Artist description The music of the solo electronic artist formerly known as "Sub Version" : )

Music Style Electronic with elements of guitar and other acoustic instrumentation

Musical Influences Countless influences from Classical Composers, to Guitar Heroes, to Modern Electro Pioneers.

Similar Artists Hopefully none!

Artist History With a solo career spanning a decade, John Koviak has gathered to him a legion of devoted fans in the United States and abroad, won the praise of critics, and now begins a new phase in a musical journey that may lay down some new ways of thinking for electronic acts to come. Emerging from the Southern California alternative music scene in the early 1990's, John started out as a guitarist/bassist before disillusioning band experiences prompted him to try and create music on his own. Thus John's first solo project, the highly acclaimed Sub Version, was born. Taking on the tasks of songwriting, lyrics/vocals, instruments, programming, and production entirely on his own, as Sub Version, John successfully completed three releases--Metamorphosis (1992), Damaged Gods (1994), and The Winds of War (1996, 1997). Sub Version also contributed a cover of Joy Division's "Heart and Soul" to the Ceremonial (1995) tribute CD. Though variously described as dark-wave, gothic, and industrial, John's work transcended labels, incorporating elements of all of these yet remaining distinctly apart from them. Its one consistent feature was the darkly emotional soundscapes John layered with his deep, rich vocals, a combination many have found irresistible. The Winds of War in particular demonstrated John's true capabilities as a composer, from touching instrumentals to club-friendly dance beats, to heart-wrenching ballads and an unexpectedly unique vocal range. John began writing new music in late 1996. A fourth release, planned to come out before the New Orleans performance, met with setbacks and delays and never materialized. Instead, John conceived a brand new solo project. This too was plagued by delays, but John persevered, and the new millennium brings his long-awaited return. While Sub Version was an at times a questioning, angered exploration of the deeper aspects of love, life and living... John's new work displays a lighter side, and the maturity of one who has evolved from his experiences. It also finds him returning more to the guitar, both in the studio as well as on stage. John is certain to continue pushing the boundaries of the underground scene, to charm critics and captivate fans the world over by succeeding where most electronic bands fail--by allowing true emotion rather than technology to take precedence.

Group Members John Koviak

Albums Metamorphosis (1992), Damaged Gods (1994), The Winds of War (1996, 1997), Heaven EP (2002

Press Reviews Review of John Koviak’s "Heaven" EP by Sinistaire - www.midnightcalling.com (see website for a recent interview with John) John Koviak's newest offering to the world of music, the "Heaven" EP, is truly a treat. Building on his past accomplishments and experience, he has molded the four beautiful songs on the CD with grace and precision - like a dream of calm and wistful melancholy, revealed by his silky voice, and blended with a confection of electronics. If I had to pick a favorite song (and believe me, on this CD, that's a difficult thing), it would have to be "Me and Your Shadow." This melody brings to my mind images of weeping willows next to a gently flowing river that winds around moss-covered rocks and whispers its secrets into the stillness of dawn. So, how would I describe John Koviak's new EP? Heavenly. ~S~ _________________________________________ John Koviak – Heaven reviewed by Octavia/Outburn - issue #20 (www.outburn.com) Emotional Electro: Formerly recording under the mantle of “Sub Version”, solo artist John Koviak is back with a new sound and vision on the Heaven EP. The evocative electronic compositions convey feelings of longing through the rich synths, downtempo beats, gothic tones, and modern electronics. But it’s the strong lyrics and deep vocals of John Koviak that are the true highlight of the music. Tracks include the slow-paced, electro-goth of “Me and Your Shadow,” the melancholy passion of the title track, the whirling synths of “The Saddest Day,” and the guitar infused and delicate “Home.” With only four tempting songs, the Heaven EP is a short but sweet release sure to please new and past fans. ____________________________________________ John Koviak - Heaven (by Marcos) This new 4 song teaser was worth the wait after the long hiatus from this popular, dark scene luminary. You can see that John obviously cares about his art. For a fair description, imagine the slower, more serene songs from Diary of Dreams and that's sort of a glimmer that you might get after hearing the seductive sounds of Mr. Koviak. His rich musical tapestry of sound pours harminous electronic programming entwined with lush strings, and his deep, brooding voice that suits perfectly with the rich tides of romantic sound that is his signature. The music isn't really dance floor filler material which keeps it from sounding cliche and his somber lyrics are top notch. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who likes darkwave/goth that goes beyond vampire or victorian themes. This is truly deep and soulful music perfect for those dark filled nights. Also, be sure to check out his Reflections disc also available on www.mp3.com -Marcos ___________________________________________ Aether Sanctum: Sub Version: "The Winds of War" (Mere Mortal)by Haydn Black. Sub Version's John Koviak (Or John K as he likes to be called these days) is a name which is probably going to be familiar to a lot of people. Aside from a spot of modelling for the notorious Propaganda magazine it seems most people just seem to know who he is. The Winds of War is Sub Version's CD debut after a trio of cassettes. This was my first chance to hear Sub Version's version of electronic gothic which does, or should do, something pretty radical to the gothic genre. While the gothic and industrial genres have existed alongside each other for quite some time... few people have chosen to explore the frontiers which the electronic offer the gothic world. Early Clan of Xymox, Depeche Mode and bands of their ilk began to examine that direction... but it wasn't until I heard Fear Cult a few years ago that I really heard someone run with the idea. Sub Version, while worlds away in style, production and delivery, follow similar themes. Introspection, love and pain, romance and desolation all worm their way out of this mature and well presented album (replete with cover artwork by Faith & The Muse's Monica Richards) Sub Versions music tries at all times to retain warmth and humanity, using the machines as the blood which allows this entity to function. The album opens with an instrumental, not really an original idea I know, but the combination of piano and reverberating keyboards, building slowly to a climax allow this track to tug at the heart-strings, while setting a mood which will finally be resolved in the last track. While Will and Purity both pound out intelligently structured electro-tunes - a little like what Snog once offered. And yes, there is a hidden track - so just hang on when the last heart-wrenching chords of You Live In My Dreams fade away. 'The Winds of War' has become the soundtrack to my life at this moment - a position occupied by just a few other albums (Disintegration and Floodland are examples) and once which does not occur lightly. He's a pretty boy too, and that's never hurt anyone's career.

Location Los Angeles, CA - USA

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