essential machine - compressor // sustainer

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Essential Machine is an indie rock trio from Pittsburgh composed of RJ Dietrich (lead vocals/guitar), Karen Dietrich (drums), and their son Robert Dietrich (keys/bass synth/vocals). In 2008 husband and wife RJ and Karen began their musical journey together. RJ’s experience being in bands since he was a teenager and Karen’s experience in musical theater led to them writing and recording their first folk album Find the Harmony. After putting out a few records and touring as a folk duo Karen decided to learn the drums and their son Robert joined the band on the keys. The band slowly transformed from an indie folk duo to an indie synth rock trio. Being a family band has allowed them to create a sound that is not only unique but also cohesive. The band’s influences are diverse including such artists as Oscar Peterson, Freddie Gibbs, Spoon, and Bright Eyes to name a few. Essential Machine has opened for Laura Jane Grace, Alvvays, Justin Townes Earl, Everything Everything, and Kopecky.

Their most recent single “Waiting” is a song about the paralysis that can set in when the world around us is burning.

Their forthcoming LP Compressor//Sustainer is set for release on 8/15/2025.