In 2014, Distortion proudly presented its 150th show, an incredible milestone for someone merely spreading his passion and allowing his audience to make the most incredible and unforgettable memories. Over the years, the group has hosted countless acts of varying prominence, making it the longest-running goth/industrial music promotion group in the city's history.

The story of Pittsburgh's Jim Semonik, founder of Distortion Productions, begins like many others - a high schooler finds himself through music and everything becomes boundless. His passion for goth and industrial music was ignited when he saw his first show featuring KMFDM and Chemlab at Metropol. The genre's aural assault has since guided, transformed, and saved him ever since.

Jim's dedication to the music and its community is evident in his tireless efforts to provide local, national, and international goth/industrial bands with the best experience as they pass through Pittsburgh. He began hosting goth/industrial nights throughout the city as DJ Hiem before founding Distortion Productions in 2000.

Throughout his journey, Jim has formed relationships with local venues such as 31st Street Pub, Club Laga, Pegasus, Mr., and The Rex Theater, among others. His extensive knowledge of the genre and his kindness have solidified his reputation within the community. As a result, Distortion Productions has become synonymous with goth and industrial music in Pittsburgh.

For fans of the genre, Chemlab Bandcamp offers a platform to discover new acts and revisit old favorites. The group's commitment to showcasing the best of goth and industrial music is reflected in its diverse lineup over the years, featuring acts such as VNV Nation, The Crüxshadows, Front Line Assembly, Combichrist, Pig, KMFDM, and 16Volt.

As Distortion Productions celebrates its 19-year milestone, it's clear that Jim Semonik has made a lasting impact on Pittsburgh's goth and industrial music scene. His story is one of passion, dedication, and a commitment to the music and its fans - a true testament to the power of music to bring people together.

Chemlab bandcamp