Dance Gavin Dance was originally formed out of the end of two other bands, Farewell Unknown and Ghost Runner on Third. Jonny Craig of Ghost Runner on Third and Sean O'Sullivan (replacing previous guitarist, Alvaro) joined in 2005 and early 2006 to complete the lineup. Sean O'Sullivan later quit the band in August 2007, to join Consider the Thief. Dance Gavin Dance released their first self-produced 7" EP on November 14, 2006, entitled Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean through Rise Records. I'm sure you're wondering why Dance Gavin Dance for a name tile.
Craig says he planned to use that band name for Ghost Runner On Third, in an interview with Absolutepunk.net.
The band entered the studio again in January 2007 with Kris Crummet, who produced Drop Dead, Gorgeous and Fear Before the March of Flames, and released their first 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 and the rest of the band members, but mostly with Jonny Craig.He now plays for Consider The Thief. Sean was replaced by Zac Garren who prior to joining the band, was their merch guy. (
In a video interview done by Hardtimes.ca on March 11, 2008, drummer Matt Mingus states about the Self-Titled album (prior to recording) quote: "We have a lot more timing on this next album which will include quote on quote, special effects and more time spend on guitars, percussions and vocals." On April 20, 2008 Dance Gavin Dance entered the studio to record their self-titled album, which was released on August 19, 2008. The album was SmartPunk.com's "Smartpick of the Month" of August 2008, and the website offered a stream of the entire album from August 17 to August 20. Two original members, Jonathan Mess and Eric Lodge, have also recently left Dance Gavin Dance. They left the band abruptly after recording the self-titled album. There were no formal announcements from the band citing why Jonathan and Eric left the band. Will Swan (Guitar) took up screaming duties, 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. It was released November 18, 2008. Bassist Jason Ellis recently left the band to finish schooling but is on their new record, "Happiness" and was replaced by Tim Feerick.
They are scheduled to play the first half of Warped Tour 2009 on the Smart Punk stage.
On February 14, 2009, the band went into the studio to record a new album. The band announced that their newest album will be titled "Happiness," and released June 9, 2009. At the Austin SXSW Show, they played a song off of their new album called "Tree Village". Most recently on April 10, they uploaded new artwork and a recording of the new song "Tree Village" onto their MySpace profile.
Band members
Current
Will Swan - Guitar/Screams
Kurt Travis - Lead Vocals
Matt Mingus -Drums/Percussion
Zac Garren - Guitar
Tim Feerick - Bass
Former
Sean O'Sullivan — Guitar (Now of Consider the Thief)
Jonny Craig — Lead Vocals (Now of Emarosa/Isles & Glaciers/Jonny Craig solo project)
Jonathan Mess — Screams
Eric Lodge — Bass
Alvaro Alcala — Guitar
Jason Ellis — Bass
