Album Notes

Released in 2010, A Symptom of Life holds special meaning to Shawn Decker of Synthetic Division because it's release marks the 20-year anniversary of his dying wish to meet Depeche Mode. "Music really saved my life," Decker says. "I wanted to combine my respect and love for music with my educational work, and used my own survival inspiration to write this LP."

Synthetic Division embarked on their first tour in May 2010 to support the release, opening for Bella Morte and playing a few solo shows as well. On the tour they gave out over 600 free condoms in co-ordination with One Condoms, and just before hitting the road Shawn was named as an Ambassador for MTV's HIV/AIDS grant giving organization, Staying Alive, joining fellow musicians Travis McCoy (Gym Class Heroes) and Kelly Rowland (Destiny's Child).

"I was diagnosed with HIV as a kid," Decker says. "As an adult, I try to explain that HIV is preventable for most people, especially when it comes to risky behaviors such as unsafe sex."