Synthetic Division was founded by Shawn Decker in high school. "It was me, my synth, a pair of headphones and a cool name that I got from Math class." Locally, SD has garnered much respect in the music scene, performing regularly at the legendary Tokyo Rose in Charlottesville, VA. Music became an escape for Shawn early in life. In 6th grade Shawn tested positive for HIV and was expelled from school. "The powers-that-be hated the fact that AIDS had entered their smalltown, they just wanted me to disappear and die quietly," Shawn says, adding, "it was the 1980's, the town had just gotten over a serious case of Pac-Man Fever, I understand their reaction now." 'Tainted Goods' is the first admitted release of Synthetic Division, Decker's musical alter-ego which as of 2006 includes Kyle Wiggins on synths. This 6 song EP is a glimpse into Decker's burgeoning ability as a songwriter, and was hastily released during a time when his health wasn't holding up well. "I released the CD, then soon thereafter I became very sick," Decker says. "Nothing gets you an in into the local goth community faster than being in the process of dying!" Adding to the mystique of the release is the fact that world-reknowned HIV positive artist, Barton Lidice Benes, donated his artowrk to the project. Soon after Tainted Goods, Decker's health rebounded, and he followed up with another EP a few years later. The first full-length, Get with the Programs, was released in August of 2007 with new bandmate Kyle Wiggins.