Kristofer Shadows
Once upon a time in a land far away (not so far actually… Chicago), there was a mystical place where walls shook to a pulsating thump and creativity was overflowing. Singers sang, drummers drummed, programmers programmed, and keyboardists keyboarded (it is so a word). This place welcomed the outsiders, the musically outcast, the non-conformists: it took in the strays and in doing so, nurtured a sonic freedom the likes of which had never been heard before. That wonderland of expression was called Wax Trax!, the little record label that could… and did!…big time.
Wax Trax! unleashed on the world electronic superheroes like Ministry, KMFDM, Front 242, and Front Line Assembly, heralding a sharp turn in the landscape of alternative music away from the oversaturated sounds of new wave and hair metal. Indeed, post-punk alternative music had a new brother, and the brother was named Industrial.
Since those early days, the musical Industrial Revolution grew up out of the basement and into the mainstream. Mixing new-world digital with old-world musicianship, it was sheer talent, creativity and love for the sound that brought this music to the forefront. Bands like Nine Inch Nails, Stabbing Westward, Gravity Kills, and Orgy, carried the banner into the new millennium…and from there it grew even more. The digital age of music was here to stay.
On any given day, anyone with a smartphone can instantly access hundreds, if not thousands, of artists of all sizes who have written and recorded music in the electronic sphere. However, few stand out as long haulers and are still thriving to this day. One such band is Julien-K who, in 2023, is celebrating its 20th birthday.
Birthed out of Orgy‘s creative soul, Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh, along with Anthony ‘Fu’ Valcic, created Julien-K as a side project. But as great things sometimes do, the music took over and after five studio albums, a four-disk box set, dozens of remixes, hundreds of live performances, and a legendary collaboration with the unforgettable Chester Bennington, this clan proves there’s no substitute for longevity. Sprinkle in Galen Waling, one of the most sought-after drummers in the Industrial scene, this ensemble continues to deliver over and over and over again. Happy 20th, Julien-K… and thank you for gracing us with your passion.
Currently on tour, Julien-K will descend upon our sprawling metroplex on Tuesday, August 8th, at the “Sundown at Granada” theater in Dallas. Co-headlined by Priest, this show will be one to be remembered for…say… 20 years? I’m counting on it.
Just thought you might like to know before you go; see you Tuesday night.
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