Damage is an American synth-punk band from Orlando, Florida, founded in the early 1980s. Known for delivering hardcore and punk energy through analog synthesizers and live drums — with no guitars — Damage carved out a unique space in the scene. Often compared to seminal synth-punk acts like The Screamers, Suicide, and Units, Damage pushed the speed and raw aggression of American hardcore into new, unexplored territory. After several hiatuses, Damage continues to record and perform with founding members Mike Brown (lead synth, vocals) and Joe Livingston (drums, synths), joined by new member Joshua Clark (synth, backing vocals).

HOW TO TALK TO HUMANS (Remix EP) is a unique experiment in the history of Damage, bringing together a series of remixes based on source tracks produced by Joe Livingston and the band. At its core are two new original tracks by Damage: “Carriage Horses,” a full-on hardcore assault, and “How To Talk To Humans,” an upbeat synth-punk track—both built on analog synthesizers and live drums. Joe then distributed electronic versions of the tracks, featuring Mike’s vocal samples, to three artists for reinterpretation, while also contributing two additional remixes of his own. The result is a 12″ EP that blends electronic dance influences with the raw energy of two punk originals.

About the Remix Artists

Richie Dio, New York – Across several record labels, Richie Dio has released multiple singles, EP’s, and remixes within the genre of house, afro house, tech house and melodic house, with tracks on labels including Jackie’s Music, Kevin Saundersons KMS Records, Sektor Rekords, Homewerks Music, Mavek Recordings, and R-Trybe. Since his first big DJ gigs at NYC’s Tunnel and Limelight in the 90’s, Richie Dio has played at many mega-clubs and supported such acts as Todd Terry, Jonathan Peters, Chus and Ceballos, and Joeski. 

Knowlton Walsh, Providence, RI – Blending deep, hypnotic rhythms with cinematic textures, Knowltons music bridges underground energy and emotional depth. Walshs productions reflect a passion for sonic storytelling, crafted to move both body and mind. He’s built a reputation for delivering magnetic sets that connect diverse crowds through shared rhythm and atmosphere.

Bonus Digital Download

Tommy “MOT” Barger, Orlando, FL –  The Dance Don’t Dance Remix marks the return of DJ MOT, a 90’s-era selector stepping back in after a long hiatus. This remix is rooted in late-80’s underground dance music, blending nostalgia with grit and channeling shadowy club energy into modern EBM rhythms.

Punk rock and synthesizers are so historically divergent as to be almost mutually exclusive, especially in the 1980s. But Damage dared to break and blur those boundaries, wielding keytars like cudgels.
—Orlando Weekly