Venice Underground
Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Peter DiStefano, founding member of and songwriter for the groundbreaking alternative-rock band Porno for Pyros, reveals himself as more than an accomplished axeman on his debut album Venice Underground. Peter's fans, old and new, are in for an exceptional audio and visual experience! It has it all: technical mastery, electronic grooves, intelligently mixed with the classic sounds and styles of rock recording.
Produced by DiStefano, the album was influenced by the native Southern Californian's immersion in the underground music scene of Venice, CA. Peter enlisted the area's electronic programming wizard, Big Green Boy, who also co-produced many tracks, and haunting vocalist Little Green Girl. There are inspired guest appearances by Eric Avery (Jane's Addiction), who played and co-produced a track, and Kevin Haskins (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets) showing off a bit of his programming skills. You can also find David Baerwald (Sheryl Crow, David and David), Joseph Turner and Christopher Fudurich lending their studio expertise on select tracks. Rounding out this eclectic mix of artists are singers Kacy Crowly, “Take Me Down”, and Beca Starr “Venice By The Sea”.
In some instances, Peter went vintage with the amplifiers, guitars and drums, even resurrecting the Moog synthesizer, but the entire album was recorded using state of the art computer software and a Macintosh G3. The album kicks in with DiStefano's guitar front and center on the fast-paced, “Back Seat” and “Hard Young Thing”. It then takes you on a journey with the more trance-like “Deflower” and “North Side”. Peter wanted to craft an album that gave modern production techniques a human touch, and bring classic rock styles into the present tense.
Venice Underground is the first electronic recording available in DVD audio, which makes for an eclectic listening experience. DiStefano also uses technology to bring a heightened experience for the eyes. Says DiStefano, "We have a virtual lead singer on screen, mixed in with the DVD and live images. We're trying to create an innovative show that will appeal to your eyes and ears, not just throw something together and hit the road."
Venice Underground is a unique adventure into uncharted territory. Not so unexpected, though, from a musician who's wide-ranging resume includes collaborations with such artists as Daniel Lanois, Brad Mendall, Stone Temple Pilot's Scott Weiland, Tricky, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Navarro, Mike Watt, Peter Murphy and many others.
In addition, DiStefano has successfully ventured into the movie world with musical performances on recent features such as Light it Up, Hunger Sanctuary (David Bowie and Giovanni Rabisi), Howard Stern's Private Parts, Coyote Ugly, Spy Kids and numerous others. Some of Peter's television credits include a commercial production by Tony Scott, USA network's Good vs. Evil, Late Night with David Letterman and HBO's The Larry Sanders Show. Listen for Peter on the soundtrack for the upcoming animated Spielberg production Shrek, as well as collaborative efforts with pop-songwriter, Ellen Shipley.
Product Description
Peter DiStefano (Porno For Pyros) assembled fellow musicians and DJs fromteh streets of Venice, California to collabaoarate on a project he calls Venice Underground. The music blends techno rhythms and textures with real guitars, bass and drums. In fact, guest artists David Baerwald (David And David) and Eric Avery (Jane's Addiction) lend their considerable talents to several tracks.
The music may be from the underground, but this recording is groundbreaking as well. This is the first electronica project to be created from beginning to end as a DVD Music disc in 5.1 audio. The result is cutting edge technology with street credibility.
Enjoy Venice Underground on CD AND DVD!!
Venice Underground,Venice Underground,Immergent,Dance Music,Pop
Average customer rating: 
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Venice Underground
Venice Underground Manufacturer: Immergent ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000056T7L Release Date: 2001-01-23 |
Tracks:
Album Description
Peter DiStefano (Porno For Pyros) assembled fellow musicians and DJs fromteh streets of Venice, California to collabaoarate on a project he calls Venice Underground. The music blends techno rhythms and textures with real guitars, bass and drums. In fact, guest artists David Baerwald (David And David) and Eric Avery (Jane's Addiction) lend their considerable talents to several tracks.The music may be from the underground, but this recording is groundbreaking as well. This is the first electronica project to be created from beginning to end as a DVD Music disc in 5.1 audio. The result is cutting edge technology with street credibility.
Enjoy Venice Underground on CD AND DVD!!
Customer Reviews:
an interesting project that just didn't work.......2007-04-07
Pretty Good Techno.......2002-09-24
My two favorites on "Venice Underground" would have to be the back-to-back mute tracks: #4 ("Insane Toy Symphony"), a medium, short song (barely reaching 2 minutes) with no vocals except for the indecipherable male voice samples and the conclusive groan; and #5 ("Punk Rock Guitar"), a fast song (nearing 7 minutes) reminiscent of the late 70's era, but with a trendy electronic twist--just synths and a punk guitar solo.
The majority of songs (with vocals anyway) on "Venice Underground" are sung by females, namely Little Green Girl, who sings her five songs in a sweet, girlish voice. The other two guest singers on "Venice Underground" are Kacy Crowley and Beca Starr, each singing one song a piece ("Take Me Down" and "Venice By the Sea"), both of which are really good tracks.
I can't say I loved all the songs on "Venice Underground" (some of the vocals and lyrics were at times irritating and immature, thus my 4-star rating), but if you like pop/dance/techno music featuring female singers, then this CD is worth a listen.
Venice Underground is a fun ride........2001-04-20
Average customer rating: 
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Now
Manufacturer: Venice Underground ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000CAAOUO Release Date: 2000-09-26 |
Tracks:
Average customer rating:
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Venice Underground
Venice Underground Manufacturer: Immergent ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000AMJDLA Release Date: 2005-09-13 |
Tracks:
Album Description
What do Porno for Pyros, Jane's Addiction, Bauhaus, and Love and Rockets, and David and David have in common? Besides great music and incredible creativity, various members of these troupes have merged to form Venice Underground. Former Porno for Pyros band member Peter DiStefano has assembled a diverse array of musicians and DJ's to record a brilliantly eclectic project of techno rhythms, drums and bass, and dazzling guitars. It's cutting edge electronica at its very best but with a serious rock attitude that only these legendary influences could create.Music Review: