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Dance for the Dying Tops Best of DC/Baltimore Open Submissions
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Dance for the Dying describe their sound as "songs you could roller skate to on laser night." The ...
Dance for the Dying describe their sound as "songs you could roller skate to on laser night." The DC based quartet combine the pop sensibility of 80's and 90's into heavy synths ending with a dance-rock outcome, as heard on their 2 EP's (S/T and Puzzles for the Traveler,) and their track "Echo" that was one of the Top 10 Songs of 2011 via DC 101's "Local Lix" program.
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POZ Showcase: Dance for the Dying
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Washington D.C. is the center of one of the messier democracies this planet has to offer. So, it is...Washington D.C. is the center of one of the messier democracies this planet has to offer. So, it is not surprising that the egalitarianism so unperfected in the Nation’s capital would rub off on the region’s bands. Case in point: indie pop outfit, Dance of the Dying. The quintet have been hard at work over the past couple years honing their dance skills and gaining one respectable following through allowing each member’s musical taste to bleed into their overall sound. What Dance for the Dying end up with is a musical output that is infectious, smart, and, well, down-right enjoyable.
For Fans Of: Dirty Projectors, Tegan and Sara, Vampire Weekend
Social Sites: Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Chris Link-Drums+Pads
Josh Hunter-Guitar+Synth
MC Wolfe-Voice+Assorted Instruments
Brad Cantor-Bass+Synth
What’s your hometown (or what are your hometowns)?
Chris: I grew up in Vermont and lived my teenage years in Florida. I have lived here in the Washington DC area for the last ten years.
Josh: My current hometown is Alexandria, Virginia.
Brad: I am from New York originally, but have bounced around a bit. But, I’ve been in Baltimore for about two years.
M.C.: I did most of my growing up in the Northern Virginia/DC area, but spent a couple of years in Alabama, a year in Norway, and a good run in California before returning to the area.
How did the band come together? How long has it been?
Brad: The band in its current form has been together for a little over two years. Chris and Josh started playing together, and then met M.C. through mutual friends. Soon after Chris answered an ad Brad put up on CraigsList. It sounds a lot smoother than it was.
Chris: Actually, Josh answered your ad. :)
M.C.: 75% CraigsList, 25% mutual acquaintance, and our Puzzles for the Traveler release party could have also been a 2 year anniversary celebration of our first public appearance.
Why should people listen to your band?
Brad: Because they like it………we hope.
Chris: Yeah! Check it out. If it moves you in some way, we will be thrilled. We like what we do.
How have you grown since you started?
Brad: Chris is a really tight drummer, so I think my sense of rhythm and tempo has gotten a lot better.
Josh: Outward a bit. OH ! also, I now have a beard.
M.C.: Both personally and as a band I think our stage presence has improved dramatically. I think we also have grown in our ability to craft songs collaboratively that we all love and are happy to take ownership of.
What sets you apart from other bands in the scene?
Brad: I don’t think we think about it like that. We just play the music that we play. It’s what the four of us sound like when we write and perform. Ha! That sounds so diplomatic. I guess D.C. is rubbing off on me.
M.C.: Also- glitter.
What’s the best part about being in your band?
Josh: Besides getting to play and create music with such a super talented and funny group of friends, I would say meeting new people and getting to travel.
Brad: I love playing live. For me, that is the best part about being in a band. There really is nothing that feels better.
Chris: For me, it’s all about feeding my ego. I mean, I call my drum chair a “throne” even. Kidding. Not really.
M.C.: Live shows. I love playing to, and with, an energetic and responsive crowd. It’s also cathartic; shows are my poor man’s group therapy.
More times than not, influences tend to bleed through. What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Josh: Tamaryn, Grimes, Paul Banks
Brad: The Faint, The Meters, The Smiths, Rick James
M.C.: The Pixies, Metric, We Were Promised Jetpacks, The Joy Formidable
What would you say the band has already accomplished and what do you have your eyes set on next?
Brad: From the beginning, all we wanted to do is play music that people connect to. Without jinxing it, I think we have had some luck with that. Next? I just hope we can continue doing what we are doing.
M.C.: We are pretty pleased with the accomplishments we’ve had in the past couple of years. I think one of our current focuses is traveling more frequently and further, expanding our reach to new audiences. Spreading the love.
Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something quirky that’s taken place with the band (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)?
Brad: Looking off stage and seeing the Psychedelic Furs watching us play - if only for a song or two - was probably one of the highlights. The rub of that whole thing was that they watched us during one of our weaker songs, one we don’t play anymore!
Chris: A really nice quirky thing has been connecting to people through the Rock Band Network for PS3 and Xbox. We have been very fortunate to meet some great people through them playing our songs on a video game!!
Is there anything in particular that you’d like people to take away from listening to your music?
Brad: I guess we just want people to enjoy listening to it. I love when people dance and sing along to the songs at our shows. It’s a great feeling.
Chris: For me, any sense of connection we can have with people through the music and the band in general is an amazing thing!
M.C.: We’re coming from a genuine place. The lyrics and the music are all honest. I don’t know how I expect people to interpret that, so I’ll reiterate Brad and Chris’ sentiments that for people to enjoy and connect with our songs is amazing.
If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
Brad: I don’t know. That’s a complicated question for me to answer. As someone that makes music, it was eye opening to see how much of a business the music industry really is. I am sure that isn’t a unique story.
What is your favorite song to play live?
Josh: “Ordinary Objects”
Chris: “Ophelia”
Brad: “Memento”
M.C.: “Thug Love”
What bands that are your contemporaries have you begun playing with or forming a relationship with that you recommend to your fans?
Josh-Mother Mother, TeamMate. Locally, we have been fortunate to play with some great bands: Lenorable, Fire and the Wheel, Golden Looks among others, lots of others. There are a lot of great bands in the D.C.
Anyone of note that you’ve had the chance to play with or work with?
Josh: We’ve opened for The Psychedelic Furs.
What’s the biggest mistake someone’s made while playing?
Josh: I’ve tripped myself up dancing quite a few times and had to try and play it off like I meant to do it.
Brad: I think most times the audience doesn’t notice the little mistakes. And if they do, the moment passes so quickly that nobody seems to care. That said, I think people definitely notice when the songs just sound out of sync. We’ve had off nights for sure. And I’ve had my fair share equipment problems.
M.C.: I’ve gotten lost in empty head space and skipped entire verses of songs. I’ve also repeatedly trampled and unplugged Brad’s gear while dancing.
Any pre-performance rituals?
Josh: Shot of whiskey.
Brad: Stare at the floor.
Chris: A beer and sometimes a prayer.
M.C.: Take a ridiculously long time to get dressed/decide which bling to wear.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Chris: Our new EP, Puzzles for the Traveler, is available at www.danceforthedying.com as well as other online sources. Also, please come over and say hello!! We’d love to meet you. -Chris
Brad: Nah!
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Singles: Regents, Damien, Dance For the Dying, Norman Rockwell, Phil Da Phuture
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Singles File
A weekly playlist for the listener with a one-track mind
Super Special Local Musi...Singles File
A weekly playlist for the listener with a one-track mind
Super Special Local Music Edition!
Regents: “Nothing To Water”
The D.C.-based post-hardcore supergroup, which already contains members of Thursday, Sleepytime Trio and Frodus, recently became 20 percent more awesome with the temporary addition of Jawbox’s J. Robbins, who provides bass and production help on their cranky, elbow-thrower of a debut, “Antietam After Party.”
Damien: “Do Whatever”
The DMV crooner evokes old school Usher on this lush, mid-tempo jam from his new “Lost Panic.”
Dance For the Dying: “Mannequin”
The leadoff track to the D.C.-based synth-pop band’s October EP, “Puzzles for the Traveler,” is grabby and excellent. But sadly, it is not an homage to the 1987 Kim Cattrall movie of the same name.
Norman Rockwell: “Stateline”
The Vienna-based band fits nicely into the bearded, pastoral folk category inhabited by acts like Mumford & Sons. Its debut album, “Fare Thee Well,” from which this nicely understated track hails, was released in late October, just weeks before the sudden death of bassist Sean Meyers.
Phil Da Phuture: “Running Back”
One of the many highlights from the DMV middleweight’s new mixtape, “Louder Than You,” this is an affectionate homage to his lady drug runner, who possesses the reflexes of Jerome Bettis and the posterior of a Kardashian. (It’s a lot more touching than it sounds. Okay, maybe not a lot more.)
— Allison Stewart
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Dance For The Dying Bring Life To Day One Of The CMJ Music Festival
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Dance For The Dying, a synth-rock indie band from D.C., headlined the CMJ Music Festival line-up at ...Dance For The Dying, a synth-rock indie band from D.C., headlined the CMJ Music Festival line-up at the Fat Baby bar/lounge on the Lower East Side last night. The band played the last show at 12am after opening acts Big Scary, Gold and Youth, Idgy Dean and The Dead Ships.
Lead singer M.C. Wolfe took to the stage in her fishnets, sequence skirt and matching tutu strumming on her pink keytar. Her 80s-style inspired outfit was just a small taste of the band’s overall vibe and sound of catchy dance tunes.
The dimly lit lower level of this speakeasy-esque venue provided an intimate setting for the band with red lighting and glitter filled balloons.
Actively interacting with the crowd, Wolfe threw balloons into the crowd and thanked everyone for staying out late on a Tuesday saying, “It’s early Wednesday now just keep going.” Her “thank you” was a magic trick; popping balloons and covering the crowd with a surprise shower of glitter.
[PHOTOS] Dance For The Dying bring life to CMJ’s first night!
The band was formed by drummer, Chris Link, after a trip to India prompted his passion to pursue a music career. The band’s name derives from a true story Chris heard while on his trip where village children would put on dance performances for the elderly that were waiting to “expire.”
Aroused by this notion of stimulating life through musical performance, he strung together a group of four musicians through mutual acquaintances and the web to join him on his musical movement. Guitar synthesizer Joshua Hunter and Bass synthesizer Brad Cantor along with Wolfe were recruited by 2010 and began creating original material and experimenting with beats to formulate their distinct sound.
Although Dance For The Dying has only existed for two years, they have had much success over social media platforms with their self-titled debut EP in July 2011. Select songs from their first album were featured on the Rock Band Network for Xbox and later on on the Playstation 3 format.
Dance For The Dying has also opened for popular artists such as the Psychedelic Furs and Mother Mother.
This is the band’s first official CMJ showcase, just in time to help promote their follow-up EP, “Puzzles for the Traveler,” currently available on iTunes for digital download.
The set lists included hit singles like “Thug Love” and “Echo” as well as some new tracks. You can catch Dance For The Dying on tour throughout October in cities all over the north east area such as Philly, D.C. and Baltimore.
Dance For The Dying setlist:
Mannequin
Death in the Garden
Thug Love
Echo
El Monstro
Drown
Cold
Ordinary Objects
Memento
Connect:
@dance4thedying on Twitter
Dance For The Dying on Facebook
danceforthedying.com
–Maria Bonello, CBS Local
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Dance for the Dying Perform at FAT BABY NYC for the CMJ Music Conference
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Tuesday night’s CMJ showcase at Fat Baby NYC afforded music lovers the chance to catch up-and-coming...Tuesday night’s CMJ showcase at Fat Baby NYC afforded music lovers the chance to catch up-and-coming bands from the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Our favorite of the groups, Dance for the Dying, played a full midnight set complete with neon lights, sequins, tutus, balloons, and glitter.
If the list above doesn’t give it away, Dance for the Dying is a pretty unique bunch, gathering influences from ’80s pop and synth-style genres to make a goth-Blondie-meets-Rilo Kiley sound that is generally hard to encapsulate with descriptive comparisons. Fronted by the eccentrically coquettish vocalist and sometimes key tar, sometimes xylophone player M.C. Wolfe, and backed by founding drummer Chris Link, guitarist Josh Hunter, and bassist Brad Cantor, the group’s strong stage presence reflects their bond with each other. Dancing together to the music they create, Dance for the Dying literally keeps their namesake alive by having fun with their work.
Amid a darkened stage accented by neon pink lights and small purple Christmas lights, Dance for the Dying opened their set with “Thug Love,” immediately setting the tone for the rest of the show. The track is upbeat and catchy, sexy and impossible to avoid dancing to. Wolfe’s clear vocals are hard to pin to a certain influence or genre, and the limerance that you’ll be feeling when the song ends may or may not be related to her simple and unaffected style. While you attempt to figure out the answer, the next track begins and whirls you away to the next set of emotions. The sometimes Cure-esque guitars of tracks like “Memento,” and fun basslines like what you’ll find in “Echo” and “Ophelia” will transport you a decade or two back in time, but if you listen closely to the lyrics, you’ll find more depth in Dance for the Dying than the next indie band.
An overall great time is to be had at a Dance for the Dying Show. Whether you dance around with the band as your lead, or just take in the lovely M.C. Wolfe’s extremely photogenic looks and glitter-balloon-popping, you’ll be leaving with a positive vibe that will have you singing “Thug Love” in your mind for a very, very long time.
Be sure to check out Dance for the Dying’s new album, ”Puzzles for the Traveler”, released on October 2 of this year to iTunes.
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Track Premier: Dance for the Dying's "Mannequin"
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There’s always room for more tight, calculated synth-rock, and Dance For The Dying are more than hap...There’s always room for more tight, calculated synth-rock, and Dance For The Dying are more than happy to oblige. Here’s the exlusive premiere of “Mannequin,” the opener to the Washington, D.C. quartet’s forthcoming EP Puzzles For The Traveler. Frontwoman M.C. Wolfe’s vocals arch over the playful track, with frank lyrics about longing and desire. The band has clearly studied up on the New Wave classics, while flipping those influences into something that sounds fresh. Listen to the track, below.
Puzzles For The Traveler is out on October 2, and follows Dance For The Dying’s self-titled 2011 debut EP. After the band celebrates Puzzles For The Traveler with its hometown fans on September 29, it will be making its way to New York for the 2012 CMJ Music Marathon.
We caught up with drummer and band founder Chris Link via email to talk about the new EP.
I read that the band first got together via Craigslist. Would you suggest that for other bands?
Sure would! We know other bands that have come together this way, too. But there really is no one way to meet other musicians. Craigslist worked for us—mostly. M.C. was brought into the fold through mutual acquaintance.
What was your song writing process like for “Mannequin”?
M.C. brought in a really catchy verse complete with a keyboard part. We just kinda started jamming on that for a while and built a song around it. We try to write all of our songs together. Generally, one of us brings in a part or a few ideas and we play around until things start gelling. From there it’s about pulling the hooks up front and focusing some of the ideas.
Most of the songs on your new EP are named after inanimate objects or dead people, is this intentional?
As a group it seems like we have a problem with naming things. The names of our songs are usually the most prominent word in the song. M.C. does the lyric writing and has a bit of a fixation on tragedy in literature and morbidity in daily events. Lately she’s been gravitating toward anthropomorphizing objects to make analogies.
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Dance for the Dying's EP Release Party @ Red Palace 9.29.12
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Usually when a band says they’re having a release ‘party’, it’s never really taken in the literal se...Usually when a band says they’re having a release ‘party’, it’s never really taken in the literal sense-unless, of course, you’re Dance for the Dying. With a sea of baby blue balloons, bubbles, glow sticks and other party favors-their show was a celebration in the truest sense of the word. From a personal standpoint, this was the most entertaining show I’ve been to in quite some time. I’ve seen Fire and the Wheel, Ugly Purple Sweater and Dance for the Dying perform several times, and I’ve enjoyed what each band brings to the table from a live performance standpoint.
First up was Fire and the Wheel, an experimental rock quartet who is a newer band, but comprised of music veterans of various groups that have been in the scene for some time now. The selling point of their set was mid-way through, as this was the period where their performance really started coming into fruition. The emotional intensity of each song became more transparent, and by the end of their set, the audience clearly knew what they were trying to accomplish onstage. This band has plenty of skilled musicians and charisma to match-I appreciate their work to the fullest extent.
Ugly Purple Sweater followed shortly after, and I was particularly intrigued to hear some of the new stuff they had cooking up for their soon-to-be-released EP. Sam McCormally still claims the title of being one of the best male vocalists in the area-he was sharp and completely focused throughout the entire performance. While they did face some instrumental hiccups along the way, the band showed they were true professionals throughout. Some of the new music I enjoyed included “Central Detention Blues”, which aesthetically was more of an alt-country number that was reminiscent of a Johnny Cash track. This was probably one of the best performances I’ve seen from the group.
Finally, it was Dance for the Dying’s moment onstage. Similar to Ugly Purple Sweater, this was one of the strongest performances I’ve seen from the band. Their new material really showcased a more mature sound for the group, particularly their song “Mannequin”-which has a very strong commercial appeal to it that is one of the highlights of their EP, Puzzles for the Travler. This is a great track that works as a wonderful follow-up to “Echo”. Frontwoman M.C. Wolfe channeled a very Blondie-like persona for this show. Ironically, what made Wolfe more reminiscent of the icon was not so much during their cover of “Heart of Glass”, but their following song “Thug Love”-as her strength as a vocalist really blossomed at this point of the show. What was also a nice surprise was during “Cold”, when Donny Potter from Fire and the Wheel showed off his guitar work in a solid solo performance. Overall, the band really came into their own for this show-and I think next year will hold big opportunities for this band.
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Cool New Music: Dance for the Dying
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Dance For The Dying is a synth rock quartet from the Washington DC area in the US. Formed in 2010, t...Dance For The Dying is a synth rock quartet from the Washington DC area in the US. Formed in 2010, the band have crafted an engaging, upbeat pop/rock sound over the course of two EPs, the latest of which – Puzzles For The Traveller – was released on earlier this month.
Listen to Memento and Mannequin from the bands latest EP as well as Echo from their 2011 debut EP below and let me know what you think of these guys.
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CMJ: Dance For the Dying, Big Scary, Idgy Dean at Fat Baby
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Dance for the Dying, a D.C. electro-pop-rock quartet, went on much later than their 12 pm start time...Dance for the Dying, a D.C. electro-pop-rock quartet, went on much later than their 12 pm start time. However, they made up for it with a spirited performance. Their music has throwback sounds but with modern sensibilities. Mixed in with the keytar, drum machine sounds and synths are some great guitar shreds and even some glockenspiel. M.C. Wolfe has some killer pipes, and the whole band brought a lot of energy to a crowd (and reviewer) that was beginning to fade a little bit.
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Album Review: Dance for the Dying "Puzzles for the Traveler"
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When an artist can make you dance from the opening verse of a song, you know you’ve stumbled across ...When an artist can make you dance from the opening verse of a song, you know you’ve stumbled across something special. One thing Dance for the Dying make very clear on their new EP, Puzzles for the Traveler is that they are a fun, catchy band worth keeping an eye on.
The album starts off with a powerful opening in “Mannequin,” an attention-grabbing, lyrically entrancing intro that carries throughout the EP. It leaves a lasting impression, especially seeing as it’s impossible to get any of the songs out of your head, particularly once you’ve heard the chorus. Dance for the Dying have accomplished what many artists struggle to do in an entire album—leave you wanting more. Each song is driven by lively hooks and swelling choruses that plead to be sung along to.
With an energetic beat and haunting vocal melodies, Puzzles for the Traveler is a superior example of what an EP should be; a chance for a band to steal your heart and some space on your iPod.
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Dance for the Dying EP Release Show at Red Palace
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To celebrate the release of their latest EP Puzzles for the Traveler (out today 10/2!), local synth-...To celebrate the release of their latest EP Puzzles for the Traveler (out today 10/2!), local synth-rock band Dance for the Dying brought along two more local natives, Ugly Purple Sweater and Fire and the Wheel to put together one very spiffy dance party.
Complete with party favors like balloons filled with glitter, poppers, and glowsticks - it was needless to say that the packed house at Red Palace were all excited for what Dance for the Dying had in store for them…that and the obvious invitation to dance. M.C. Wolfe, Joshua Hunter, Brad Cantor, and Chris Link dressed accordingly (homemade tutu and all) to match the colors of their EP cover, they came onto the stage ready to rock out with a set that was filled with some old, some new, one really new, and a couple of covers that would leave a sense of satisfaction in the mouths of those that came to celebrate.
Highlights:
-The very catchy, lead-single from the EP, “Mannequin” will never get old live as singing along to the high-pitched lyric of the same name really invites the crowd to be one with the band.
-Lead-singer M.C. Wolfe coming into the crowd to sing a new one (not even on the new EP-new). The band builds up to a moment that leads her to pop a balloon, raining glitter as she voices lyrics along the lines of “It’s not very nice to say right now/ But I wanna be the one to take you down.”
-During “Cold”, another one off the new EP, Donny Potter of Fire and the Wheel came to join the foursome on stage to play a guitar solo alongside Josh Hunter’s synths and M.C. Wolfe’s keytar.
-Death in the Garden transitioned into Blondie’s “Heart of Glass.” If that isn’t enough to understand the awesome, I don’t know what will.
After seeing them multiple times already, one can honestly say that these rising artists have become more and more polished at each show.
Can honestly say I didn’t know much about the openers prior to the show but between the indie-rock moodiness accompanied by killer horns from Fire and the Wheel or the commanding lead-vocals and banjo from Ugly Purple Sweater, you couldn’t have asked for a better lineup of DC bands on a Saturday night.
With the release of the new EP, you can catch Dance for the Dying at more shows! Brooklyn on 10/7, Taste of DC on 10/8, CMJ on 10/16, Philly on 10/22, and Baltimore on 10/27. Don’t miss them!
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free music: dance for the dying /Dance Pop to get you through your mid week blues!
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Sure the '80s saw its fair share of bad trends (see: acid wash denim and massive frizzy hair), but w...Sure the '80s saw its fair share of bad trends (see: acid wash denim and massive frizzy hair), but was it all that bad?
Here to give the era a better name is Dance for the Dying, a Washington, D.C. based band with super catchy choruses, upbeat synths, and sentimental lyrics. The foursome is set to release their second EP next week, but we have their brand new single "Cold" just to hold you over.
"Thematically the song order of this album represents the stages in a relationship. 'Cold' is the turning point when things go from contentment and happiness to frustration and resentment," says frontwoman M.C. Wolfe of the New Wave track. But don't assume the track is a downer; as we learned from The Cure, gloomy in the '80s sense of the word isn't all that gloomy.
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Rising Artists: Dance for the Dying
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What should you expect from Dance for the Dying’s new EP, Puzzles for the Traveler ?
“I think our...What should you expect from Dance for the Dying’s new EP, Puzzles for the Traveler ?
“I think our recording process was more refined, and we had a clearer goal when making Puzzles for the Traveler,” says the band’s frontwoman M.C. Wolfe, adding that the new EP (which is slated for release on Oct 2nd) better represents the band live, “especially if you play it through some bassy speakers.”
Dance for the Dying owns the type of sound that pop music needs to be: memorable, exciting, sexy and a little dark. However, that sound took a little time to really come into fruition.
“When I came into the group, the songs Chris Link (drums/percussion) and Josh Hunter (guitarist/synth) had been working on fit a scattered mix of genres,” says Wolfe, adding that their sounds was a bit more ominous in the beginning. “My personal fantasy was to create bright, dance-y, fast-paced tunes, which was mostly a new style for all of us to play”.
The band’s inception began when Link took a trip to India, where he found his musical inspiration that quickly lead to starting his own band. Through Craigslist, Link recruited Hunter and bassist Brad Cantor, while Wolfe was introduced later to the band by a mutual acquaintance of Hunter.
The musical chemistry among the quartet was organic, and by the time the band recorded their first self-titled EP (released in July 2011) , Cantor said their sound at that point “was formed by all of us- bringing out our own influences and ideas to the songwriting process.”
The EP proved to be a successful debut for the band, and had several songs featured on the Xbox and Playstation 3 gaming systems. Tracks like the chilling but spirited “Kitty Fight Song,” the delightfully pop-centric new-wave of “Echoes,” and the morbidly fascinating “Death in the Garden,” were a commercial success. “The last time we got an update, they have been downloading our tracks in seven countries for gameplay,” Wolfe says.
Not only has the game increased their album sales, but fans have even created YouTube videos of their songs, further propelling their popularity. Outside of the studio, the band also began to see a strong regional following.
“In the past months, we’ve been in cities like Baltimore, New York City, Boston and Richmond,” says Wolfe, adding that the turnout has been pretty exciting. “We often head into new places with lot of uncertainty, and our apprehensions are rapidly defused when we get to the stage.”
With the success they’ve seen on their last EP, the band decided once again to take the plunge of releasing a new record. After recording Puzzles for the Traveler, they set-up a fundraiser with Indiegogo, and not only hit their goal-but also exceeded it.
“It was a little scary to ask for help, but [the fans] pulled it out and have been so supportive,” Wolfe says. “When we play live, some of the best moments are seeing people singing along to songs that haven’t been recorded yet and practically bouncing out of their shoes.”
While the band has kicked around the possibility of doing their first full-length album, right now they are focusing on touring through the fall and winter. That doesn’t mean that a full-length is not on the horizon-YET. Wolfe reassures that “We don’t want to put anything out that is poor quality or not truly representative of us”.
In the meantime, the band has scored several high profile gigs, including a spot at the CMJ Music Marathon Festival in New York City in October. With additional press for their new release from outlets like NYLON Magazine, it looks like a bright future ahead for the synth-rock quartet.
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Album Reviews: Puzzles for the Traveler by Dance for the Dying
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Pop-rock quartet Dance for the Dying’s 2011 self-titled debut EP was sleek, expertly crafted, and e...Pop-rock quartet Dance for the Dying’s 2011 self-titled debut EP was sleek, expertly crafted, and eminently danceable. It wouldn’t be a stretch to call it a hit (when the Rock Band Network picks up your tracks) that certainly says something about the wide appeal of your music.
The band’s follow-up EP Puzzles for the Traveler (released October 2nd), though marked by that same signature get-on-your-feet-and-move infectiousness, shouldn’t be mistaken as a carbon copy of its predecessor. You’ll want to make space for both of these EPs in your collection-not just because the music on both sounds so darn good, but because the two EPs explore significantly different thematic ground.
Beneath the upbeat and addictive melodies of their self-titled EP ran some seriously dark undercurrents. No one will blame you if you were too busy getting down to pay close attention to the lyrics, but listen again and here’s what you’ll find: there’s “Echo,” an unrequited love song to a narcissist who’ll never love anyone the way he loves himself, followed by a maneater and a ladykiller duking it out (or getting it on?) in a very messy scene in “El Monstro.” Love and aggression continue their dangerous tango in “Kitty Fight Song” and “Thug Love,” and the album wraps with the morosely titled “Death in the Garden,” based on the true story of a rat decaying in singer M. C. Wolfe’s backyard. Dark undercurrents indeed, but also a prime reason to love Dance for the Dying—what other band can make us feel so good while singing about something that would otherwise make us feel so bad?
While Puzzles for the Traveler isn’t all colored lights and fireflies—though there’s some of that, too—it does seem to have emerged from a more hopeful place. The debut EP’s archetypal villains have given way to imperfect subjects that yearn to be more. “We are ordinary objects / but when we hit the floor / we become so much more than / ordinary objects” asserts Wolfe on Puzzles’ second track “Ordinary Objects.”
Even on the more overcast third and fourth tracks, “Cold” and “Ophelia,” which reference discordant or entirely decayed relationships, there’s an underlying sense of acceptance that’s new. Where their self-titled EP might have made you want to fight to the death, Puzzles will make you want to get closure and move on. A nod to this change of heart might be found in the final and most restrained track of the EP, “Memento”: “a handful of years have been / more than enough to forget old fears [. . .] I’ve been holding on to things for too long.”
Wolfe’s vocal delivery—with its peaks and valleys, oohs and aahs, repetitions and elongations of syllables that turn words into little melodic experiences of their own—continues to be one of the band’s strongest features. This, energized and driven along by the crisp and focused instrumentals of Joshua T. Hunter, Christopher Link, and Brad Cantor, makes for a truly irresistible dance-rock sound. Dance for the Dying could play us into our own graves-and we’d keep dancing.
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MUSIC: CD REVIEWS - Dance for the Dying: Puzzles for the Traveler
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Clear some space on your iPod, smartphone or whatever else you use to listen to music. Energetic Was...Clear some space on your iPod, smartphone or whatever else you use to listen to music. Energetic Washington, D.C. foursome, Dance for the Dying, blends ‘80s synth rock with ‘00s post-punk and guitar rock: think the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Faint mixing it up with Blondie. On the group’s latest, the five-song EP Puzzles for the Traveler, frontwoman M.C. Wolfe traverses the acceleration and then the descending spiral of a relationship, from wanting to dress up for a new boyfriend (the manic “Mannequin”) to domestic delights (hypnotic dance track “Ordinary Objects”). But things have a way of cooling down: see the scar-suffused “Cold,” where desire starts to decay. Dreams are replaced by darker considerations during electro-goth nugget “Ophelia,” which evokes the Cure’s shadowy seduction. The crash is inescapable: on the lingering, final cut, “Memento,” forgotten items found in drawers are the sole reminders of expired affection: a racing heart has turned to resentment.
Grade: B
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Dance for the Dying Rock Red Palace, Drop New EP
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Hometown rockers, Dance For The Dying, delivered a killer set to an energetic, glow stick wearing pa...Hometown rockers, Dance For The Dying, delivered a killer set to an energetic, glow stick wearing packed house at Red Palace this Saturday. In a dance-inspiring 45 minutes, plus a much deserved encore, the female-fronted quartet played a handful of early hits as well as their new songs in promotion of their latest EP, Puzzles for the Traveler, which releases today. Seamlessly blending 80s synth rock with 90s alt tones, the group have not only carved a niche in the local music scene, but they’re well on their way to national recognition.
And rightfully so. Proven in their live show and songwriting capabilities, DFTD is a beacon of hope and legitimacy to a scene considered static by critics. In case you missed out, they will perform at the Fat Baby CMJ Showcase in New York on October 16, along with a slew of dates along the east coast. If you’re unfamiliar with Dance For The Dying, feel sorry for yourselves for a few minutes, then pick up their new EP, available on iTunes. You will immediately wish you knew every word. Also, go to a show, they would appreciate it.
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Dance for the Dying: Puzzles for the Traveler
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Every generation has a niche audience for dance and electronic music, but it seems that in recent ye...Every generation has a niche audience for dance and electronic music, but it seems that in recent years those styles have evolved into a force to be reckoned with. They are not only they’re own little world anymore. Earlier this week Blaqk Audio dropped a new electronic record. What makes that relevant in this, is that the members of Blaqk Audio were once the reigning kings of doomsday rock that thrived on the notion that it was a scene goth kids could shine in. So you can see how much dance and electronic is being taken into consideration in the rock world. That then leads us to Dance for the Dying. They’re a real group with instruments, but add a synth to their sound to bring to life their idea of dance rock with their new record, Puzzles for the Traveler.
Inspired by a trip to India, Dance for the Dying drummer, Chris Link got the ideas for the band he calls home now. Now, there’s no Bollywood tidbits on the record, so one can assume it was more of a spiritual thing he went through…? Instead you’ll find a very indie pop sounding “Mannequin.” Nope, not a Katy Perry cover, but a lively song that will cause listeners to play it until they’re sick of it. That song was good and fun, but it’s “Ordinary Objects” that gets the ultimate stamp of approval for the album. Its electronic base plays like an anthem for dance floor aficionados. At this point, let’s point out the oddball. If you’re not into dance music, but need a new song to add to your iPod, then please let me introduce you to “Momento.” It was slower than the rest and really, you couldn’t tell it was the same band that had made the other tracks. It was my personal favorite as it seemed the most human and honest sounding.
Dance and electronic isn’t just for those people with miles of beaded bracelets on their arms and pacifiers in their mouths anymore. It’s now as mainstream as “Call Me Maybe.” So if you’re a fan of bands like The Faint and We Have Band, then check out and get down to Dance for the Dying’s Puzzles for the Traveler, out October 2nd.
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Dance for the Dying to release EP "Puzzles for the Traveler" October 2nd
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Truth:
DC-based dance-rock group Dance for the Dying plans to release their second EP, Puzzles for ...Truth:
DC-based dance-rock group Dance for the Dying plans to release their second EP, Puzzles for the Traveler, on October 2nd. The band's freshman EP garnered them attention from local rock station DC101 who featured "Echo" as one of the Top 10 Songs of 2011. The band's whole first EP is also featured on Rock Band Network.
Sarah:
Dance for the Dying is an interesting concept; everything from their conception to their electro-pop sound in intriguing.
| The concept for the band and its name Dance for the Dying were inspired by a story the band's drummer Chris heard on a trip to India. The story was a true account of some compassionate village children who, when hearing of a nearby place where the elderly and the ill were hopelessly waiting to expire, developed dances and performances to cheer them up while they were still alive. It seemed an analogy to the spirit of musical performance and how it can affect the nature of human existence. Celebrating life through performing music to move humanity became Chris' musical focus and he set out to find musicians who wanted to share the adventure.
If the band's aim is to continue the tradition of cheering people up, they succeed with their sophomore EP. Kicking off with the synth-filled "Mannequin," the band brings a modern twist to the 80s New Wave era. Vocalist M.C. Wolfe sounds like a perfect, feisty Barbie doll as she effortlessly sings the odd yet captivating lyrics. The synth beats are the stars of the song, but the band are more than video game soundtrack masters. The funky guitars mixed with the fiery drums add a punk edge to the track. What could have been a cutesy song similar to Lady Gaga's "Fashion," is actually a party riot.
Stepping up the dace factor comes the infectious "Ordinary Objects." The simple chorus is guaranteed to get trapped in your head upon first listen. The song is all about dancing, and the instrumentals prompt you to shake it (your head, your butt, your whole body, whatever you're comfortable with). Wolfe's slick, alluring whisper ends the rave single. The hand-clapping "Cold" follows "Ordinary Objects," as a bass-heavy track. It sounds as cold as the title suggests; while dance-y and upbeat, there is a darkness cast over it. The vocals are less cheery, and the synth is a bit lower than in previous songs. The other instruments create a dark, "frozen" vibe surrounding the vocals. The lyrics also literally allude to being cold, starting off with : "Go and put me in your freezer/with the popsicles and pizzas." Innovative and clever, the icy track graduates to a dance anthem towards the end with instrumental backing being larger than life, surrounding your speakers,
I never really paid much attention in English class, but "Ophelia" sounds like it is loosely based on a story (perhaps Hamlet?). It tells a vividly illustrated story with a Christopher Link providing a strong drum backing. The EP comes to an end with "The Memento." The slow, yet dramatic track is an appropriate close to the band's otherwise dance-inducing record.
Dance for the Dying has found a cool niche with their catchy songs complete with soaring synth beats and rollerskating rock music. The EP will be available in October.
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BUZZNET Exclusive: Dance For The Dying Stream 'Ordinary Objects'
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Today Buzznet is happy to host the stream of Dance for the Dying's new song "Ordinary Objects". The ...Today Buzznet is happy to host the stream of Dance for the Dying's new song "Ordinary Objects". The dance-rock song is one infectiously catchy tune and you also learn a little bit of French towards the end! OUI! Dance for the Dying, based out of Washington, DC -- is made up of drummer Chris Link, guitartist Joshua Hunter, vocalist M.C. Wolfe and bassist Brad Cantor. We love a girl-fronted band here at Buzznet.
Take a listen and let us know what you think of the song!
We recommend checking out all of their music, they're RAD! You can also check out the rest of the band's 5-track EP "Puzzles for the Traveler" streaming on AOL Music and MSN Music all next week!
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Album Review: Dance For The Dying “Puzzles For The Traveler”
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When an artist can make you dance from the opening verse of a song, you know you’ve stumbled across ...When an artist can make you dance from the opening verse of a song, you know you’ve stumbled across something special. One thing Dance for the Dying make very clear on their new EP, Puzzles for the Traveler is that they are a fun, catchy band worth keeping an eye on.
The album starts off with a powerful opening in “Mannequin,” an attention-grabbing, lyrically entrancing intro that carries throughout the EP. It leaves a lasting impression, especially seeing as it’s impossible to get any of the songs out of your head, particularly once you’ve heard the chorus. Dance for the Dying have accomplished what many artists struggle to do in an entire album—leave you wanting more. Each song is driven by lively hooks and swelling choruses that plead to be sung along to.
With an energetic beat and haunting vocal melodies, Puzzles for the Traveler is a superior example of what an EP should be; a chance for a band to steal your heart and some space on your iPod.
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Need to Know: Dance for the Dying
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If there's one thing we appreciate about Dance for the Dying it's that they make us burn calories. T...If there's one thing we appreciate about Dance for the Dying it's that they make us burn calories. That's because this synthy dance-rock quartet makes us dance. At least it did last time we caught up with them at the Rock and Roll Hotel, where they were playing in front of a writhing packed house. "The live show enhances the energy of the music, especially since the audience is usually moving to the sound," the band later told us.
The group has also seen success in the studio, releasing its debut EP in July of last year, just about a year after the group formed and chose its name. "I was inspired to name the band Dance for the Dying after some children who...decided to put on skits and dances for the sick and elderly dying people in a nearby town," said drummer Chris Link. "I thought that not only was it an endearing gesture toward humanity, but also a nice parallel to what I thought a band should strive for when it entertains audiences; to enjoy life together while we are alive!"
And speaking of enjoying life, the group doesn't limit its dance-driven fun to its live performances—they suggest dancing anywhere, from Black Cat (one of guitarist Josh Hunter's favorite spots) to the Metro. "It's the unpredictable nature of its movements I like. Everyone should dance on the Metro all the time," said Chris. Lead singer M.C. Wolfe agrees, adding, "Dance when the mood strikes!"
It struck us pretty much throughout their entire set, not only because of the upbeat tunes, but because of M.C. herself. Seemingly never short of energy, there's just something about her stage presence, some sort of fierce spirt animal guide or something. "Maybe a megabat is my spirit animal," she later told us. "Quiet, tucked away, easy to miss most of the day, but energetic and flighty and perhaps a little bit scary when I get worked up. No worries though, megabats are frugivores."
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DC Decibel: News April 22, 2012
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(...) Dance for the Dying came on around 11:30, after a brief yoga session by lead singer MC. They t...(...) Dance for the Dying came on around 11:30, after a brief yoga session by lead singer MC. They treated the crowd to several songs from their upcoming EP (due out in the fall) including a song “only heard within the walls of their practice space”. Their hits Echo and Kitty Fight Song were chorused back by the crowd. They were truly a treat to see. Watching a group that is so enthusiastic about what they are doing and the music they are making is truly refreshing. They have upcoming tour dates in Boston, NYC, and Philly, but we’ll keep you apprised of future local dates .
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Featured Artist: Dance for the Dying
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Local cool cats Dance for the Dying have been keeping busy in the DC music scene, making them our fe...Local cool cats Dance for the Dying have been keeping busy in the DC music scene, making them our featured artist for the week. The synth-pop, dance-rock band have been doing their thing for a few years now, creating catchy tracks that’ll have you dancing and hand-clapping with the best of the them. You could even play the catchy tracks yourself as their featured on the popular Rockband games.
M.C. (vocals, synth), Josh (guitar, synth), Brad (Bass, synth), and Chris (Drums) have been locked up in the studio recently, putting together another EP for all ears to hear. They even opened up for The Psychedelic Furs at The State Theatre last month. We got to speak them to recently, learning more about their EP, the story behind their name, Rockband, what you can expect at their shows, and much more!
Get to know your local dance machine, Dance for the Dying.
They are headlining Rock N Roll Hotel, this Friday (4/20)! Doors at 8pm | Show at 9pm. Don’t miss out!
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Three Stars: Dance for the Dying
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On first listen, Dance for the Dying sounds like the wrong name for such an upbeat group. Yes, their...On first listen, Dance for the Dying sounds like the wrong name for such an upbeat group. Yes, their song "El Monstro" employs a healthy share of monster movie imagery, and "Death in the Garden" is about singer M.C. Wolfe's "morbid fascination" with a decomposing rat in her flower bed. But those unsettling images, when juxtaposed with soaring synths and twinkling xylophones, don't exactly project the mopiness that the name suggests.
However, upon learning that the name originates from a lively performance that drummer Chris Link saw in India of children celebrating their elders, the name makes more sense. The guitar riffs are upbeat and party-ready and Wolfe's powerful voice and commanding stage presence will capture your attention as swiftly and surely as the Wilson sisters of Heart did three decades ago. They may play to half-full club-sized rooms currently, but I'd be very surprised if big things don't happen for this band.
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Not Just Another Post-Punk Indie Band...
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I don’t think it’s possible to count the number of bands in DC claiming to be influenced by post-pun...I don’t think it’s possible to count the number of bands in DC claiming to be influenced by post-punk these days. At best they are bland, boring ghosts of their influences with no appeal or substance. That’s why Dance for the Dying was such a surprise. I’ll admit that I’ll fall for anything with Peter Hook or Simon Gallup influenced bass lines but there is so much more to the songs than that – personality, depth, atmosphere, great lyrics and hand claps for God’s sake.
What’s nice is that they’re taking chances. Sure they’re using synths and some Bernard Sumner-like guitar but these songs are unusually anthemic. The choruses are huge and you will be compelled to sing along with them immediately. While the production is excellent, it is decidedly indie and I think the songs could be better served with a bigger sound. All in all this is a phenomenal set of songs and I’m glad they’re from our town.
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Four Play: Artists Worth a Listen
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“If Blondie and The Cure were to go roller skating on laser light night and then go write songs abou...“If Blondie and The Cure were to go roller skating on laser light night and then go write songs about it,” it might come out something like Dance for the Dying, according to M.C. Wolfe, lead singer for the DC-based synth pop band. And she’s right. The band’s music has echoes of 80s and 90s goth, post-punk and New Wave, with Wolfe’s vocals bringing to mind Debbie Harry and occasionally Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie and the Banshees. But don’t let the band’s dour, morbid side (“Death in the Garden” is about a decomposing rat) fool you; these songs will get you moving. All five tracks of the band’s newest EP are eminently danceable. A standout is the first track, “Echo,” Wolfe’s retelling of the Greek myth involving the nymph and Narcissus. English class never sounded this good, with hand claps, synth, and slinky bass setting up a rocking chorus that’s made for dancing. And if you want to play along, you can download the track for the Rock Band video game; now that’s cool.-JK
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Dance for the Dying Album Review: 'Puzzles for the Traveler'
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Dance for the Dying singer M.C. Wolfe seems to think a lot about objectification. “I want to strike ...Dance for the Dying singer M.C. Wolfe seems to think a lot about objectification. “I want to strike a pose?/?Like a mannequin,” she trills on “Mannequin,” which opens the local alt-pop quartet’s EP, “Puzzles for the Traveler.” Later, when romance turns “Cold,” she instructs a lover to “Put me in your freezer?/?Where your other frozen treats are.” There’s also “Ophelia,” named after Shakespeare’s best-known goth girl, in which Wolfe announces, “We are ordinary objects.”
Actually, there’s more to “Ordinary Objects,” which turns out to be a celebration of dancing. “When we hit the floor?/?We become so much more?/?Than ordinary objects,” Wolfe exults. That twist is typical of the band, which draws heavily on minor-key British post-punk but usually ends up sounding pretty cheerful. “Mannequin” is even a little too chirpy.
All of the songs include electronic drones, pulses or whooshes, reflecting the influence of ’80s synth-pop. But most of the music is played live, with multiple opportunities for guitarist Joshua Hunter to display his familiarity with the Cure and Echo and the Bunnymen. The band is still limited by such models, but “Puzzles for the Traveler” shows the potential for Dance for the Dying to be much more.
— Mark Jenkins
supersonic
