Artist description Blending heavy melodic rock, power pop, and electronica, Esion has established a sound that is difficult to classify, but easy to identify. The Detroit-based band combines energetic vocals with neck-snapping beats, vicious guitar riffs, and dizzying synthesizer work. Since its initial inception as a one-man band in 1995, Esion has evolved into a full five-piece act that continues to forge new territories while staying grounded and dedicated to the music they make and the listeners who support them.

Music Style Rock / Electro-Rock / Industrial-Rock

Musical Influences Garbage, Filter, Incubus, P.O.D., Econoline Crush, God Lives Underwater

Similar Artists Garbage, Filter, Gravity Kills, 16 Volt, Nine Inch Nails, Duran Duran

Artist History Blending heavy melodic rock, power pop, and electronica, Esion has established a sound that is difficult to classify, but easy to identify. The Detroit-based band combines energetic vocals with neck-snapping beats, vicious guitar riffs, and dizzying synthesizer work. Since its initial inception as a one-man band in 1995, Esion has evolved into a full five-piece act that continues to forge new territories while staying grounded and dedicated to the music they make and the listeners who support them. Don Kline began writing and recording in the spring of 1995 while he attended the Eastern Michigan University School of Music. By the end of that year, he adopted the Esion moniker and released his first collection of original material on e.p.. Joining him for his first live performances was Benic Systems, an Ann Arbor-based company (comprised of friends Eric Low and Ben Noggle) that has continued to design and run custom lighting and atmospherics for almost every Esion show since. In March of 1996, Kline released the industrial-tinged Lickity Split, focusing on heavier beats, grinding samples, and stronger melodies. The full-length follow-up garnered some good regional press, but recognizing the need to release a more radio-ready effort, Kline returned to the studio and began writing new material. In early 1998, he emerged with En Route. Featuring a variety of styles ranging from drum 'n bass and trip-hop to salsa and jazz, the album quickly caught the attention of several radio stations and independent record labels. As "13 Machine" and "Drill the Sky" were added to regular rotation on college radio stations in the Midwest, Kline travelled to New York to promote En Route and meet with record labels. A few months later, Esion contributed "You Are Hear" to Delectronict, the debut compilation CD released by the Detroit Electronica Coalition. The new song signified both the beginning of Esion's attraction to heavy, melodic electro-rock, and the realization that an expansion of the group would be necessary to realize the music in a live setting. After providing tour support for Sister Machine Gun and receiving a Best Industrial Band nomination from the Detroit Music Awards, guitarist Jon Ameel, bass player Andy Monkiewicz, and drummer Joseph Popiolek officially joined the Esion lineup. The band steadily built steam as they licensed songs to MTV's Making the Video television series and received a second straight Best Industrial Band nomination in the 2001 Detroit Music Awards. Shortly after, keyboard player/producer Steve Sholtes joined the group and they continued to play select dates throughout the Midwest. As the band prepared for the release of their new EP, drummer Joseph Popiolek exited and was replaced by Nick Hura of Black Eyed Susan. Towards the end of 2001, the second Detroit Electronica Coalition compilation CD, Delectronict 2 was released and featured an early version of "Collide," a track that would later be included on Pull. Marking the first release on Kline's own Mastadon Records imprint and the first Esion effort to feature a full band, Pull showcased a new solidified direction for the group. Following the release, Esion supported Jesus Jones on their U.S. tour, with Kline also taking on the role of Tour Manager. As Esion returned from the tour, Invisible Records released Notes From Thee Real Underground, Volume 2. Featuring exclusive remixes of "All the Dirty Girls" and "Damage," the compilation helped Esion gain National exposure as they began shopping Pull to labels. As the band returned to the road to tour and promote their recent releases, their explosive live set and infectious cover of LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out" helped to further propel their buzz and gain new fans. In August of 2002, Esion headed back into Detroit's Interoctave Studios to record the cover, along with several new originals.

Group Members Esion is: Don Kline, Jon Ameel, Andy Monkiewicz, Steve Sholtes, and Nick Hura.

Instruments Don Kline: vocals, background vocals, keys, electric guitar, and programming, Jon Ameel: electric guitar, Andy Monkiewicz: bass, Steve Sholtes: keys, loops & samples, background vocals, Nick Hura: drums

Albums Pull (2002), En Route (1998), Lickity Split (1996), e.p. (1995)

Press Reviews Publication: Dark Velvet Magazine, Author: Goddess, Date: 1999, REVIEW: Esion - "En Route," Esion is Detroit's best kept secret. Esion's "en route" is music like you've never heard it done before. You'll hear bits and pieces of electronic, pop and industrial. You might hear elements from groups such as Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails, but after "en route" quits spinning, you'll be thinking: Esion. If you dig music that makes your head bop up and down, hooks that haunt your brain, and singing along, then Esion is the next disc you need to buy. With talent like this, Esion is sure to be everywhere in the future. // Publication: Legends Magazine, Author: Marcus Pan, Date: 4/28/2000, REVIEW: Esion - "en route," I first heard of Esion on the Detroit Electronica Coalition's compilation "D[electronic]T." I found Esion's contribution to the disc, a song called 'You Are Hear,' to be a highlight of the CD....I just received Esion's third release - "en route." I am enthralled by the music held here. A rhythmically compelling yet smooth and comforting collection of music, Esion's approach is one without the clutter....Esion's work is stunning in its melodies and movements....Don't want to take my word for it? No problem - take the word of the Detroit Music Awards, who nominated Esion as 'Outstanding Industrial Band' for 2 years in a row. // Publication: All Music Guide, Author: John Bush, Date: 3/1/2000, REVIEW: Esion - "en route," (Esion's) album is a deft, accomplished work...(Esion) ranges much farther than most in search of new musical fusions... On many tracks, there's a sense of minor-chord melancholy that contributes to the mood and makes the album a cohesive whole. It's a solid album, balancing the playful experimentation of production, a voice capable of many subtleties, and an arranging sense that ties the two together with no visible seams.

Additional Info M a s t a d o n R e c o r d s

Location Ann Arbor, MI - USA

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