Originally went by the name of Feedback (not the same band as the original U2). They are a ska band that started out in Keyser, WV. Slowly they expanded their following out to Maryland.

In the summer of '97 they started working on their first album using a Fostex digital 8-track recorder. Afterwards they went to a nearby studio to have the tracks mixed professionally.

In September of ’97 Feedback changed their name to Distorted Penguins due to the fact that they shared the name with too many other bands including at one time U2. They chose their new name because they thought it was a little bit more original.They also you made a do it yourself label called Distorted Penguins Records so they could put out their demos.

After the release of “Ain’t Got None Monies” in December of 1997, the Distorted Penguins grew as a talented, innovative band, and expanded their fan base into Morgantown, WV, home of the West Virginia Mountaineers. They performed for the University and the WWVU (U92) radio shows, ‘DP’ gained a strong following of high school and college fans.

DP performed throughout the region over the next few years doing shows in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, trying to get their name out. After breaking into the city of Pittsburgh, PA, DP met and befriended a band called the Buzz Poets. The Poets helped DP tremendously by giving them opening spots at many shows, and by making several guest appearances on their new album.

DP started work on "What Would Your Mother Say" in August of 1999. The studio of choice was Soundscape Studios in McKeesport, PA with engineer Billy Rossi and producer Buddy Hall. The recording of the album was a long process since the majority of the band was starting college and had to drive a few hours each way to get to the studio.

Many months went by and on April 24, 2000 the final vocal tracks were recorded. This completed the recording process for the album. Then, just two days later the heart and soul and lead singer/songwriter of the Distorted Penguins, Magic Dave Mussen, had his life tragically taken from him. The following weeks and months were tough for everyone that had ever come in contact with Dave, especially the band. The future of DP was in jeopardy and no one was sure what should be done. In time however a unanimous decision was made to keep the band together and keep Dave’s music alive.

After a line-up switch and the addition of a few new members the Distorted Penguins were ready to venture back out into the world. It took some time to get used to the tremendous change, but their main goal was to complete their album for Magic Dave. Finances were scarce, so the mixing, mastering, artwork, and duplication process took many months. The 2001 “Pittsburgh X-Files” CD released by 105.9 ‘the X’ was dedicated to Magic Dave and had DP’s song ‘Cloud Nine’ and Buzz Poets’ song ‘Angel Eyes (Song for Dave)’ on it. That helped both bands get the message out about how much Dave meant to everyone.

After releasing their album ‘Magic’ in February of 2001, DP traveled throughout the Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia regions playing anywhere they possibly could. Performing at colleges, bars, clubs, parties, and benefits, a spot on the Vans Warped tour in Pittsburgh, and opening for national acts such as Reel Big Fish, 2 Skinnee J’s, and Blues Traveler helped elevate the Distorted Penguins and establish them as an exceptional rock band.

In May of 2001, DP started recording a five-track EP in order to get out some of their new material. This also took many months due to lack of money. ‘What Would Your Mother Say?’ was released on April 12, 2002 and the band received incredible acclaim for their work. Since then they have extended their reach throughout Ohio, into Eastern Maryland, New Jersey, and parts of the North Eastern United States.

Through radio airplay on multiple national and college radio stations, a featured song on the Pittsburgh X-Files 2001 Compilation CD, and singles included on several episodes of MTV’s ‘Undressed’, DP is earning national and international recognition in the D.I.Y. fashion. Fans throughout the United States, Canada, England, France, Russia, Germany, and Australia have proven their love with over 385,000 downloads on mp3.com. DP has contributed their songs to independent movies and video games, as well as special CD compilations to help raise money for the American Red Cross, the Children’s Hospital of Boston, teen suicide prevention, domestic violence, and charities that help battered women and children.

In the summer of 2003 the Distorted Penguins did a national tour across the United States hitting 19 states and traveling 8,000 miles. The tour was set up by the band in order to meet fans who emailed them wanting to see DP in their town. By doing this DP made thousands of new fans, as well as meeting those who have been fans for years. This fall/winter they hope to start the initial phases of recording demos for their new album, which has the potential to be the best album of the millennium. Keep your eyes and ears open and rock out to the sweet, sweet sounds.

References

http://www.distortedpenguins.com