Lesson Seven (or Lesson 7) is a techo-industrial darkwave band originally from Dallas, Texas (1986-1992, 2019-). scott crow (Audio Assualt, corporatE unclE) on vox and synths was joined by David Starfire on guitars, bass and synths and Wynne Martin (Energy Fools, Mothman SF, Audio Assault) on synths, sampling and programming in 1988. They had rotating guest drummers including Chris Vrenna (Nine Inch Nails, Tweaker) who, while on hiatus from NIN, filled in for one live performance opening for Clan of Xymox in Dallas in 1991 before rejoining NIN. This incarnation of the band lasted until 1992 before everyone amicably split to pursue other projects.
During those fervent years Lesson Seven toured with Skinny Puppy (1988 VIVI Sect VI tour), Nine Inch Nails (1990 Hate and 1991 Sin tours), and Die Warzau (1991). They performed with most industrial, techno, darkwave and goth bands including: Ministry, Revolting Cocks, Clan of Xymox, Swans, Laibach, Front Line Assembly, Psychic TV, MC 900 ft. Jesus, Severed Heads, Consolidated, Weathermen, A Split Second, and many others from ‘88-’92.
Live rare footage still floats around of Nine Inch Nails and Lesson Seven performing “Head Like a Hole” together live in Dallas for their final tour show together in 1991.
Lesson Seven was half of the innovative techno-industrial rap outfit Audio Assault (1990-91) with International Thief Thief. A Lesson Seven side project performed at raves under the name P-envoy (1989).
In its brief time, Lesson Seven achieved international underground dance club and U.S. college radio play, often charting on CMJ (College Music Journal) and top DJ lists across the U.S. with their limited cassette and CD releases.
Lesson Seven released one 12” vinyl, a handful of cassettes, one split CD w/ Audio Assault and International Thief Thief with tracks produced by MC 900 FT Jesus, and Kurt Larsen (Information Society) and appeared on a few Texas compilations.
Their 12” single “Radiation”, originally released in 1989 (Oak Lawn Records) has since become an international EBM /techno classic appearing on an early NRG Mixxx Vol.1 Issue 5 (1990), and on the compilation CD Retro Club Classics in multiple re-releases by various international labels (1994,1999, 2002).
2018 saw two vinyl limited edition releases on Sabstract Records Radiation demo 7”, and a 12” Demos and Early Trax 1986-1988 EP that inspired scott to restart Lesson Seven and a new label (eMERGENCY heARTS). To celebrate Radiation’s 30th anniversary release in 2019-2020, eH digitally re-released the original Radiation EP for the first time, as well as a series of digital singles and EP’s of 15 different remixes by various producers and DJ’s.
Additionally, eH is releasing unreleased Lesson Seven demos, new 21st century remixes from Adrian Sherwood, Meat Beat Manifesto, Mark Stewart, Patrick Codneys of Front 242, Dead Voices On Air, Leæther Strip, SINE and more, as well as new videos of other classic Lesson Seven songs. In addtion to new music Lesson Seven opened for Front 242 in Dallas 2021.
