Diminished Men are an instrumental group formed by guitarist Steve Schmitt, drummer Dave Abramson (Master Musicians of Bukkake, Secret Chiefs 3, Eyvind Kang, Lori Goldston, Climax Golden Twins,) and bassist Simon Henneman (WAH, Wayne Horvitz). Distorted through a shattered lens, they refocus elements of experimental rock, psychedelia, surf, sci-fi exotica, noir and horror film soundtracks into something entirely unique. Since 2005 the band has been crafting their jagged, hard-charging approach and cinema obscura ethos, but it was their multiple LP releases on the Sun City Girls label, Abduction Records, that got the band wider recognition for their creative and distinctive sound. Diminished Men have cemented their status as formidable figures, developing a dedicated audience of audiophiles who found themselves entranced by Diminished Men’s live performances. Their latest release, “DAMAGE MÉCANIQUE,” released through 2182 Recording Company, showcases Diminished Men as masters of their subgenre.  They have shared the stage with Pere Ubu, Chrome, Los Dug Dug's, Secret Chiefs 3, Baba Commandant, etc.

Darek Mazzone is a globally recognized DJ and music curator whose impact spans across diverse fields such as technology, NGOs, and the arts. His career embodies his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative mindset, and an unwavering commitment to fostering global connections and effecting positive change.   In the technology sector, Mazzone’s creative consultancy work with Microsoft showcased his ability to foster innovation and advance startup ecosystems in places like China, India, and South Korea. A notable achievement from his tenure at Microsoft was the development of the Crossfader Platform. This pioneering initiative, though no longer active, empowered music creators worldwide to collaborate in real-time on music production, exemplifying Mazzone’s dedication to harnessing technology to bridge gaps and foster creativity on a global scale.   In the humanitarian sphere, Mazzone’s work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and NetHope has been instrumental in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities. His “No Generation Left Behind” project in Jordan provided hope and opportunities to young individuals displaced by conflict. Likewise, in Nepal, he played a pivotal role in post-earthquake rebuilding efforts, focusing on fostering entrepreneurial opportunities and startup development to rejuvenate the devastated community.   Adding a unique dimension to his professional pursuits, Mazzone is a celebrated DJ at KEXP, a public radio station based in Seattle, Washington. In this role, he has been able to weave a rich tapestry of diverse sounds, fostering a global connection through the universal language of music that aligns with his philosophy of unity and collaboration.   Mazzone has also made significant contributions to discussions on justice and music. Alongside Nigerian musician Seun Kuti, he delivered a keynote speech at the World Justice Forum in The Hague. Their address underscored the transformative power of music in driving social change, demonstrating how creativity and innovation can contribute to systemic justice issues.   Following the onset of the global pandemic, Mazzone embarked on a new creative journey with the launch of his cultural startup, SAMA. More than just a platform, SAMA is a vibrant creative hub featuring music, interviews, and live performances of international artists. Designed to elevate and center the voices of immigrants, indigenous communities, and refugees, SAMA employs a layered cultural identity approach to break down the binary mindsets that hinder our species’ evolution. Mazzone strongly believes this evolution is critical for confronting pressing global challenges such as climate change, rising nationalism, and propaganda-fueled fearmongering.   Through the diverse chapters of his career, Darek Mazzone has proven to be a force for change, driving creativity, fostering innovation, and championing marginalized voices. His legacy, marked by his commitment to leveraging his platform to create a lasting global impact, continues to inspire and unite individuals across the world.