As Showbread's Frontman
Some fans have found the advanced vocabulary peppered throughout Showbread lyrics difficult to decode; when questioned about this in interviews, Porter claims that his vocabulary comes from reading Calvin and Hobbes. The writing process has been described by the band as being started by Porter, who writes the basic music for the song, and completed by the band members who all style in their own handiwork. Incidentally, Porter also writes and performs some of the synthesizer parts and guitars heard on Showbread albums and is also credited as Showbread’s original drummer. He has also released a solo record, Aesthetics of Violence, under the moniker DIES. It is "some rough, noisy industrial . . . maybe a melody here and there . . . Skinny Puppy meets Genesis, I think." Physical copies were sold, and could be purchased via the DIES myspace page. It released on November 27, 2007.
Porter's trademark scream is well known among fans of No Sir, Nihilism is not Practical, as it assumes various tones and notes. He has often stated that he is unimpressed with his own singing abilities and merely tries to recreate Refused front man Dennis Lyxzén's trademark scream. The notable lack of screaming on Showbread’s "Age of Reptiles" record however leaves him rendering a more guttural, often melodic, throaty wail. Donning strange costumes and theatrical make-up, Porter has become notorious for his outlandish stage persona as Josh Dies. He rants nonsensically during speeches. It is noted that the only serious discussions by Porter are those dealing with his faith.
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