History
Interface has been producing its own brand of electronic music since 1993, making it one of New York’s longest-lived electronic music acts. Founded and led by programmer/keyboardist and lead vocalist Eric Eldredge, Interface combines the sonic edge of industrial, the club energy of trance, and a melodic sensibility for a unique experience. Each of the band’s multiple studio albums has been met with critical acclaim and widespread play across clubs and various types of radio stations. In addition, Eric is prolific in the remix market using the Interface name, lending a hand to numerous top artists. The band’s current lineup is rounded out by Jon Billian (keyboards/guitar) and Justin Parker (touring drummer).
1990’s
After four total demo cassettes, Eric’s stint with the coldwave band Valve, and several lineup shifts throughout the remainder of the decade, Interface’s debut LP The Artemis Complex was completed in January 1999. A combination of new songs alongside definitive recordings of earlier material, it immediately won over critics and landed a distribution deal with Tinman Records. A sampling of industrial/EBM aesthetics of the time, it offered fan favorites such as “Metalstorm”, “The Softest Blade”, and “Frantic”. The band then formed into its long-running lineup of Eric, his brother Evan Eldredge (guitar/keyboards), and Billian, making its name on the Internet (most notably the mp3.com website) and through an intense live show schedule.
2000’s
After upgrading the band’s studio, Interface released its breakthrough sophomore album Angels in Disguise on Tinman in July 2002. The album’s songwriting and production won more acclaim from critics in various publications, with songs like “Wasted Time”, “Temperature”, “Ability”, and the title track becoming widely played. Following its release, the band began to once again play heavily to support the album. Tinman also helped assemble the Wasted Time and Disguised as Angels EP’s to further the band’s presence. However, the label underwent financial difficulties before either EP was released. The band would later post both as free downloads for a limited time in 2004.
Tinman closed its doors in 2005 just as Interface announced on the website that a new album was well underway. After a year of searching and negotiating with various labels, Interface eventually inked a deal with Nilaihah Records, a label based in Columbus, Ohio and owned by members of The Azoic. The next album Beyond Humanity came in March 2006 to another round of positive reviews, getting play in both clubs and radio playlists on the strengths of songs like “Age of Computers”, “Faith in Nothing”, and “Nobody’s Hero”. The disc was released as the “Expanded Edition” with a host of bonus remixes attached. Once again the band took to the road to support it, this time reaching more cities than ever before. Shortly afterward, the “Escape” EP came out as part of the “Fourplay Vol. 1” compilation.
Nilaihah also acquired Tinman’s remaining inventory of Angels in Disguise, assuming control of the album’s distribution, in 2006. In 2007 the label then re-mastered the now out-of-print The Artemis Complex for a digital re-release through its download outlets complete with several new mixes of “Metalstorm”.
Interface spent the remainder of 2007 working on remixes and compilation appearances, including a highly popular remake of “Land of Confusion” by Genesis for the Machines Against Hunger compilation. Most notable was the contest-winning remix of Lacuna Coil’s “To The Edge”, which is on the Visual Karma tour DVD.
Preceded in October 2008 by a remix EP of the album’s standout track, “Destination”, Interface returned to the electro forefront with another well-received chapter in its decade-plus career with its fourth album, Visions Of Modern Life, in 2009. This album only served to continue the growth and evolution of Interface.
2010’s
Amidst a flurry of tour dates throughout 2009 and 2010, Interface returned to the studio during that period, alternating between cranking out more high-profile remixes (such as Lacuna Coil, Aiboforcen, and System Syn, among others) and working on new material. Recorded during the latter stages of the VoML sessions, “Never Say Farewell” appeared on the inaugural Electronic Saviors: Industrial Music To Cure Cancer box set. The song was quickly the compilation’s most popular track, with nearly 100,000 downloads and over a million worldwide plays, and quickly became one of the band’s signature compositions.
The next progression in Interface’s career came in the fall of 2013 with their fifth album, The Perfect World. The album was described as a “dark, intense concept work that explores the ups and downs of success and fortune”, incorporating more modern styles such as EDM into its sound. Backed by standout singles such as “It Begins Today”, “Stateless”, and “Mirror Mirror”, it continued to cement Interface as an act worthy of its lengthy career.
2019 saw a new record label (Distortion Productions) and the band’s sixth album, Where All Roads Lead. It spawned more successful singles in “Outside Looking In” and “Not With Me”, quickly cementing the band as the label’s new flagship act.
2020’s
The decade began in the most peculiar way, with the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic taking hold, and wiping out any touring or festival appearances. Nonetheless, the band took to the internet, streaming a series of live shows for various online festivals and fundraisers. In April 2020, they even put out an album of previously unfinished material from the All Roads sessions called Dystopia, sending the proceeds to Covid-19 relief.
Alongside the band contributing to each ensuing Electronic Saviors volume, Interface continues to work on more high-profile remixes. The band also continues to enjoy performing alongside leading acts and participating in genre-driven festivals.