Scandroid

An image was teased of a skull-like logo via the Celldweller Facebook page{{cite web |title=Skull Logo Teaser |url=https://www.facebook.com/celldweller/photos/a.466998916671.279096.11000096671/10151763141321672/?type=3&theater |work=Facebook |publisher= Celldweller|access-date=October 19, 2017 }} on July 16, 2013, hinting at an incoming project. On July 24, 2013, an official announcement was posted to Celldweller, simply titled "What is the Salvation Code?"{{cite web |title=What is the Salvation Code video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uXB9wAmeTE |work=YouTube |publisher=Scandroid |access-date=August 10, 2013}}{{cite web |title=What is the Salvation Code? |url=https://www.facebook.com/celldweller/photos/a.487925516671.294704.11000096671/10151777463116672/?type=1&theater |work=Facebook |publisher=Celldweller |access-date=July 31, 2013}} In continuation with the teaser, their website SalvationCode.com launched, requiring a password for entry; this password could be found using hints from previous videos as well as from a riddle sent out to users who submitted a "forgotten password" form. After entering the password ("2513"), the users could access an extended preview of the unreleased song used in the previous teaser, and were given the hint that August 6, 2013, would be the release of the full song, "Salvation Code".

During the teaser of the second video, an image of Klayton (as Red) and Varien (as Raven) can be seen implying the duo working together on this new single.{{cite web |title=We Are Scandroid video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xcOQJKgMPc |work=YouTube |publisher=Scandroid |access-date=July 31, 2013}} Both musicians posted to their individual social pages, along with the newly created Scandroid page. The post stated that Scandroid's music would consist of elements of 1980s retro and electronic music with what they described as a "Neo-Tokyo" theme.{{cite web |title=Announcement of Who Are Scandroid |url=https://www.facebook.com/Scandroid/posts/152258254976572 |work=Facebook |publisher=Scandroid |access-date=July 31, 2013}}

Their first single "Salvation Code" was released for free download on August 5, 2013, with an official store release the next day.{{cite web |title=Salvation Code Release |url=https://www.facebook.com/Scandroid/photos/a.154184571450607.1073741828.135331266669271/154210378114693/?type=3 |work=Facebook |publisher=Scandroid |access-date=October 20, 2017}} New merchandise was teased via the Scandroid Facebook page, with a link to the download.{{cite web |title=Merch Teaser/Release |url=https://www.facebook.com/Scandroid/photos/a.154184571450607.1073741828.135331266669271/154179888117742/?type=3&theater |work=Facebook |publisher=Scandroid |access-date=October 20, 2017}} The project was promoted on both the Celldweller and Varien social pages.{{cite web |title=Celldweller Promo |url=https://www.facebook.com/celldweller/photos/a.487925516671.294704.11000096671/10151811261551672/?type=3&theater |work=Facebook |publisher=Scandroid |access-date=October 20, 2017}}{{cite web |title=Celldweller Promo Pre Release |url=https://www.facebook.com/celldweller/photos/a.487925516671.294704.11000096671/10151794135671672/?type=3&theater |work=Facebook |publisher=Scandroid |access-date=October 20, 2017}}

On November 8, 2013, it was hinted by both Celldweller and Varien that a new Scandroid track would be released soon.{{cite web |title=New Scandroid track |url=https://www.facebook.com/VarienOfficial/posts/610364005676210 |work=Facebook |publisher=Varien/Celldweller |access-date=November 10, 2013 |format=Facebook Post('s) |date=November 8, 2013}} Then on December 7, 2013, Scandroid released an image, with a comment stating that "Hidden in this flyer lies a clue regarding the next transmission...".{{cite web|title=Next transmission clue|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=188053168063747&set=a.154184571450607.1073741828.135331266669271&type=1 |work=Facebook |publisher=Scandroid |access-date=December 7, 2013 |author=Red/Klayton |format=Facebook Post |date=March 6, 2013 |quote=Hidden in this flyer lies a clue regarding the next transmission...}} Another teaser image released on the 11th, teasing a date ("12.13.13") alongside a quote "Get lost in the Datastream."{{cite web |title=Scandroid post unknown date |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=189357207933343&set=a.154184571450607.1073741828.135331266669271&type=1 |work=Facebook |publisher=Scandroid |access-date=December 12, 2013 |author=Scandroid |format=Facebook post |date=December 11, 2013 |quote=12.13.13 - Get lost in the Datastream.}} On December 13, 2013, a new single titled Datastream was released with a new riddle; "Alter the extensions of a new beginning in order to READ what others can only SEE."{{cite web |title=Datastream available |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=189807254555005&set=a.154184571450607.1073741828.135331266669271&type=1 |work=Facebook |publisher=Scandroid |access-date=December 13, 2013 |author=Red/Klayton |format=Facebook page |date=December 13, 2013 |quote=Datastream is now available...}} When the single was released, an image was released along with the purchase of the track. This image's file extension could be changed to .pdf; in doing so the user would unlock a short story titled Scandroid Origins featuring both Red and Raven, written by Brenton Ryan.

Varien, signed as Nick Pittsinger on the label, announced a departure from Scandroid, deciding instead to focus purely on Varien on August 2, 2014.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/VarienOfficial/status/495610298926399488 |title=Archived copy |website=twitter.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031814/https://twitter.com/VarienOfficial/status/495610298926399488 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |url-status=dead}} Three days later, Scandroid's new single "Empty Streets" was released.

This self-titled album was officially released on November 11, 2016,{{cite web|title=Discogs Tracklist of Scandroid - Scandroid |url=https://www.discogs.com/Scandroid-Scandroid/release/9347367 |work=Discogs |publisher=Discogs|access-date=October 20, 2017}}{{cite web|title=FiXT Store: Scandroid - Scandroid |url=https://fixtstore.com/collections/scandroid/products/scandroid-scandroid-digital-album?variant=29844957068 |publisher=FiXT|access-date=October 20, 2017}} which charted for one week at No. 20 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, as well as the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums at No. 5.{{cite magazine|title=Scandroid - Scandroid Heatseekers Chart History|url=http://www.billboard.com/music/scandroid/chart-history/heatseekers-albums/song/1004040 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511044812/https://www.billboard.com/music/scandroid/chart-history/heatseekers-albums/song/1004040 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Billboard |access-date=October 20, 2013}}{{cite magazine|title= Scandroid Top Dance/Electronic Chart History| url=http://www.billboard.com/music/scandroid/chart-history/dance-electronic-albums/song/1004040| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511044759/https://www.billboard.com/music/scandroid/chart-history/dance-electronic-albums/song/1004040| url-status=dead| archive-date=May 11, 2018| magazine=Billboard| publisher=Billboard|access-date=October 20, 2017}}

A cover of the Tears for Fears song "Shout" was premiered on November 10, 2016. Klayton intended to record it since first hearing it back in 1985.{{cite web|url=http://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/11/10/listen-scandroid-shout-tears-fears-cover-exclusive-premiere/93585382/ |title=Listen: Scandroid, 'Shout' (Tears for Fears cover), exclusive premiere|work=Detroit Free Press| publisher= Detroit Free Press| author= Brian McCollum|access-date= October 24, 2017}} Roland Orzabal explained that the song is about the political protests from the aftermath of the Cold War, and that it was encouragement to protest. Tapping into this core meaning for inspiration, Klayton felt that in light of the political unrest of 2016, that it was time to finally cover the song. The song is described as remaining faithful to the original, while still adding its own flair using amazing synths that are reminiscent of classic 80s pop.{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/post/scandroid-shout-video-premiere/ |work=PopMatter |title=Scandroid "Shout"(video)(premiere)|author=Jedd Beaudoin|access-date=October 24, 2017}}

Although Varien was the writer for "Datastream" and "Salvation Code", according to the credits provided, Klayton produced, performed, mixed, and wrote the rest of the songs that debut on Scandroid (with the exception of "Shout", written by Ian Stanley and Roland Orzabal).{{cite web|title=Discogs Album Credits of Scandroid |url=https://www.discogs.com/Scandroid-Scandroid/release/9347367 |work=Discogs |publisher=Discogs|access-date=October 20, 2017}}

{{Track listing

| total_length = 72:18

| headline = Scandroid track listing

| title1 = 2517

| length1 = 4:39

| title2 = Salvation Code

| length2 = 5:50

| title3 = Aphelion

| length3 = 5:35

| title4 = Shout

| note4 = Tears for Fears cover

| length4 = 3:58

| title5 = Destination Unknown

| length5 = 3:38

| title6 = Connection

| length6 = 3:57

| title7 = Datastream

| length7 = 4:29

| title8 = Empty Streets

| length8 = 4:59

| title9 = Awakening With You

| length9 = 5:02

| title10 = Atom & E.E.V.

| length10 = 5:35

| title11 = Neo-Tokyo

| length11 = 6:13

| title12 = Pro-bots & Robophobes

| note12 = featuring Circle of Dust

| length12 = 4:02

| title13 = Eden

| length13 = 5:40

| title14 = Singularity

| length14 = 3:40

| title15 = Eden (Waveshaper Remix)

| length15 = 4:38

}}

On March 31, 2017, a new album, Dreams of Neo-Tokyo, was released featuring remixes of the ten vocal tracks released on Scandroid.{{cite web|title= Dreams of Neo-Tokyo Announcement via NewRetroWave|url= https://newretrowave.com/news/2017/3/9/scandroid-premieres-new-music-video-announces-remix-album-dreams-of-neo-tokyo |publisher= NewRetroWave|access-date=October 20, 2017}}{{cite web|title = Dreams of Neo-Tokyo Announcement via Outrun Music|url= http://outrunmusic.com/scandroid-releases-star-studded-remix-album-dreams-of-neo-tokyo/ |publisher= Outrun Music|access-date= October 20, 2017}} The release was remixed by artists such as Dance with the Dead, Pylot, Maks_SF, and Waveshaper. The remixes have been described as being subtle, still sounding like Scandroid, but also standing out as their own tracks.{{cite web| url= http://louderthanwords.eu/2017/03/8809/ | title = Album Review: Scandroid – Dreams of Neo-Tokyo | author = Jared Posch | date = March 12, 2017 | publisher = LouderThanWords | language = Dutch }}

A contest held by Klayton in partnership with NewRetroWave would create three remix albums: Awakening With You (Remix Contest Compilation), Aphelion (Remix Contest Compilation), and Neo-Tokyo (Remix Contest Compilation). The contest was announced on March 9, 2017, and was held from March 12 to April 30. Participants could choose from three songs to remix; they would enter for a chance to be included on the official FiXT Store (on the Remix albums), as a NewRetroWave YouTube upload, as well as general cash prizes, merchandise prizes, and "more".{{cite web|url=https://madmimi.com/s/7cc9c9# |title=Scandroid Announces Official Remix Contest with NewRetroWave.com |access-date=October 25, 2017}} As well as releasing information in regards to the winners of the competition, all three dates were released for the remix albums via NewRetroWave: "Awakening With You" on June 16, "Aphelion" on August 4, and "Neo-Tokyo" on September 15.{{cite web|url=https://newretrowave.com/contests-and-competitions/ |title= Scandroid Remix Competition|publisher= NewRetroWave|access-date= October 25, 2017}}

{{Track listing

| total_length = 47:00

| headline = Dreams of Neo-Tokyo track listing

| title1 = Neo-Tokyo (Dance with the Dead Remix)

| length1 = 5:52

| title2 = Shout (Blue Stahli & Sunset Neon Remix)

| length2 = 3:39

| title3 = Awakening With You (Pylot Remix)

| length3 = 4:57

| title4 = Connection (Scandroid Remix)

| length4 = 4:51

| title5 = Eden (Waveshaper Remix)

| length5 = 4:38

| title6 = Aphelion (Maks_SF Remix)

| length6 = 5:17

| title7 = Empty Streets (GosT Remix)

| length7 = 4:36

| title8 = Pro-bots & Robophobes (Daniel Deluxe Remix)

| note8 = featuring Circle of Dust

| length8 = 3:07

| title9 = Salvation Code (Makeup and Vanity Set Remix)

| length9 = 4:05

| title10 = Datastream ({{Proper name|d.notive}} Remix)

| length10 = 5:28

}}

{{cite web|title=Discogs Tracklist of Scandroid - Dreams of Neo-Tokyo |url=https://www.discogs.com/Scandroid-Dreams-Of-Neo-Tokyo/master/1159619 |work=Discogs |publisher=Discogs|access-date=October 20, 2017}}{{cite web|title=FiXT Store: Scandroid - Dreams of Neo-Tokyo |url=https://fixtstore.com/collections/scandroid/products/scandroid-dreams-of-neo-tokyo?variant=35423776780 |publisher=FiXT|access-date=October 20, 2017}}

Released on October 27, 2017, Monochrome is considered the second full-length album of Scandroid. It charted for one week at No. 18 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, as well as on the Top Dance/Electronic Album Sales at No. 3.{{cite magazine|title=Heatseekers: Up and Coming musicians Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/heatseekers-albums/2017-11-18 |magazine=Billboard |date=January 2, 2013 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=November 24, 2017}}{{cite magazine|title=Dance/Electronic Album Sales : Nov 18, 2017 Billboard Chart Archive |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2017-11-18/dance-electronic-album-sales |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Billboard |access-date=November 24, 2017}} The album has numerous previously released singles, as well as new vocal and instrumental tracks that range from synth-pop to darkwave.{{cite web|title= Scandroid announces sophomore album |url=http://regenmag.com/news/scandroid-announces-sophomore-album/ |work=ReGen Magazine|publisher=ReGen Magazine| access-date=October 24, 2017| author=Ilker Yücel|date=August 29, 2017 }} Some notable covers include "The Force Theme", "Thriller", as well as the popular single "Rendezvous".

"The Force Theme" debuted on May 4, 2014, as a special single for Star Wars Day but was also included on Monochrome; Klayton had commented on "The Force Theme", stating, "I was inspired by artists like Tomita who re-imagined iconic Star Wars themes with synthesizers...I was excited to cover 'The Force Theme' because I wanted to blend classic analog synthesizers with a re-orchestration of the original song. Not only was I influenced by the classic Star Wars films, but I am inspired by the possibilities of the new films. Enjoy this May 4th release and may the Force be with you."{{cite web |title=This '80s Remake of Star Wars' "The Force Theme" is Incredibly Synthy |url=http://nerdist.com/80s-remake-of-star-wars-the-force-theme/ |work=Nerdist Industries|publisher=Nerdist Industries |access-date=October 20, 2017 |author=Matt Grosinger }}

As a teaser for the upcoming release of Monochrome, Scandroid released a single of the popular Michael Jackson Halloween classic "Thriller". Its premiere was on October 12, 2017{{cite web|url=http://nerdist.com/michael-jackson-thriller-synth-cover-scandroid/ |title=This Synth Cover of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" is a Halloween Treat (Premiere)|work= Nerdist Industries|publisher= Nerdist |access-date=October 24, 2017|author=Derrick Rossignol}} however, its release was set for Friday the 13th, of October 2017, to fit in with the overall mood of the month. It is available on Monochrome, and remains its own single for individual purchase. A special remix by Pylot is also included on the full album. Klayton has been quoted stating he wanted to include this Halloween-themed track on Monochrome, admitting that he loved the song since he was a kid.{{cite web|title=Scandroid Covers Michael Jackson's Thriller|url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/256094/scandroid-covers-michael-jacksons-thriller/ |work=Dread Central|publisher=Dread Central| access-date=October 24, 2017 | author=Jonathan Barkan|date=October 14, 2017 }} The signature track of Monochrome, "Monochrome", premiered on October 25, 2017. The track is described as having layers of pulsing synths, and a robotic vocoder-infused vocal track. Its layers break away from the simple, often repetitive melody of most synthwave, which has become an oversaturated market due to rising popularity of the genre.{{cite web|url=http://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2017/10/25/exclusive-premiere-let-scandroid-color-world-monochrome/ |title=Exclusive Premiere: Let Scandroid Color Your World With "Monochrome" |publisher= Heavy Blog Is Heavy|author=Simon Handmaker|access-date= October 25, 2017}}

{{Track listing

| total_length = 57:45

| headline = Monochrome track listing

| title1 = 2518

| length1 = 1:47

| title2 = Afterglow

| length2 = 5:22

| title3 = Rendezvous

| length3 = 4:11

| title4 = Thriller

| note4 = Michael Jackson cover

| length4 = 5:52

| title5 = Oblivia

| length5 = 4:45

| title6 = Monochrome

| length6 = 4:52

| title7 = The Force Theme

| length7 = 5:21

| title8 = Future Bloodline

| length8 = 4:45

| title9 = A Thousand Years

| length9 = 4:33

| title10 = On the Face of the Deep

| length10 = 3:42

| title11 = The Veil

| length11 = 4:48

| title12 = Searching for a Lost Horizon

| length12 = 2:58

| title13 = Thriller (Pylot Remix)

| length13 = 4:49

}}

{{cite web|title=FiXT Store: Scandroid - Monochrome |url=https://fixtstore.com/products/scandroid-monochrome?variant=46464960012 |publisher=FiXT|access-date=October 20, 2017}}

Scandroid released an EP, The Darkness, on December 4, 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://scandroid.bandcamp.com/album/the-darkness|title = The Darkness, by Scandroid}}{{primary source inline|date=May 2020}} A second EP, The Light, was released on December 13, 2019,{{Cite web|url=https://scandroid.bandcamp.com/album/the-light|title = The Light, by Scandroid}}{{primary source inline|date=May 2020}} with both EPs combined into an album called The Darkness and the Light, released on December 11, 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://scandroid.bandcamp.com/album/the-darkness-and-the-light|title=The Darkness and the Light, by Scandroid}}{{Cite web|date=December 3, 2020|title=Scandroid announces new double-album The Darkness and The Light|url=https://regenmag.com/news/scandroid-announces-new-double-album-the-darkness-and-the-light/|access-date=December 30, 2020|website=ReGen Magazine|language=en}} A remix album, Dreams of Darkness, Visions of Light, was released on November 12, 2021.{{Cite web|title=Dreams of Darkness, Visions of Light, by Scandroid|url=https://scandroid.bandcamp.com/album/dreams-of-darkness-visions-of-light-2|access-date=2022-01-04|website=Scandroid|language=en}}

In 2019, Scandroid appeared in the documentary film The Rise of the Synths, appearing alongside various other composers from the synthwave scene, including filmmaker John Carpenter who also narrated the film which explored the origins and growth of the genre.{{Cite web|date=December 5, 2019|title=The Rise of the Synths|url=https://iffr.com/en/2020/films/the-rise-of-the-synths|access-date=October 15, 2020|website=IFFR|language=en}}

{{Track listing

| total_length = 1:14:35

| headline = The Darkness and The Light track listing

| title1 = Into the Darkness

| length1 = 0:50

| title2 = Phoenix

| length2 = 4:35

| title3 = The End Of Time

| length3 = 5:49

| title4 = Onyx

| length4 = 3:47

| title5 = Nighttime

| length5 = 3:23

| title6 = I Remember You

| length6 = 4:21

| title7 = Astor Place

| length7 = 3:39

| title8 = Out Of The Darknes

| length8 = 3:30

| title9 = Less Than Zero

| note9 = featuring King Protea

| length9 = 4:21

| title10 = Limelight

| length10 = 3:15

| title11 = Into the Light

| length11 = 0:41

| title12 = Writing's On The Wall

| length12 = 4:16

| title13 = Everywhere You Go

| length13 = 2:54

| title14 = Awakening

| length14 = 3:56

| title15 = New York City Nights

| length15 = 5:04

| title16 = Time Crime

| length16 = 5:16

| title17 = Purified

| length17 = 6:54

| title18 = Dark Tide

| note18 = featuring Megan McDuffee

| length18 = 3:39

| title19 = Red Planet

| length19 = 4:37

}}

The aim of this project was to create music that consisted of elements from 1980s retro and electronic music with what the duo have described as a "Neo-Tokyo" theme. DJZ called the duos first song "Salvation Code" a "...retro synth-pop tune that harkens back to past visions of a cyberpunk future." and that it was a sci-fi narrative song.{{cite web |title=Scandroid – "Salvation Code" |url=http://www.djz.com/news/scandroid-salvation-code/ |work=DJZ |publisher=DJZ |access-date=December 11, 2013 |author=Ollie |format=News post |date=August 20, 2013 |quote=Complete with a sci-fi narrative, Scandroid follows Red and Raven, a duo from the year 2513 who have unearthed "the New Retro sound of a forgotten era." |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20131211233234/http://www.djz.com/news/scandroid-salvation-code/ |archivedate=December 11, 2013 }}

:: "...what Scandroid does well is bring a slightly different flair to the meat-and-potatoes synthwave sound that adds different enough musculature and flesh to the familiar skeleton..." – Simon Handmaker (of Heavy Blog is Heavy)

• Klayton as "Red" (2013–present)
• Varien as "Raven" (2013)

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website |klayton.info/artist-2/scandroid/}}
• [https://www.youtube.com/scandroid YouTube]

{{Celldweller |state=collapsed}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Synthwave groups

Category:Musical groups established in 2013

Category:Electronic music groups from Michigan

Category:Electro house musicians

Category:Musical groups from Detroit

Category:2013 establishments in Michigan

Category:Synthwave musicians

Category:House musicians