinvention of the 2005 original, rebuilt from the ground up using all the original samples and synthesizers.

During the initial preorder, the red vinyl editions nearly sold out, but a handful were reserved for my online shops. They’ve just arrived in our facility and are shipping now. Don’t miss out, because once they’re gone, they’re gone! Closer to Human is available in all formats in both the Aesthetic Perfection North American and European webshops.


How to Make It When You Haven’t Made It

On May 3rd, 2025, I finally held the talk I’d been planning for over a decade. Originally conceived for SXSW in 2014, my lecture explores the realities, promises, and pitfalls of being an independent musician. It’s meant to help artists turn their passion into a profession without relying on the traditional music industry.

Give it a watch on YouTube and let me know if you’d like me to do more presentations like this.

Spotify | Curated Playlists

I’ve made many of my private Spotify playlists public. In my free time, I love curating playlists that feature my favorite vibes and genres, and I thought you might enjoy them too! So far, the response has been great. Here are some of my current playlists:

  • Dark Electro + Aggrotech Essentials
  • Industrial Metal Essentials
  • Futurepop + Synthpop Essentials
  • This is Industrial Pop
  • Sick, Sad, Lovesongs

Live Dates


  • OCT 28 – Leipzig, DE – Hellraiser* | Tickets
  • OCT 29 – Leipzig, DE – Quarterback Immobilien Arena+ | SOLD OUT
  • OCT 31 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome+ | Tickets
  • NOV 02 – Antwerp, BE – Sportpaleis+ | Tickets
  • NOV 03 – London, UK – Camden Underworld* | Tickets
  • NOV 04 – London, UK – OVO Arena Wembley+ | Tickets
  • NOV 06 – Frankfurt, DE – Festhalle+ | Tickets
  • NOV 07 – Braunschweig, DE – westand* | Tickets
  • NOV 08 – Dortmund, DE – Westfalenhalle+ | Tickets
  • NOV 10 – Dresden, DE – Messe Dresden+ | SOLD OUT
  • NOV 13 – Barcelona, ES – Sant Jordi Club+ | Tickets
  • NOV 15 – Madrid, ES – Palacio Vistalegre+ | Tickets
  • NOV 17 – Lisbon, PT – MEO Arena+ | Tickets
  • NOV 20 – Paris, FR – ADIDAS Arena+ | Tickets
  • NOV 21 – Düsseldorf, DE – PSD Bank Dome+ | Tickets
  • NOV 23 – Hamburg, DE – Barclay’s Arena+ | Tickets
  • NOV 25 – Munich, DE – Olympiahalle+ | Tickets
  • NOV 27 – Nuremberg, DE – Arena Nürnberger Versicherung+ | Tickets
  • NOV 28 – Wroclaw, PL – Club Liverpool* | Tickets
  • NOV 29 – Vienna, AT – Stadthalle+ | Tickets
  • NOV 30 – Vienna, AT – Szene* | Tickets
  • DEC 01 – Krakow, PL – Tauron Arena+ | Tickets
  • DEC 02 – Budapest, HU – MVM Dome+ | Tickets
  • DEC 04 – Bucharest, RO – ROMEXPO+ | Tickets
  • DEC 06 – Istanbul, TR – Ülker Sports Arena+ | SOLD OUT
  • DEC 08 – Sofia, BG – Arena Armeec+ | Tickets
  • DEC 09 – Belgrade, SER – Zappa Baza* | Tickets
  • DEC 10 – Zagreb, HR – Arena+ | Tickets
  • DEC 12 – Milan, IT – Alcatraz+ | Tickets
  • DEC 13 – Karlsruhe, DE – Stadtmitte* | Tickets
  • DEC 14 – Zürich, CH – Hallenstadion+ | Tickets
  • DEC 16 – Stuttgart, DE – Hanns-Martin-Schlyer-Halle+ | Tickets
  • DEC 17 – Frankfurt, DE – Das Bett* | Tickets
  • DEC 18 – Prague, CZ – O2 Arena+ | Tickets
  • DEC 19 – Prague, CZ – Cargo Gallery* | Tickets

* = Headline Show + = Supporting Till Lindemann


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⚡ LAUREN BABIC Shatters Expectations with Debut Solo EP “Too Much and Never Enough” 💀

Alt-metal shapeshifter Lauren Babic has officially stepped into the spotlight with the release of her long-awaited debut solo EP, Too Much and Never Enough—a bold, emotional, and genre-blurring statement from one of modern metal’s most compelling voices.

Known for fronting Red Handed Denial, CrazyEightyEight, and SKYLIMIT, and for racking up hundreds of millions of streams across her viral covers and original work, Babic now takes full creative command on this four-track record, blending soaring hooks, gut-punch breakdowns, and raw vulnerability.

“This EP has been a massive turning point for me—musically and personally,” says Babic. “I’ve always done things independently, and this release is proof that hard work, belief, and kindness really can get you there.”

The EP features fan-favorite singles “Breathe You In,” “Let It Die,” “I’m Bored,” and now the final single: “Sanctuary”—which arrives today with a brand-new music video.

🎥 Watch “Sanctuary” Now

“‘Sanctuary’ is the first track on the EP, but the last to drop—it perfectly captures everything this project is about: melody, heaviness, fierceness, and versatility.”

Produced by Adam Bentley (Arch Echo, Plini) and Lee Albrecht (Silverstein, Hollow Front, The Devil Wears Prada), Too Much and Never Enough isn’t just a debut—it’s a manifesto. It’s Babic proving she can take the mic, the moment, and the metal world by storm—all on her own terms.

🎧 Stream the full EP here

Tracklist

  1. Sanctuary
  2. Breathe You In
  3. I’m Bored
  4. Let It Die

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🔥 Synthetik Messiah Interview Drops 03.23.25 – Industrial Mayhem Awaits! 💀

🗓 Mark your calendars! On March 23, 2025, Evol Radio LIVE cracks open the dark digital core of industrial music with a brand-new exclusive interview featuring the one and only SYNTHETIK MESSIAH – the boundary-smashing, noise-wielding sonic architect known for torching the lines between experimental electronic, industrial, and breakcore.

🎤 In this explosive and unfiltered sit-down, DJ Darkside dives into the twisted tech, glitchy influences, and apocalyptic vision behind Synthetik Messiah’s sound. From the underground Louisiana roots to international recognition, nothing is off limits in this intense conversation.

💣 Expect:

  • Behind-the-scenes insight on new tracks
  • Gear talk and production secrets
  • His take on the current industrial scene
  • Raw thoughts on staying independent and dangerous

🔊 Whether you’re a rivethead, cyberpunk, or noise addict, this is mandatory listening. Synthetik Messiah doesn’t hold back — and neither do we.

🕛 Premiering exclusively via EvolRadio.net and on all socials.


💀 Deep Dive into the Universe of Synthetik Messiah

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Simon Carter Releases Start The Sequence

Simon Carter has officially unveiled Start The Sequence, now available on all major digital platforms! This album has been a labor of love, with countless hours of dedication and creativity poured into its creation. Featuring collaborations with 11 incredible guest vocalists, this project stands as a testament to Simon’s artistic vision and the support of an amazing community.

Simon extends his heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to and supported the album’s journey:
“Thank you all so much for your continued support. Please spread the word about Start The Sequence—it’s a truly unique album that I’m incredibly proud of.”


What’s Next for Simon Carter?

The momentum doesn’t stop with Start The Sequence! Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:

  • A brand-new techno single, Pain and Pleasure, is set to drop in January, promising a club-ready hit.
  • Progress is well underway on the third Simon Carter & Fabsi album, which is approximately 80% complete.
  • Live performances are already on the 2025 calendar, with the first show scheduled in Bristol on March 15th. Tickets are available now at Beat Cancer.

Explore Start The Sequence today and join Simon on this exciting musical journey!