Josh Dies
Encyclopedia
Joshua S. Porter, better known by his stage name Josh Dies (born June 12, 1983) is an American
singer, songwriter
, musician
and author
. He is widely known as the vocalist and songwriter
for the band Showbread
. His debut novel
The Spinal Cord Perception
which was released December, 2006, features a dark, postmodern style similar to Chuck Palahniuk
, Bret Easton Ellis
, and other Generation X
novelists. Porter and Showbread also started "Raw Rock Missions," an organization designed to provide food and shelter for orphans and children with special needs.
, which became a full-time international touring act in 2002.
In 2004, following several independent albums, Showbread released No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical
, featuring music and lyrics written by Porter, and arranged and completed by him and his band mates. No Sir... expectantly failed to achieve commercial success. However, it was rewarded by Revolver Magazine to be the best Screamo album of the year, and Showbread’s already respectable and rabid fan base was propelled by the thousands.
In 2006, Showbread released Age of Reptiles
, a drastic and controversial departure from the spastic, frenetic style of their debut album.The song Oh! Emetophobia
! is written about and named for Josh's fiancee (now wife), who is emetophobic.
Later that year, Porter announced through Showbread's website and his own Official homepage, that he would be releasing his first novel, The Spinal Cord Perception, at the close of 2006. A limited edition version of the book is said to be self-published by Porter and sold via his web-store and on the road with Showbread. He said recently on his Myspace blog that the book will soon be available in-store. He also said that he is currently starting his second novel, which will be written mostly around April 2007.
Porter has also teamed with acclaimed produced Sylvia Massy Shivy to design artwork for her Psycho Empire T-Shirt line. Porter’s designs reminiscent of John Kricfalusi
, are sold on tour with Showbread and feature crazed cartoon creatures mutilating each other.
Porter married Abigail Martinez on November 11, 2007.
His three favorite bands are Nine Inch Nails
, The Flaming Lips
, and Genesis
.
He has also recently mentioned on Showbread's website that he (as well as other members of Showbread) will be starting a band with Five Iron Frenzy
's Reese Roper
.
Porter has Announced the sequel to Nevada, An Edict of Worms will Be released soon.
. The writing process has been described by the band as being started by Porter, who writes the basic music for the song, and completed by the band members who all style in their own handiwork. Incidentally, Porter also writes and performs some of the synthesizer parts and guitars heard on Showbread albums and is also credited as Showbread’s original drummer. He has also released a solo record, Aesthetics of Violence, under the moniker DIES. It is "some rough, noisy industrial . . . maybe a melody here and there . . . Skinny Puppy meets Genesis, I think." Physical copies were sold, and could be purchased via the DIES myspace page. It released on November 27, 2007.
Porter's trademark scream is well known among fans of No Sir, Nihilism is not Practical, as it assumes various tones and notes. He has often stated that he is unimpressed with his own singing abilities and merely tries to recreate Refused
front man Dennis Lyxzén
's trademark scream. The notable lack of screaming on Showbread’s "Age of Reptiles" record however leaves him rendering a more guttural, often melodic, throaty wail. Donning strange costumes and theatrical make-up, Porter has become notorious for his outlandish stage persona as Josh Dies. He rants nonsensically during speeches. It is noted that the only serious discussions by Porter are those dealing with his faith.
Theologically, Porter is an admirer of Greg Boyd
, and identifies with the teachings of Open Theism
.
Some of his lyrics are tinged with dark, violent, and obscure subject matter.
Many Showbread fans and fans of Porter’s writing style defend his work avidly and commend him for what they believe to be a deep and powerful way of conveying important spiritual truths.
Porter has been open in sharing his ideas about accusations brought against him and his work, and has posted several articles dealing with these topics on Showbread’s website.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
and author
Author
An author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
. He is widely known as the vocalist and songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
for the band Showbread
Showbread (band)
Showbread is an American Christian rock band originating in Guyton, Georgia. More specifically, the band lives in a small community within Guyton called Marlow. They formed in 1997. The band has gone through numerous lineup changes since its formation but maintains its two founding members, Josh...
. His debut novel
Debut novel
A debut novel is the first novel an author publishes. Debut novels are the author's first opportunity to make an impact on the publishing industry, and thus the success or failure of a debut novel can affect the ability of the author to publish in the future...
The Spinal Cord Perception
The Spinal Cord Perception
The Spinal Cord Perception is the first novel from Josh Porter who is known mostly for his role as Josh Dies, the singer/songwriter for the band Showbread. In late 2006, Porter announced that he had written the novel and would be releasing it independently to be sold via his website before it...
which was released December, 2006, features a dark, postmodern style similar to Chuck Palahniuk
Chuck Palahniuk
Charles Michael "Chuck" Palahniuk is an American transgressional fiction novelist and freelance journalist. He is best known for the award-winning novel Fight Club, which was later made into a film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter...
, Bret Easton Ellis
Bret Easton Ellis
Bret Easton Ellis is an American novelist and short story writer. His works have been translated into 27 different languages. He was regarded as one of the so-called literary Brat Pack, which also included Tama Janowitz and Jay McInerney...
, and other Generation X
Generation X
Generation X, commonly abbreviated to Gen X, is the generation born after the Western post–World War II baby boom ended. While there is no universally agreed upon time frame, the term generally includes people born from the early 1960's through the early 1980's, usually no later than 1981 or...
novelists. Porter and Showbread also started "Raw Rock Missions," an organization designed to provide food and shelter for orphans and children with special needs.
Biography
In 1997, Porter began working with brother Patrick Porter creating and evolving the band ShowbreadShowbread (band)
Showbread is an American Christian rock band originating in Guyton, Georgia. More specifically, the band lives in a small community within Guyton called Marlow. They formed in 1997. The band has gone through numerous lineup changes since its formation but maintains its two founding members, Josh...
, which became a full-time international touring act in 2002.
In 2004, following several independent albums, Showbread released No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical
No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical
No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical is an album by the band Showbread. A music video was made for the song "Mouth Like A Magazine".-Track listing:# "A Llama Eats a Giraffe " - 3:51# "Dead By Dawn" - 3:54# "Mouth Like a Magazine" - 4:12...
, featuring music and lyrics written by Porter, and arranged and completed by him and his band mates. No Sir... expectantly failed to achieve commercial success. However, it was rewarded by Revolver Magazine to be the best Screamo album of the year, and Showbread’s already respectable and rabid fan base was propelled by the thousands.
In 2006, Showbread released Age of Reptiles
Age of Reptiles (Showbread album)
Age of Reptiles is an album by the band Showbread. It was released on August 1, 2006. It sold over 4,000 copies in its first week making it the first Showbread album to chart on the Billboard 200 at #198.-Reaction of Fans:...
, a drastic and controversial departure from the spastic, frenetic style of their debut album.The song Oh! Emetophobia
Emetophobia
Emetophobia is an intense, irrational fear or anxiety pertaining to vomiting. This specific phobia can also include subcategories of what causes the anxiety, including a fear of vomiting in public, a fear of seeing vomit, a fear of watching the action of vomiting or fear of being nauseated...
! is written about and named for Josh's fiancee (now wife), who is emetophobic.
Later that year, Porter announced through Showbread's website and his own Official homepage, that he would be releasing his first novel, The Spinal Cord Perception, at the close of 2006. A limited edition version of the book is said to be self-published by Porter and sold via his web-store and on the road with Showbread. He said recently on his Myspace blog that the book will soon be available in-store. He also said that he is currently starting his second novel, which will be written mostly around April 2007.
Porter has also teamed with acclaimed produced Sylvia Massy Shivy to design artwork for her Psycho Empire T-Shirt line. Porter’s designs reminiscent of John Kricfalusi
John Kricfalusi
Michael John Kricfalusi , better known as John K., is a Canadian animator. He is creator of The Ren & Stimpy Show, its adults-only spin-off Ren & Stimpy "Adult Party Cartoon", The Ripping Friends animated series, and Weekend Pussy Hunt, which was billed as "the world's first interactive web-based...
, are sold on tour with Showbread and feature crazed cartoon creatures mutilating each other.
Porter married Abigail Martinez on November 11, 2007.
His three favorite bands are Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
, The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips are an American alternative rock band, formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1983.Melodically, their sound contains lush, multi-layered, psychedelic rock arrangements, but lyrically their compositions show elements of space rock, including unusual song and album titles—such as "What...
, and Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
.
He has also recently mentioned on Showbread's website that he (as well as other members of Showbread) will be starting a band with Five Iron Frenzy
Five Iron Frenzy
Five Iron Frenzy is a Christian ska band formed in Denver, Colorado in 1995 and disbanded in 2003. The band announced they were recording new material on November 22, 2011....
's Reese Roper
Reese Roper
Michael Reese Roper is an independent filmmaker and the former lead singer and chief song writer of the third-wave ska band Five Iron Frenzy. After Five Iron Frenzy disbanded in 2003, Reese released a single album using the moniker Roper. He is also part of the band Brave Saint Saturn, who released...
.
Porter has Announced the sequel to Nevada, An Edict of Worms will Be released soon.
As Showbread's Frontman
Some fans have found the advanced vocabulary peppered throughout Showbread lyrics difficult to decode; when questioned about this in interviews, Porter claims that his vocabulary comes from reading Calvin and HobbesCalvin and Hobbes
Calvin and Hobbes is a syndicated daily comic strip that was written and illustrated by American cartoonist Bill Watterson, and syndicated from November 18, 1985, to December 31, 1995. It follows the humorous antics of Calvin, a precocious and adventurous six-year-old boy, and Hobbes, his...
. The writing process has been described by the band as being started by Porter, who writes the basic music for the song, and completed by the band members who all style in their own handiwork. Incidentally, Porter also writes and performs some of the synthesizer parts and guitars heard on Showbread albums and is also credited as Showbread’s original drummer. He has also released a solo record, Aesthetics of Violence, under the moniker DIES. It is "some rough, noisy industrial . . . maybe a melody here and there . . . Skinny Puppy meets Genesis, I think." Physical copies were sold, and could be purchased via the DIES myspace page. It released on November 27, 2007.
Porter's trademark scream is well known among fans of No Sir, Nihilism is not Practical, as it assumes various tones and notes. He has often stated that he is unimpressed with his own singing abilities and merely tries to recreate Refused
Refused
Refused was a Swedish hardcore punk band originating from Umeå, Sweden, formed in 1991. In total the band released five EPs and three albums, before splitting up in 1998...
front man Dennis Lyxzén
Dennis Lyxzén
Dennis Lyxzén is a musician most famously known for being the lead vocalist for Swedish hardcore punk band Refused.-Career:...
's trademark scream. The notable lack of screaming on Showbread’s "Age of Reptiles" record however leaves him rendering a more guttural, often melodic, throaty wail. Donning strange costumes and theatrical make-up, Porter has become notorious for his outlandish stage persona as Josh Dies. He rants nonsensically during speeches. It is noted that the only serious discussions by Porter are those dealing with his faith.
Ideological views
On his official blog, Joshdies.com, Porter has stated that he is an "anti-patriotic, pacifistic, anarchist type Christian." According to Porter, "As a Christian, I believe that for all Christians, violent self-defense is contrary to Jesus’ teachings, even within the confines of government," and "The New Testament is very clear in forbidding violence, retaliation and revenge.Theologically, Porter is an admirer of Greg Boyd
Greg Boyd
Greg or Gregory Boyd may refer to:*Greg Boyd *S. Gregory Boyd, American author, attorney and professor*Greg Boyd , American football player...
, and identifies with the teachings of Open Theism
Open theism
Open theism is a recent theological movement that has developed within evangelical and post-evangelical Protestant Christianity as a response to certain ideas that are related to the synthesis of Greek philosophy and Christian theology...
.
Controversy
Porter has been involved with several controversies having to do with his work, namely with some Christian groups who feel that some of the subject matter of his writing is contrary to Porter's personal stance of faith as a devout Christian.Some of his lyrics are tinged with dark, violent, and obscure subject matter.
Many Showbread fans and fans of Porter’s writing style defend his work avidly and commend him for what they believe to be a deep and powerful way of conveying important spiritual truths.
Porter has been open in sharing his ideas about accusations brought against him and his work, and has posted several articles dealing with these topics on Showbread’s website.
Albums
- The Dissonance of Discontent (1998) guitar, songwriting, background vocals
- Goodbye Is Forever (1999) vocals, songwriting
- Human Beings are too Shallow to Fall in Love (2000) vocals, songwriting
- Goodnight Sweetheart, The Stitches Are Coming Apart (2001) vocals, songwriting
- Promotional EP (2002) vocals, songwriting
- Life, Kisses, and other Wasted Efforts (2003, Steel Roots Records) vocals, synthesizer, songwriting
- No Sir, Nihilism Is Not PracticalNo Sir, Nihilism Is Not PracticalNo Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical is an album by the band Showbread. A music video was made for the song "Mouth Like A Magazine".-Track listing:# "A Llama Eats a Giraffe " - 3:51# "Dead By Dawn" - 3:54# "Mouth Like a Magazine" - 4:12...
(2004, Tooth & NailTooth & Nail RecordsTooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today...
/Solid State RecordsSolid State RecordsSolid State Records is a Christian record label, a division of Tooth & Nail Records. Unlike Tooth & Nail, Solid State signs hardcore and metal bands. Like Tooth & Nail, Solid State is primarily a Christian label. However, they have signed several bands that don't label themselves as Christian,...
) vocals, guitar, synthesizer/programming, songwriting - Age of ReptilesAge of Reptiles (Showbread album)Age of Reptiles is an album by the band Showbread. It was released on August 1, 2006. It sold over 4,000 copies in its first week making it the first Showbread album to chart on the Billboard 200 at #198.-Reaction of Fans:...
(August 1, 2006, Tooth & Nail RecordsTooth & Nail RecordsTooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today...
) vocals, acoustic guitar, synthesizer, songwriting - Aesthetics of Violence (November 27, 2007), released as DIES
- AnorexiaAnorexia (album)Anorexia is an album by the band Showbread. It was released on May 13, 2008 simultaneously with its companion album Nervosa . Anorexia is the first of a two-CD collection entitled Anorexia Nervosa, which is an accompaniment to the short story Anorexia Nervosa which comes pacakged with the records...
and NervosaNervosa (album)Nervosa is an album by the band Showbread. It was released on May 13, 2008 simultaneously with its companion album Anorexia. Nervosa second in a two-CD collection entitled Anorexia Nervosa, which is an accompaniment to the short story Anorexia Nervosa which comes packaged within the records...
(May 13, 2008), Tooth & Nail RecordsTooth & Nail RecordsTooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today...
) vocals, guitar, songwriting - TalonsTalons (EP)Talons is the first solo EP recorded by Josh Dies. The album was released under DIES. The EP contains "re-imaginings" of two Showbread songs: "Never An Oceanographer" and "Age of Insects"...
(Early 2009), released as DIES - The Fear of GodThe Fear of GodThe Fear of God is the eighth studio album by American band Showbread. The album was released on August 11, 2009 through Tooth & Nail Records. The Fear of God was produced by Sylvia Massy, who had previously produced Showbread's 2004 and 2006 albums No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical and Age of...
(August 11, 2009), singer, songwriter - Who Can Know It?Who Can Know It?Who Can Know It? is the ninth studio album by American rock band Showbread. The album was released on November 16, 2010 through non-profit record label Come&Live!. Who Can Know It? was produced by Sylvia Massy, who had previously produced Showbread's albums No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical, Age of...
(November 16, 2010), singer, songwriter, guitar
Books
- The Spinal Cord PerceptionThe Spinal Cord PerceptionThe Spinal Cord Perception is the first novel from Josh Porter who is known mostly for his role as Josh Dies, the singer/songwriter for the band Showbread. In late 2006, Porter announced that he had written the novel and would be releasing it independently to be sold via his website before it...
- NevadaNevada (Joshua S. Porter novel)Nevada is an epistolatory novel from Josh Porter who is known mostly for his role as Josh Dies, the singer/songwriter for the band Showbread. Nevada is the follow-up to Porter's hallucinatory 2006 debut novel The Spinal Cord Perception. Like Porter's first novel, Nevada was self-published and is...
- The Insect (out of print children's book)
- The Joke That We Play On The World (A Showbread memoir released in February 2011)
- An Edict Of Worms (sequel to NevadaNevada (Joshua S. Porter novel)Nevada is an epistolatory novel from Josh Porter who is known mostly for his role as Josh Dies, the singer/songwriter for the band Showbread. Nevada is the follow-up to Porter's hallucinatory 2006 debut novel The Spinal Cord Perception. Like Porter's first novel, Nevada was self-published and is...
to be released in 2011) - The Black Meat (ongoing comic book series with Patrick Porter releasing July, 2010)
- Remission (ongoing comic book series with Patrick Porter releasing 2010)