The band is well known for their relatively frequent lineup changes, which, most notably, involves a fluctuating lineup of vocalists, both on tour and on record. Dance Gavin Dance incorporates many different musical genres into their palette, such as math rock, funk, and soul on top of its post-hardcore sound. Ex-vocalist Jonny Craig also received high marks for contributing to the band's unorthodox soul sound and guitarist Will Swan has been recognized for his intricate, fast-moving guitar licks and riffs.
The band currently consists of vocalists Jon Mess and Tilian Pearson, guitarists Will Swan and Andrew Wells and drummer Matthew Mingus.
To date, the band has released ten studio albums, two live albums and one EP. Their most recent album, entitled Jackpot Juicer was released in 2022.
Discography:
November 14, 2006 - Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean
May 15, 2007 - Downtown Battle Mountain
August 19, 2008 - Dance Gavin Dance
June 9, 2009 - Happiness
March 8, 2011 - Downtown Battle Mountain II
October 8, 2013 - Acceptance Speech
April 14, 2015 - Instant Gratification
October 7, 2016 - Mothership
June 8, 2018 - Artificial Selection
April 24, 2020 - Afterburner
July 29, 2022 - Jackpot Juicer
All of Dance Gavin Dance's records have been released on Rise Records.
Band Members:
Jonathan Mess - harsh vocals (2005–2008; 2010–present)
Will Swan - guitars (2005–present); harsh vocals (2008–2010), bass guitar (2022-present)
Tilian Pearson - clean vocals (2012–present)
Matt Mingus - drums, percussion (2005–present)
Andrew Wells - guitars, clean vocals, bass guitar (2021-present; touring 2015-2021)
Sergio Medina - rhythm guitar, bass guitar (touring 2021-present)
Former Members:
Jonny Craig – clean vocals (2005–2007; 2010–2012; touring 2015, 2016)
Kurt Travis – clean & harsh vocals (2007–2010; touring 2012, 2015, 2016)
Alvaro Alcala – guitar (2005-2006)
Sean O'Sullivan – guitar (2006–2007; touring 2010)
Zachary Garren – guitar (2007–2010; touring 2015)
Josh Benton - guitar (2010-2014)
Eric Lodge – bass guitar (2005–2008; 2010–2012)
Jason Ellis – bass guitar (2008–2009)
Tim Feerick – bass guitar (2009–2010; 2012–2022; died 2022)
Former touring members:
Matt Geise – clean vocals (2012)
Dan Snook – guitar (2010)
Aric Garcia - guitar (2014-2015)
Alex Whitcomb - guitar (2015)
Tony Marks – bass guitar (2010)
Jordan McCoy – bass guitar (2011–2012)
Synergy
Dance Gavin Dance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I think I honked my spleen
The money came to answer my prayers
If you're filming me piss it's probably best
I stop the stream
My colon is golden, eyes they gleam
Waking up
Last was night was rough
Don't remember much
Waking up
Courage in my cup
Last night was rough
Doing what I love
Running on fumes, what can I do?
Waiting for my score to come through
Desperate for some motivation
Running on fumes, checking my views
Scrolling for a comment that proves
I don't need more motivation
I'm locked in
I'm stocked up, often
I'm shopping, my face is frosted
I'm living life as if I'm already dead
I'm spilling cups and then I'm fucking the fed
I'm locked in, and topped up often
No caution, my pace is toxic
I'm living life as if I'm already dead
Open and shut, you know I gave it my best
Was feeling panicked so I got myself a knife
Then I felt empty, so I went and got myself a wife
I tried to learn about the meaning of my life
But I couldn't quite decide on which good book to buy
'Cause I'm like that, priceless, finest
Ice white platypus
Blessing the things that I touch
Worship me, worship my stuff
Fitted with a gimmick, make a cynical wow
Many men went in it, but they couldn't get out
All of the things that we touch
Suck all the life out of us
Running on fumes, what can I do?
Waiting for my score to come through
Desperate for some motivation
Running on fumes, checking my views
Scrolling for a comment that proves
I don't need more motivation
I'm locked in
I'm stocked up, often
I'm shopping, my face is frosted
I'm living life as if I'm already dead
I'm spilling cups and then I'm fucking the fed
I'm locked in, and topped up often
No caution, my pace is toxic
I'm living life as if I'm already dead
I'm living life, I'm living life, as if I'm already dead
I'm living life, I'm living life, as if I'm already dead
Hole in the world, holding some pearls
Making it tough 'cause I'm never enough
Hole in the earth, sleep on my perch
Take some time off to forget what you're worth? Never
The lyrics to Dance Gavin Dance feat. Rob Damiani's song Synergy seem to convey a sense of lost and confusion, with the singer feeling like they're running on empty, constantly seeking motivation and validation from external sources such as social media comments and the approval of others. The first verse talks about the ironic situation of being an older clown, with a golden colon that gleams, surrounded by an atmosphere that seems happy on the outside, but possibly sad on the inside. The line "I'm living life as if I'm already dead" further emphasizes the feeling of detachment and apathy towards life.
The chorus repeats the lines "I'm living life as if I'm already dead, I'm spilling cups and then I'm f- the fed", which could be interpreted as a cynical and rebellious attitude towards authority and society's expectations. The singer seems to have given up on trying to fit in and be productive, instead opting to live a life of hedonism and disregard for societal norms.
The second verse adds to the sense of confusion and desperation, with the singer waiting for their score and scrolling for comments to validate themselves. The line "I tried to learn about the meaning of my life, but I couldn't quite decide on which good book to buy" further emphasizes the confusion and uncertainty about one's purpose and identity.
Line by Line Meaning
No frowns around, I'm now an older clown
I used to be sad, but now I'm embracing my inner clown and enjoying life
I think I honked my spleen
I'm laughing so hard that it's affecting my physical well-being
The money came to answer my prayers
I prayed for financial success and it has finally come to me
If you're filming me piss it's probably best / I stop the stream
I'm uncomfortable with being watched while using the bathroom
My colon is golden, eyes they gleam
I feel like I'm in a good place both physically and mentally
Waking up / Courage in my cup / Last was night was rough / Don't remember much / Waking up / Courage in my cup / Last night was rough / Doing what I love
Despite a rough night, I'm still motivated to pursue my passions
Running on fumes, what can I do? / Waiting for my score to come through / Desperate for some motivation / Running on fumes, checking my views / Scrolling for a comment that proves / I don't need more motivation
I'm feeling burnt out and seeking validation, but I know I need to find inner motivation instead of relying on external factors
I'm locked in / I'm stocked up, often / I'm shopping, my face is frosted
I'm focused on my goals and have everything I need to succeed
I'm living life as if I'm already dead / I'm spilling cups and then I'm fucking the fed
I'm living recklessly and not afraid of the consequences
Was feeling panicked so I got myself a knife / Then I felt empty, so I went and got myself a wife / I tried to learn about the meaning of my life / But I couldn't quite decide on which good book to buy
I've been searching for something to fill the void in my life, but haven't found it yet
'Cause I'm like that, priceless, finest / Ice white platypus / Blessing the things that I touch / Worship me, worship my stuff / Fitted with a gimmick, make a cynical wow / Many men went in it, but they couldn't get out / All of the things that we touch / Suck all the life out of us
I have an inflated sense of self and a materialistic mindset that is ultimately draining me of life and vitality
Hole in the world, holding some pearls / Making it tough 'cause I'm never enough
I feel like I'm lacking something important in my life and it's creating internal struggle
Hole in the earth, sleep on my perch / Take some time off to forget what you're worth? Never
Despite my struggles, I refuse to take a break or devalue myself
I'm living life, I'm living life, as if I'm already dead
I'm living recklessly and not fully appreciating the gift of life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jonathan Mess, Matthew Mingus, Tilian, Timothy Feerick, Will Swan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mikerogers2530
Jon goes stupid around 1:56 and it’s a glorious testament of how he’s grown as a screamer. He’s elevated his game every album and it makes me so happy. One thing I love about this band is they somehow keep a strong familiarity about them while doing new shit and it blows me away every time I listen to them.
@ParadoxUtopia
That little vocal run was so fucking cool
@MrKosko
Best part of the song. Could form a new genre around it.
@dezylopez17
I swear I could yell. Hearing that part made me so fucking happy! 🤍
@augiealvarezii
Jon is GOATED at this point tbh
@prettyponymonster
Suicideboys ft Jon Mess
@tommyvercetti1481
Rest in Peace, Fly High Tim. Your catchy riffs will be forever remembered.
@putinsthirdtoe8800
I'm so sad
@maryhales4595
I'm literally sitting at my desk in shock. I was just grooving to this bassline this morning while I got ready for work.
@BigMoney_L
He's forever immortalised in those riffs, but it still hurts