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Orgy

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Band Timeline

1997

Formation and Signing with Elementree Records

Orgy was formed in 1997 in Los Angeles, California, by vocalist Jay Gordon and guitarists Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck. The band was soon completed with bassist Paige Haley and drummer Bobby Hewitt. The founding members brought diverse experiences, including Derakh's background with Rough Cutt and Hewitt's with Electric Love Hogs. In the same year, Jonathan Davis of Korn, who shared a connection with Ryan Shuck from their band Sexart, signed Orgy as the first act on Korn's imprint, Elementree Records. This gave the band a major platform alongside distribution through Reprise Records, setting the stage for their rapid rise in the late 1990s.
1998

Release of Debut Album Candyass and Rise to Fame

Orgy released their debut album, Candyass, in 1998. The album was named after a drag queen they had encountered and featured a distinctive blend of industrial rock with pop elements, which the band described as 'death pop.' Candyass achieved significant commercial success, selling almost two million copies. It featured the notable singles "Blue Monday," a cover of a New Order song, and "Stitches," both of which gained strong exposure, including charting on MTV's Total Request Live. The album helped establish Orgy's unique sound and image during a peak era for alternative and industrial music.
1998

First Live Performances and Touring Success

Orgy made their live debut in 1998 at EdgeFest, an annual radio festival held in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their energetic performances quickly earned them more high-profile opportunities. They joined the Family Values Tour alongside prominent acts such as Korn, Limp Bizkit, Ice Cube, Incubus, and Rammstein. The band's participation in this tour significantly raised their profile and introduced them to a wider audience. They were also featured on the official live compilation album of the tour, released in 1999. Further tours with bands like Love and Rockets and Sugar Ray helped solidify their reputation as a potent live act.
2000

Release of Second Album Vapor Transmission

In 2000, Orgy released their sophomore album, Vapor Transmission, which featured a science fiction theme contrasting the raw aggression of their debut. The album included singles such as "Fiction (Dreams in Digital)," "Opticon," and "Eva." Vapor Transmission continued to showcase the band's evolving sound with increased electronic elements and a polished production style. The album reinforced Orgy's identity in the industrial rock scene and maintained their connection with fans through successful singles and touring.
2001

Side Projects and Soundtrack Contributions

By 2001, Orgy began expanding their artistic reach. They contributed the song "Faces" to the Zoolander movie soundtrack, demonstrating their crossover appeal into popular culture. Additionally, they made a television appearance on the series Charmed, performing the song "Opticon" in the episode "Sin Francisco." During this period, guitarists Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh started a side project, Julien-K, focusing on electronic music they had explored while working on Orgy material. Vocalist Jay Gordon also collaborated with Linkin Park by remixing their track "Points of Authority," showing the band's broad influence and connections within the rock and electronic music communities.
2003-2004

Label Departure and Release of Punk Statik Paranoia

After working on new material and a live DVD that were delayed, Orgy left Elementree and Reprise Records around 2003, taking their recorded music with them due to frustrations with label support. Vocalist Jay Gordon and his father founded D1 Music, an independent label, to release the band's third album. In February 2004, Punk Statik Paranoia was released, marking a new chapter in Orgy's career emphasizing independent control over their music. The album further explored their industrial rock roots with experimental sounds. The following year, they released the live DVD Trans Global Spectacle, capturing their stage presence and solidifying their dedicated following.
2005

Hiatus and Reflection Period

After touring in support of Punk Statik Paranoia, Orgy went on hiatus in late 2005. This pause allowed members to focus on other projects and personal endeavors, with Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh concentrating on Julien-K, and Jay Gordon exploring production and remix work. During this break, the band maintained sporadic communication about a potential reunion, reflecting on their past accomplishments and considering future directions. Fans remained hopeful for Orgy's eventual return as the band remained active behind the scenes.
2008-2010

Reunion Talks and Continued Projects

Between 2008 and 2010, Orgy's return was hinted at by band members. Ryan Shuck confirmed in 2008 that a reunion was being planned but side projects like Julien-K were prioritized at the time. In a 2009 video interview, Amir Derakh indicated a possible reunion in 2010, showing the members' interest in revitalizing Orgy's presence. Meanwhile, Julien-K released its debut album, Death to Digital, emphasizing the musicians' continued creativity. These years represented a period of transition where Orgy was poised to re-emerge while members balanced various musical ventures.

Albums

orgy_1st_album
Candyass
12 tracks
1998
orgy_2nd_album
Vapor Transmission
13 tracks
2000
orgy_3rd_album
Punk Statik Paranoia
9 tracks
2004
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Jay Gordon

1994

Lead vocals

Carlton Bost

2011

Guitar

Creighton Emrick

2013

Guitar

Synthesizer

Bobby Amaro

2013

Drums (drum set)

Nic Speck

2011

Bass guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Ryan Shuck

1994
2005

Guitar

Bobby Hewitt

1994
2005

Drums (drum set)

Ashburn Miller

2011
2013

Keyboard

Guitar

Synthesizer

Jamie Miller

2011
2013

Drums (drum set)

Paige Haley

1994
2005

Bass guitar

Amir Derakh

1994
2005

Guitar

Synthesizer

Story of Orgy

Orgy: A Dive into the Depths of Industrial Rock

Orgy, a Los Angeles-based band, emerged from the underground scene in 1997, carving their own path through the industrial rock landscape. They've coined their sound as "death pop," a darkly captivating blend of industrial aggression and pop sensibility.

Their most recognized hits are a cover of New Order's iconic "Blue Monday" and their own pulsating anthem "Stitches," both from their 1998 album "Candyass." This album propelled them to notoriety, showcasing their ability to inject a sinister edge into commercially accessible tunes.

Following the success of "Candyass," Orgy released their second album, "Vapor Transmission," in 2000. This record featured singles like "Fiction (Dreams in Digital)" and "Opticon," further solidifying their place in the industrial rock scene.

Early Days: A Fusion of Talent and Experience

Orgy's formation in 1997 brought together a formidable lineup: vocalist Jay Gordon, guitarists Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck, bassist Paige Haley, and drummer Bobby Hewitt. This group boasted a wealth of musical experience, with Derakh previously finding fame with the '80s metal band Rough Cutt, and Hewitt having been a member of Electric Love Hogs.

Gordon, before forming Orgy, had played bass for Deadsy, even appearing on their self-titled unreleased album. He also shared production duties with Derakh on Coal Chamber's self-titled debut, showcasing their prowess in the studio.

This blend of diverse musical backgrounds and production experience formed the bedrock for Orgy's unique sound. Their music was a fusion of driving rhythms, heavy industrial textures, and haunting melodies, which resonated with a generation yearning for something darker and more intense.

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