Celldweller is a band that plays an interesting mix of alternative rock, industrial, metal, and electronic music. It was created by Klayton (a.k.a Klay Scott from Circle of Dust) who writes all of the music as well as performs 99% its vocals and instuments on studio recordings. Celldweller is also a full live band comprising of Klayton (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion, Eyris, Programming), Dale Van Norman (Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Backing Vocals), Kemikal (Bass, Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion, Backing Vocals), and Caise (Drums & Percussion). Celldweller considers their live show as more of a "fusion of performance art, rave culture, and the raw energy of a rock show", rather than the standard rock performance. Each show is a complete audio/visual experience with projected video and lighting designed to be part of the music.
Discography
Celldweller (2003)
Their self-title debut: Celldweller was released in 2003. It has gained international appeal for its combination of rock, techno, and rave techniques to create a Post-Modern sound, bearing resemblance to many industrial rock bands such as Nine Inch Nails. Some the hits of the album include "Stay with Me (Unlikely)" and "The Last Firstborn". The album has done impressively well for not being connected with any mainstream record labels. It was originally sold exclusively via the internet via Celldweller's own website and CD Baby, then later on via iTunes. The album can now be found in many traditional record stores as well. In 2004, the album took home five awards at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards , winning Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Industrial Album of the Year, Metal Song of the Year ("One Good Reason") and Best Industrial Song ("Switchback"), and also took runner-up in Best Industrial Song (to its own song) with "Stay with Me (Unlikely)" and Best Rock Song with "I Believe You".
The Beta Cessions (2004)
A two-disc set, called The Beta Cessions was released in 2004. It includes many samples, riffs and remixes, along with an alternative version of the song "Switchback" and a re-recorded version of the Circle of Dust song Goodbye.
Additional Info
Celldweller's music has been featured in quite a few movies, tv shows, and video games. Tracks have been used in the trailers for some popular movies such as Spider-Man 2, The Punisher, Constantine and Catwoman. Others have appeared in video games including Enter the Matrix and NHL 2003 , as well as numerous TV shows. Celldweller has licensed every single song from their debut album (15 in all); quite an impressive feat for an independent band. A listing of song usage can be found here.
The meanings of both Celldweller's name and lyrics have been a topic for much debate. Celldweller's official statement is that the name Celldweller refers to many things, such as both "personal and cultural bondage" as well as the way that Klaton likes to close himself off from the outside world at times. Because some of Klayton's previous bands, such as Circle of Dust, were labeled "Christian Bands"...some believe the term "cell dweller" has more of a spiritual meaning. Klayton however has decided to no longer explain any of his music's meaning and purpose anymore and chooses to let the listener decide for themselves.
External links