Dance Gavin Dance

Dance Gavin Dance
Origin	Sacramento, California, USA
Genres	Post-hardcore Experimental rock Jazz fusion
Years active	2005–2011 (hiatus)
Labels	Rise
Associated acts	A Lot Like Birds Consider the Thief Emarosa Farewell Unknown Five Minute Ride Ghost Runner On Third Good Health Isles & Glaciers Mozart Season Twenty Days With Julian Secret Band The Moth Anatomy
Website	Dance Gavin Dance - Myspace Dance Gavin Dance - Facebook
Members
Jonny Craig Jon Mess Will Swan Eric Lodge Matt Mingus Josh Benton
Past members
Alvaro Alcala Sean O'Sullivan Jason Ellis Zac Garren Tim Feerick Dan Snook Kurt Travis

Dance Gavin Dance was an American post-hardcore band formed in Sacramento, California in 2005. They released four full length studio albums and one EP. Their latest effort, Downtown Battle Mountain II was released on March 8, 2011.

History

Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean (2005–2007)

The name "Dance Gavin Dance" was derived by then lead singer Jonny Craig, who had planned to name his previous band (Ghost Runner on Third) by that title, said in an interview done by AbsolutePunk.^[1] Dance Gavin Dance released their first self-produced EP, Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean, in 2005, and was re-released on November 14, 2006 through Rise Records. The same line-up then began writing and prepped to record their full-length debut Downtown Battle Mountain.

Downtown Battle Mountain (2007–2008)

Main article: Downtown Battle Mountain

They entered the studio in January 2007 with producer Kris Crummet and released their debut full-length album, Downtown Battle Mountain on May 15, 2007 on Rise Records.

In August 2007, guitarist Sean O'Sullivan quit the band due to personal conflicts between himself, Jonny Craig and Matt Mingus. Will Swan confirmed in an interview that Mingus urinated on O'Sullivan during a cross-country trip in 2007 which resulted in an altercation between the two and a broken nose for Mingus. In addition to this Jonny Craig is believed to have antagonized Sean about his religious beliefs, as he was the only Christian member in the band. O'Sullivan went on to play for bands Consider the Thief and Early States. Sean was replaced by Zac Garren who prior to joining the band, was their merch guy.

In November 2007, singer Jonny Craig quit the band, and was not allowed to rejoin when he asked to, due to extreme tensions and personal conflicts with the other band members, as stated by the band in an interview conducted by Submergemag.com.^[2] The band posted a long bulletin on their MySpace page which detailed Jonny's dependency on drugs and alcohol. Immediately after his departure with Dance Gavin Dance, Jonny Craig filled in as the lead vocalist for A Skylit Drive, though only temporarily. Craig soon afterwards joined bands Emarosa, Isles & Glaciers, and began a solo project with Rise Records.

Shortly after Craig's departure, the band held auditions for a new vocalist. Hundreds of potential vocalists tried out and, at one point, Nic Newsham of Gatsby's American Dream was flown in from Washington for an audition. Though Newsham opted not to join the group, they did develop a friendship. This resulted in Nic's guest appearance on the song "Uneasy Hearts Weigh The Most" which features on their self titled 2008 album. Kurt Travis, formerly of Five Minute Ride, O! The Joy, and No Not Constant became the band's new lead vocalist.

Self-titled album (2008–2009)

Main article: Dance Gavin Dance (album)

On April 20, 2008,^[3] Dance Gavin Dance entered the studio to record Dance Gavin Dance with Kris Crummett helming the role of producer once more. It was released on August 19, 2008.^[4]

Before the album was released, but after it had been recorded, two original members Jonathan Mess and Eric Lodge left Dance Gavin Dance. No official statements were made by the band or the departees regarding the departure. Jon Mess had recorded the album knowing that he was going to leave the band. It is generally accepted that Mess, in addition to suffering from Lyme disease, was tired of constant touring, and Lodge simply followed suit, as the two were best friends.

Following their departure, Will Swan took up screaming duties alongside playing guitar, and Jason Ellis (formerly of Five Minute Ride) replaced Eric on bass. The band filmed a music video for the song "Me and Zoloft Get Along Just Fine" with director Robby Starbuck which was released November 18, 2008.

Happiness (2009)

Main article: Happiness (Dance Gavin Dance album)

In February 2009, the band went into the studio as a five piece to record the follow-up to their self titled album yet again with producer Kris Crummett. The resulting album, Happiness, was released on June 9, 2009. Bassist Jason Ellis appears on Happiness, but left the band before its release. He was replaced by Tim Feerick. The album marked a slight change in the band's sound, the album features far fewer screaming vocals than the self-titled album, and is more in the vein of experimental rock than traditional post-hardcore. All Music stated in their review, "[Happiness] bristles with the kind of overachiever eclecticism that's as impressive as it is divisive".^[5] A music video for the track "Tree Village" was released shortly after the album. The band embarked on tours with Emarosa, Closure in Moscow, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, and others in support of the album.

Lineup changes, Downtown Battle Mountain Part II, and indefinite hiatus (2010–present)

On February 10, 2010, guitarist Zachary Garren was kicked out of Dance Gavin Dance due to personal conflicts with Will Swan.^[6] They played the Soundwave festival as scheduled as a four-piece (a first for the originally six-piece band) with Swan handling all guitar duties and Kurt Travis playing keyboards. Shortly afterwards Garren was replaced by Dan Snook. His first show was on March 12, 2010 in Dance Gavin Dance's hometown at The Boardwalk. Several months later however, Snook and bassist Tim Feerick abruptly left Dance Gavin Dance to create their own band.^[7]

After multiple members leaving and rumors of the band breaking up, Jon Mess and Eric Lodge officially rejoined the band in mid 2010.^[8] Josh Benton, former guitarist and band mate of Kurt Travis in No Not Constant, took up guitar duties. The band was rumored to be working on a new album with this line-up, but in August Alternative Press released an article saying that vocalist Kurt Travis and Dance Gavin Dance had officially parted ways and Jonny Craig had rejoined the band. It was assumed that Jonny would manage vocal duties for both Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa, until he was kicked out of Emarosa in in early 2011.^[9] Former guitarist Sean O'Sullivan rejoined the band for several home shows towards the end of 2010, returning the band to their Downtown Battle Mountain line-up. In September Dance Gavin Dance posted on their Twitter that they will be recording their new album Downtown Battle Mountain Twee later in the year. Shortly afterwards their official Myspace page was updated, stating 'Downtown Battle Mountain Pt. II coming April 2011'. On January 24, 2011, the first single from Downtown Battle Mountain II was released, titled "Heat Seeking Ghost of Sex."^[10] Later that same week, Alternative Press released a second track, "The Robot With Human Hair Part 2 1/2."^[11]

In March 2011 the band began their US tour with Iwrestledabearonce, In Fear And Faith, and Just Like Vinyl, followed by a small European tour, culminating in 2 shows in London playing Downtown Battle Mountain Pt. I in full on the first night and Downtown Battle Mountain Pt. II in full on the second night. The band has been also confirmed for the 2011 Vans Warped Tour.

On January 16, 2011, Jonny Craig tweeted, "I'm sorry everyone but I'm going to be taking a very very very long hiatus. All my tours and CDs are canceled. Thank you and goodnight" later clarifying that he "will be playing out the tours with DGD and Emarosa". Soon afterwards he checked into a detox facility for drug addiction, following a scandal wherein the singer was caught stealing money from fans. Former Tides of Man vocalist Tilian Pearson filled in for Craig on Emarosa's Spring 2011 tour with Chiodos, while all Dance Gavin Dance shows went on as planned.^[12] In April Craig announced his departure from Emarosa and stated on Twitter he would be recording two songs with Dance Gavin Dance in the upcoming week.^[13]

Drummer Matt Mingus said in an interview with Mind Equals Blown that Dance Gavin Dance plans to release another album with the current, reunited lineup.^[14]

As of September 1st, 2011 - Dance Gavin Dance has posted a side-project without Jonny Craig. They have released 4 songs on YouTube streaming now. Posted with the band name 'Secret Band'^[15]

On October 19th, 2011, Dance Gavin Dance announced that they were going on hiatus. This announcement came shortly after the cancellation of their tour with I Set My Friends On Fire and A Lot Like Birds. Guitarist Will Swan later attributed the cancellation and subsequent hiatus of the band to unspecified issues with Jonny Craig, stating "DGD is on hiatus until Jonny can get his life together. Tour is not the environment for that. That is all.". It was later discovered that Jonny had been arrested for drug-related offenses.^[16] Craig was spared a prison sentence, as he was granted a deferred entry of judgment and ordered by the state of California to complete time in drug rehabilitation. His next court hearing is set for April 30, 2012.^[17]

Band members

Final line-up Jonny Craig - clean vocals (2005–2007; 2010–2011) Jon Mess - unclean vocals (2005–2008; 2010–2011) Will Swan - guitars, vocals (2005–2011); unclean vocals (2008–2010) Eric Lodge - bass guitar (2005–2008; 2010–2011) Matt Mingus - drums, percussion (2005–2011) Former members Alvaro Alcala - guitars (2005) Sean O'Sullivan - guitars (2006–2007; 2010) Jason Ellis - bass guitar (2008–2009) Zachary Garren - guitars (2007–2010) Tim Feerick - bass guitar (2009–2010) Dan Snook - guitars (2010) Kurt Travis - clean vocals (2007–2010)

Touring members Josh Benton - guitars (2010–2011) Jordan McCoy - bass guitar (2011) Tony Marks - bass guitar (2010)

Album appearances

Member	Album
	Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean	Downtown Battle Mountain	Dance Gavin Dance	Happiness	Downtown Battle Mountain 2
Will Swan (guitars, screams on 'Happiness,' raps on 'Downtown Battle Mountain 2')	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Matt Mingus (drums)	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Jon Mess (screamed vocals)	Y	Y	Y	N	Y
Eric Lodge (bass)	Y	Y	Y	N	Y
Jonny Craig (clean vocals)	Y	Y	N	N	Y
Sean O'Sullivan (guitar)	Y	Y	N	N	N
Zachary Garren (guitar)	N	N	Y	Y	N
Kurt Travis (clean vocals)	N	N	Y	Y	N
Jason Ellis (bass)	N	N	N	Y	N

Discography

Dance Gavin Dance discography

Releases
↙Studio albums	4
↙EPs	1
↙Singles	2
↙Music videos	2

Studio albums

• Downtown Battle Mountain (2007)
• Dance Gavin Dance (2008)
• Happiness (2009)
• Downtown Battle Mountain II (2011)

EPs

• Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean (2006)

Live albums

• Live at Bamboozle 2010 (Live Nation Studios, 2010)

Music videos

• "Me and Zoloft Get Along Just Fine" (2008)
• "Tree Village" (2009)

External links

• Dance Gavin Dance on Myspace

References

1. ^ DeAndrea, Joe (27 March 2010). "Dance Gavin Dance - 03.27.07 - Interview - AbsolutePunk.net". AbsolutePunk. http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=224538. Retrieved 23 August 2010. 
2. ^ "Dance Gavin Dance - SubMerge Magazine". 27 April 2010. http://submergemag.com/featured/dance-gavin-dance/69. Retrieved 23 August 2010. 
3. ^ "Video Interview Live From HARDTIMES.CA - hardtimes.ca". hardtimes.ca. 11 March 2008. http://hardtimes.ca/dancegavin. Retrieved 23 August 2010. 
4. ^ "RISE releases". Rise Records. http://www.riserecords.com/releasescontent.html. Retrieved 19 August 2008. 
5. ^ Monger, James. "allmusic ((( Happiness > Overview )))". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1566891. Retrieved 23 August 2010. 
6. ^ Yarborough, Aaron (10 February 2010). "Exclusive: Dance Gavin Dance Kick Out Guitarist - News Posts - DecoyMusic.com". Decoy Music. https://www.decoymusic.com/news_posts/29383. Retrieved 23 August 2010. 
7. ^ "Twitter / Tim Feerick: @shhifyourepat i play in a...". Twitter. 12 June 2010. http://twitter.com/TimFeerick/status/16036906098. Retrieved 23 August 2010. "i play in a band with dan and another guy named jon now." 
8. ^ y el Disco de Vinil. "Gansito y el Disco de Vinil. -Jon Mess and Eric Lodge back on Dance Gavin Dance". 22 May 2010. http://gansitovinil.nohay.info/?p=256&lan=english=Gansito y el Disco de Vinil.. Retrieved 23 August 2010. 
9. ^ Karan, Tim (18 August 2010). "Alt Press - Exclusive: Dance Gavin Dance part ways with vocalist, original vocalist Jonny Craig back". Alternative Press. http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/exclusive_dance_gavin_dance_part_ways_with_vocalist_original_vocalist_/. Retrieved 23 August 2010. 
10. ^ http://www.bloginity.com/blog/2011/01/24/dance-gavin-dance-song-heat-seeking-ghost-sex-dtbm2
11. ^ http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/exclusive_stream_dance_gavin_dance_the_robot_with_human_hair_pt_2_1_2/
12. ^ Alt Press | News | Exclusive: Jonny Craig checks into detox, scam victims to be reimbursed
13. ^ Alt Press | News | Exclusive: Jonny Craig no longer in Emarosa
14. ^ Interview: Dance Gavin Dance | Mind Equals Blown
15. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lXss0VRZhM&NR=1
16. ^ Jonny Craig Arrested For Felony Narcotics Possession(s) | Under The Gun Review
17. ^ Jonny Craig released from jail, will enter court-ordered drug rehab | Little Rocker Media