Introduction

If you want to get specific about it, back in the early 1990’s there were only four real Christian techno groups: Prodigal Sons, Prophecy of P.A.N.I.C., Jyradelix (which was more of a side project), and Virus. Sure you could argue about Zero being in there, but even Luke of Zero would debate you on that one. The fact of the matter is that no techno group was as diverse and prolific during the early years of Christian dance music as Virus. In just a few years they released a mix of techno, gabber, ambient, synth-pop tracks and maybe a few other styles of EDM as well. Virus’ core was Greg Young and Stefan Nelson. With the release of the double album Odd, they added vocalist Stephanie Dosen. Their contract with N*Soul Records was over in 1996 with the release of The Bubblebaby Experience.

They then disappeared only to reappear with the newly revived MYX Records. Since that time they have released a two CD compilation of previously unreleased work from 1990-2001. They also worked with Scott Blackwell on some of the early MYX Records material such as Raving Loonatics Hypnocrite among other titles. This issue we are proud to have Greg Young telling us what he has been up to since 2001 and those early MYX Records days. When you get done here, check out www.virusworldindustries.com where ALL of the Virus material is now available FREE for download as well as the new Wormsign projects (Wormsign and Notes from the Collapsing Wall). And now, Greg Young:

From the Horse's Mouth

Oddities was at the end of the MYX records days. Stefan and I were looking back at the recordings we had from the years of the virus project and decided to release them for anyone who might care. I always loved when bands released things of this nature. 

After Oddities the Christian music scene had changed.  MYX was in bad shape financially, I was working for Micah records for a time there.  The whole industry was taking a big dive and no one could move any units.  There was a failed attempt at creating our own label through Micah called Unrealaudiowerks.  Oddities was suppose to launch that showing we still had fans out there to buy the music.  But the bottom was falling out. 

So we closed the book on the virus project.  Oddities was titled from the band formerly known as virus.  Stefan began his solo projects, something more mainstream with vocals and all.  I worked as a video editor and freelance designer.

With the Virus thing I had set out to create music for Christians like me, who were stuck just having that well to draw from.  My goal was to be signed and release music that made no compromise and was true to itself regardless of the pressure to make it more "Christ-friendly" lyrically.  And after four albums and years of great memories, I had achieved that.  So I made the shift to making movies.  As much as I have loved music.. I have loved films.  I think it shows in a lot of our music.  Every song I wrote had a strong visual image to it for me.  So it seemed the logical step.

During this period I lost the desire to make money with music.  I wanted to reclaim the joy and passion for it I had before all the industry crap tainted it.  So I stripped it down and just made music for my own amusement.  I recorded a few albums. My solo project was self released to friends and family under the name Speed Queen.  All of this was just for fun.  No selling, no money concerns... Just music the way God intended it.  Pure.  Free. 

This led me to Wormsign, my latest inception. After passing around demos and early mixes to my friends, I was inspired by an old high school buddy of mine that I ran into in LA, after a ten year absence.  He was recording music under the name Howard Amb and giving it away.  No strings.  Just putting it out there, how he wanted, when he wanted.  This really got me interested in music again.  The idea of a community of musicians making music for themselves and giving it freely to anyone who would listen re-sparked that old feeling. 

So Wormsign is my outlet for music I love.  It's a sign of the coming change that technology is giving us: The ability for the artist to connect with the audience without the trappings of money or bottom lines.  It's a chance for all of us to share and experiment and try new things without worrying over how many units we can move.  It's the best thing that has ever happened to my creative life and I look forward to making more in the future.

So I set the site up.  Put the songs out there and let people discover and take what they will from the experience.  I think it's a truly revolutionary time to be an artist.  I look forward to the coming changes and hope to inspire more artists to let go and be free.

I hope that's helpful.

God bless.

Greg

Related Information:

• Virus World Industries
• MYX Records

Virus Albums:

• Virus Analogue (Orange)
• Virus Analogue (Black)
• Ambient Theology
• Odd
• The Bubblebaby Experience
• Oddities

Side Projects:

• Wormsign: Wormsign
• Wormsign: Notes from the Collapsing Wall