Pharmakon Vinyl Records & Discography

Who is Pharmakon? A Brief Career Overview

Pharmakon is the innovative solo project of Margaret Chardiet, an interdisciplinary sound artist who has a unique approach to music born out of the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City. Branded under the genres of avant-garde metal and noise, Pharmakon's work explores the interplay between electronic synthesis and raw vocal power, creating an immersive auditory experience that challenges listeners to confront their inner selves.

With a mission to captivate and disturb in equal measure, Pharmakon has introduced a groundbreaking sound that transcends typical genre boundaries. Her first full album, Abandon, set a high bar with its industrial noise aesthetic, while subsequent releases like Bestial Burden and Devour pushed the envelope further into personal reflection and societal critique. This fearless exploration has rooted Pharmakon deeply in the vinyl culture, with collectors eagerly seeking her releases for their innovative sounds and unique artwork. From intense performances to thought-provoking themes, Pharmakon embodies the spirit of vinyl culture, inspiring both fans and fellow musicians alike.

Pharmakon's Early Life and Background

Margaret Chardiet, known to her audience as Pharmakon, was born and raised in a culturally rich environment that shaped her artistic pursuits. Growing up in a family that valued creativity, Margaret was immersed in a world where music, art, and expression were encouraged, providing fertile ground for her future as a sound artist.

Her early experiences with music were eclectic, influenced by everything from experimental noise to classical compositions. The blend of sounds played a vital role in her artistic development, and as she began to explore electronic instruments, Margaret's connection to vinyl began to blossom. The tactile beauty and analog warmth of vinyl records mirrored her search for authenticity and depth, leading to a lifelong passion for collecting records that inspired her own creativity.

The Musical Influences That Shaped Pharmakon's Sound

Pharmakon's sound is a mosaic of diverse musical elements, heavily influenced by the harsh textures and raw energy of punk and industrial music. Artists such as Swans and Throbbing Gristle are pivotal inspirations, their confrontational sonic landscapes echoing through Chardiet's work.

The visceral nature of noise, electronic elements, and vocal experimentation found in Pharmakon's music showcases these influences vividly. Early on, she immersed herself in collecting vinyl records, drawing inspiration from the intense auditory experiences created by these artists, leaving a significant mark on her artistic style.

How Pharmakon Entered the Music Industry

Pharmakon's entrance into the music world began as a deeply personal journey, evolving from the confines of her New York City apartment to local venues where she tested her sound on eager audiences. As she crafted her first recordings and demos, the need for physical releases became apparent, leading to the vinyl formats that suited her industrial noise aesthetics perfectly.

Her debut, Abandon, released in 2013, marked a turning point, showcasing her fierce dedication to her craft despite the challenges of production and distribution. Chardiet's willingness to experiment and collaborate with like-minded artists solidified her presence in the avant-garde scene, culminating in the vinyl pressings that have become coveted treasures among collectors.

Pharmakon's Breakthrough and Rise to Fame

Pharmakon's trajectory shifted dramatically with the release of her second album, Bestial Burden, in 2014. The album was met with widespread critical acclaim, establishing her as a formidable force in the noise and industrial music landscapes. Its vinyl release was celebrated for its intricate artwork and pressing quality, drawing the attention of both mainstream listeners and vinyl enthusiasts.

The album's candid exploration of personal trauma resonated deeply with audiences, earning nominations and awards that further propelled her into larger media arenas. Pharmakon's performances at notable festivals and collaborations with other acclaimed artists fueled her reputation, marking her as an influential figure in contemporary music. With every release, she carved out a space for herself in the haunted echo of vinyl culture, nurturing a rabid fan base eager for her uncompromising vision.

How Personal Life Shaped Pharmakon's Music

The threads of Pharmakon's personal life are woven intricately into her music. Her struggles with mental health and self-identity inform many of her lyrics and thematic choices, offering depth and resonance with listeners who share similar experiences. Relationships and personal challenges have acted as catalysts for her creative expression, allowing her to channel pain and recovery into her artistic output.

Margaret Chardiet has also shown a profound commitment to various social and philanthropic causes, which influence her public persona and artistic choices. Her involvement in initiatives around mental health awareness and environmental activism frames her work within a larger societal context, making her artistry not just a personal journey but a platform for dialogue and change. Through it all, the vinyl format remains central to her releases, transforming her raw experiences into tangible, collectible pieces of art.