Dystoria, an alternative rock band hailing from Portland, Oregon, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the music scene. Comprising Chase Kochis and Miles Reed, the duo’s energetic performances, unique songwriting, and nostalgic sound have set them apart from other up-and-coming artists. Their journey, which began in high school, is a testament to the power of creative connection, passion for music, and the relentless pursuit of their dreams.

From High School Jam Sessions to Rock Stardom

Chase and Miles first crossed paths as sophomores at Lincoln High School in Portland. It all started with a shared admiration for leather jackets, which quickly evolved into skipping class to jam together in the school’s band room, space once occupied by their musical inspiration, Elliott Smith. However, it wasn’t until the two musicians played together outside of school that they realized their true potential. During a jam session, Miles encouraged Chase to come up with a riff on the spot, sparking the creation of “Inda,” a powerful, emotionally charged rock track that would become a fan favorite. That moment marked the beginning of a musical partnership that neither of them would look back on.

Musical Foundations and Early Influences

Both Miles and Chase were drawn to music from a young age, each honing their skills long before they met. Miles grew up in a musical household, with his father, a lifelong musician, teaching him the ropes. Miles quickly became proficient in singing, piano, guitar, and drums, developing a unique ear for music. On the other hand, Chase began with the violin, a stepping stone that helped him develop a solid musical foundation. However, it wasn’t until he switched to instruments that fueled his creativity, like guitar and piano, that he discovered his true calling as a songwriter.

By the time they were 14, both Miles and Chase were skilled multi-instrumentalists, independently exploring music through platforms like GarageBand. Their early covers—Chase recreating tracks by Gorillaz, Foo Fighters, and Joy Division, and Miles performing Neil Young and Pink Floyd with his dad hinted at the undeniable creative potential that would soon find its perfect match. Their separate musical journeys set the stage for the collaboration that would give birth to Dystoria.

Building a Band and a Sound

Once the duo’s creative spark ignited, the partnership between Miles and Chase was built on trust, shared taste, and ambition. They quickly bonded over their love for bands like Radiohead, Deftones, and Beach House. Both dreamed of becoming rock stars and creating music that lived up to the standards of their idols. It wasn’t just about writing songs; it was about crafting something special that could resonate with listeners on a deep level.

During the summer of 2022, the pair spent countless hours in their practice space, often enduring intense heat and long hours of rehearsals. Their ideas flowed effortlessly, with both musicians switching instruments to explore new sounds. The result was an album’s worth of material, which they later demoed and recorded with the help of Chase’s coworker, Nathan Abner, a veteran in the music industry. The debut album, Lace, was completed and released in March 2024, marking a significant milestone for Dystoria.

The Debut Album: Lace

Lace is a lush, layered, atmospheric rock album that perfectly encapsulates the band’s unique sound. Entirely written, produced, and performed by Miles and Chase, the album showcases their talents as multi-instrumentalists and their ability to create deeply emotional, melodically engaging rock music. The album’s storytelling and catchy hooks have earned praise for their originality, making it clear that Dystoria is a band to watch in the alternative rock scene.

The name Lace reflects the band’s vision for their music to be complex, intricate, and beautifully woven together. With songs that touch on themes of vulnerability, growth, and self-expression, the album captures the essence of what Dystoria strives to communicate through their music.

A Focus on Live Performances and Building a Fanbase

After the release of Lace, Dystoria shifted its focus to live performances, building a reputation in the Portland music scene. The band’s original lineup featured Miles on drums and vocals, Chase on guitar, and Miles’ dad, Dustin, on bass. The chemistry between the band members was electric, and their live shows became known for their raw energy and passion. Over time, the band welcomed Nikolaus Hill, a bassist closer to their age, completing the lineup and adding to their youthful energy.

Dystoria’s live shows began with high school performances and small self-booked gigs. They relentlessly pursued any opportunity to play, emailing venues, reaching out on Reddit, and taking every offer that came their way. Their dedication paid off when, just over a year after their first live performance, they played at Polaris Hall, one of Portland’s premier venues. They even sold half the tickets themselves, a testament to their growing fanbase and hard work.

As their popularity increased, Dystoria expanded their reach to Seattle and California, playing legendary venues like 925 Gilman and Whisky A Go Go. Their fanbase continued to grow, not just because of their music but also due to their authentic approach to engaging with their audience. Dystoria doesn’t just want listeners; they want to connect with people who share their passion for music and meaning.

Expanding Horizons and Future Plans

Now, entering their second year as a band, Dystoria is poised to take their career to new heights. They have already begun booking shows across the Pacific Northwest while working on their next release, expected in 2026. Fans can expect more live performances and new music as the band continues to build on its success.

One of their most recent releases is a cover of Beach House’s “Space Song,” where Dystoria reimagines the dream-pop classic through their own alternative rock lens. This track demonstrates their ability to reinterpret songs in fresh and exciting ways while maintaining their signature sound.

Stay Connected with Dystoria

As Dystoria’s journey unfolds, the band continues to captivate audiences with their authenticity, creativity, and relentless work ethic. For updates on upcoming performances, new music, and more, be sure to follow them on their social media channels:

• Instagram: @dystoria.band
• Spotify & Apple Music: Dystoria
• TikTok: @dystoriaband

Dystoria is proving to be one of the hardest-working and most original young acts in rock today, and their rise in the music world is only just beginning. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come from this dynamic duo.