Dance Gavin Dance

American post-hardcore band from Sacramento, California, Dance Gavin Dance was formed in 2005. It features vocalists Tilian Pearson and Jon Mess, bassist Tim Feerick, drummer Matthew Mingus and guitarist Will Swan. A debut EP, Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean, cemented the fledgling project that same year, and was reissued in 2006 when it was signed to Rise Records. The deal continued with Downtown Battle Mountain, produced by Kris Crummett, who would follow the band throughout their career. The band went on to forge a solid stage reputation under the tutelage of Alesana, A Day to Remember and Pierce the Veil, whom they accompanied on tour. The first guitarist, Sean O'Sullivan, was the first to leave the adventure, leaving his place to Zachary Garren. In 2007, it was the turn of original singer Jonny Craig to throw in the towel, after an altercation with the manager. Several singers were auditioned, including Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens, but the job fell to Kurt Travis. With this line-up, the band entered the studio and recorded their second, self-titled album. But the troubles weren't over yet, for as soon as the session was over, two members resigned in turn: the two singers, Jon Mess and Eric Lodge. Will Swan took over as guitarist, while Five Minute Ride's Jason Ellis took over bass. With a title somewhat ironic in view of these successive blows of fate, Happiness was released in 2009. And the musical chairs continue, with guitarist Zachary Garren forced to leave the band for reasons of incompatibility. He formed the math-rock band Strawberry Girls shortly afterwards. A surprise never comes alone, and the band is strengthened by the addition of two familiar faces: Jon Mess and Eric Lodge reappear in 2010, while Kurt Travis is replaced by Jonny Craig (who returns for two years, before handing over the microphone to his replacement). Josh Benton, Kurt Travis's former partner in No Not Constant, will play guitar. In the midst of all this turmoil, the band still manages to give birth to a series of high-quality albums, Acceptance Speech (2015), Instant Gratification (2015), Mothership (2016) and Artificial Selection (2018). Dance Gavin Dance continues with Afterburner (2020), Jackpot Juicer (2022) and Pantheon (2025).