Celldweller
Electronic rock project by American multi-musician Klayton.
Celldweller is the electronic rock project of American musician Klayton. His songs have appeared in films, trailers, TV shows, and video games. The name came from a childhood nickname his mother gave him, "Cellar Dweller," because he recorded in the family basement.
Klayton first built a devoted underground following in the mid-1990s with his industrial metal band Circle of Dust. In 1998, he released a collection of reworked Circle of Dust material called *Disengage*, and an album for a new project, Angeldust, made with illusionist Criss Angel. Both records showed Klayton moving away from industrial metal toward a more electronic, melodic industrial rock sound—a shift that led directly to Celldweller. He began writing Celldweller songs in 1998/1999 and put out a limited EP of three demos plus two solo trance tracks, which sold out quickly. By May 2000, Klayton and Criss Angel had parted ways after completing one official album (*Angeldust*), freeing Klayton to focus entirely on Celldweller.
Working with producer Grant Mohrman, Klayton aimed to release the debut Celldweller album in February 2001, but various delays pushed it back. During that time, he kept fans updated through website logs and emails. In 2001, he posted raw files of the song "Symbiont" so fans and other musicians could remix it. Eight remixes were chosen and uploaded to Mp3.com, where most hit the top of the Electronic and Electro-Industrial charts. This exposure led to over 500,000 plays on the site; the remixes later became a digital EP six years after. The self-titled debut album finally arrived in early 2003, debuting at No. 17 on Billboard’s Top Electronic Albums chart. It featured a guest appearance by Taproot drummer Jarrod Montague. In 2004, the album won seven awards at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards, including Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Industrial Album of the Year, Metal Song of the Year ("One Good Reason"), and Best Industrial Rock Song ("Switchback"), with "Stay with Me (Unlikely)" and "I Believe You" also placing as runners-up. Later, "Birthright" and "Switchback" were included as Hard and Extreme Mode songs in the iPhone game *Tap Tap Revenge*.
In 2004, Klayton released a double-disc set called *The Beta Cessions*.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- New York City, U.S.
- Genre
- Electronic rock / industrial metal / industrial rock / electronica / nu metal
- Label
- Esion / Position / FiXT / Monstercat
- Years Active
- 1999–present
- Current Members
- Klayton
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Klayton had gained a devoted cult following in the mid 1990s because of his industrial metal band Circle of Dust. In 1998, he concurrently released a collection of reworked Circle of Dust material titled *Disengage* (before the band officially disbanded) and an album for a new project, Angeldust, created in conjunction with illusionist Criss Angel. Both albums demonstrated Klayton's shift away from industrial metal and towards more electronic-modern industrial rock influences. Klayton began creating songs for the Celldweller project in 1998/1999 and released a limited edition EP of three early Celldweller demos and two solo trance tracks, which quickly sold out. Klayton and Criss Angel parted ways in May of 2000 after completing one official album (*Angeldust*), allowing Klayton to devote all of his time to Celldweller.
Klayton worked with producer Grant Mohrman on the debut Celldweller
Reader's Guide
Celldweller's significance lies in its pioneering use of fan remix culture and its integration of electronic and industrial rock sounds for media licensing. The project's debut album won multiple awards and gained exposure through video game placements. Klayton's Take It & Break It Remix Competition, launched in 2006, allowed fans to download and remix individual recording files of Celldweller songs, evolving into the FiXT Remix Competition. The project also released soundtrack-oriented collections like Soundtrack for the Voices in My Head Vol. 01 in December 2008, designed for film, TV and video game licensing. Celldweller's second album, Wish Upon a Blackstar, was released on June 12, 2012, after years of delays and a chapter-based digital release strategy. The project's legacy includes influencing how independent artists engage with fans and license music for multimedia.
Did You Know?
- The name Celldweller was derived from the nickname 'Cellar Dweller' given by Klayton's mother because he made music in his parents' basement.
- The debut Celldweller album won seven awards at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards in 2004, including Album of the Year and Producer of the Year.
- Klayton released raw files of the song 'Symbiont' in 2001 for fans to remix, leading to over 500,000 song plays on Mp3.com.
- The Take It & Break It Celldweller Remix Competition began in 2006, allowing fans to download and remix individual recording files of Celldweller songs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Celldweller?
Celldweller is an electronic rock project fronted by American multi-instrumentalist Klayton. It functions as his primary solo vehicle for industrial-tinged electronic music, distinct from his earlier band work.
Where does the name 'Celldweller' come from?
The name is a shortened, stylized version of the childhood nickname his mother gave him: 'Cellar Dweller.' She called him that because he spent so much time recording music in the family basement.
What genre does Celldweller fall under?
Celldweller is generally classified as electronic rock and industrial rock. The project blends heavy, distorted guitar-driven passages with programmed electronic beats and synths.
What is Celldweller's most recognized early release?
The self-titled debut album is the record most often cited as the project's defining early work. It established the aggressive, bass-heavy electronic sound that became Klayton's signature style.
Has Celldweller music been used in films or video games?
Yes, Klayton's tracks under the Celldweller name have been licensed for placement in movies, TV trailers, television series, and video games. These soundtrack placements helped broaden the project's audience beyond the underground industrial scene.
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