Behind the Music: The Story of DSTRESSR

DSTRESSR's Ethos

Music has a unique way of connecting people, telling stories, and expressing emotions that words alone cannot capture. We believe the act of creating an artistic work for the sake of introspection and somehow that same work allows for another person to explore themselves is one of the most beautiful mysteries that DSTRESSR strives to provide. Our journey through the music world is as compelling as the sounds we create. This post explores the story behind DSTRESSR, revealing how our backgrounds, as a group and individuals, our influences, and our creative process shape the music that we know will resonate with so you.

WHY ARE WE?

That's the big question everyone's asking, right?

Ok, we are a band because making music that allows us to explore ourselves is vitally important to our existence. If that music resonates with you, then you are welcome in our family. Creation in our group brings us joy in a world where stress and strife are plentiful.

WHERE ARE WE?

Like, in the universe?

Oh..

We're local to Columbus, Ohio. However, we travel across state lines and are constantly extending our reach!

Assembling DSTRESSR

DSTRESSR informally began in 2018 as Destresser. Coming off the release of Dynamite Thunderpunch’s Post Apocalyptic Spaghetti Western Rock Opera ‘COYOTE GUNFIGHT’, guitarist Max Hentosh found himself trapped in a world of music influenced by 70’s western themes and the Aeolian scale. Max had recently left Cincinnati after six years to pursue his Masters’ in Architecture and Urban Design at Kent State University. As a new transplant to the area, the few musical pursuits attempted were fruitless, resolving in Max beginning to work as a solo song writer. During a “self-induced life altering experience,” Max recorded and produced DSTRESSR’s first album ‘Evolve’ in a matter of 14 hours as a statement to say “There is value in process, development, and evolution”. With no intention of promoting the album as it was a means of exploration for him, the project was placed on hold. In 2022, a job offer brought Max to Columbus. After settling in over the next year, the need to write, play, and perform grew unbearable.

It was by a winding path that a friend of Max’s introduced him to Joe Macisco at a local art gallery. Max and Joe quickly became friends and a guy’s trip took the two of them to a weekend-getaway where Daniel attended, bringing along his amp and guitar. Within a month, Max was invited to a party at Daniel’s home where Max suggested the two of them start a band. Daniel was relatively new to guitar at this point, and hesitantly agreed.

Jess Vonderau, a long time high school friend of Max’s was asked to provide her vocal chords, wanting a strong and evocative feminine voice to lead the project. Her experience in jazz and choral arrangements would lend itself well to the mixed-genre musical elements DSTRESSR would become known for.

With the buy in from Vonderau and Greene, Joe who is classically trained on cello was propositioned to learn the bass, and Cello! Its a Bass!

Through Daniel, Nick Aleshin was recruited to provide his high-energy, technical proficiency, with a deep connection to the Columbus Music scene. Nick’s long running band Ope is known for a number of full length releases all playing on the Midwest ‘ope-trope’, playing a doom-inspired noise cacophony throughout the region.

Keys and synth were always part of the DSTRESSR plan to. Max and Daryl happened to meet at an architect’s mentorship program where Max approached Di Iorio and almost

immediately asked her to join the band once she mentioned she was classically trained on piano.

DSTRESSR dropped the first vowel to reinforce the plurality of destress and distress. In 2023 began writing songs as a full ensemble with the goal of releasing music into the ether. The early songs were written as individual works and later arranged into the two first EP’s, 'Quiet Words' & 'Loud Thoughts.' The band’s focus was always about highlighting introspection, evolution, and the challenges that emanate through the human condition.

Creative Process and Style

DSTRESSR’s creative process is a blend of spontaneity and careful composition. Each member of DSTRESSR provides a unique approach to the crafting of their music. The first works were heavily influenced by Hentosh, either writing near complete pieces alone or utilizing melodies and riffs by Greene and Macisco composed into near-complete works that are finalized through repetitive performance and honest conversations.

"Writing has become a second nature for me. I have to admit that my favorite works come from a spark of inspiration that I feel the need to flesh out before its lost. My musical taste tends towards complex and emotionally driven tracks, so I think its fair to say I'm conditioned to approach writing from a place where nothing is off the creative table. However, one of my favorite ways to work is to compose, taking the best of what the other members make in a vacuum and arranging those into a full track." - Hentosh [2025]

After laying a foundation for a new piece, Vonderau, Macisco, and Hentosh collaborate in the lyric and vocal melody process. Prior to beginning, the three define the 'parti' [the fundamental concept] behind the song which becomes the guiding force that the poetic lyricism blooms from.

Impact and Influence

DSTRESSR’s music resonates with people who find value in exploring themselves and abhor stagnation. Their songs intentionally approach the dualism of calming, evocative peace, and challenging, uncomfortable realities.

Fans appreciate how the music stokes internal conversations, a contrast to their high energy and euphoric live performances. This blend of introspection and extroversion provides a basis for each member of their community to find comfort, evolution, and inspiration in whichever way they prefer.

DSTRESSR’s influence extends beyond their music by supporting local initiatives that promote the musical and visual arts. Members of the band are themselves visual artists and work alongside their graphics partner, Jennifer Rufener, to build the visual landscape of the band.