Today’s message reads: “Heartfelt thanks for all the messages of love and condolences that you have sent since Devon’s passing. We have drawn a lot of strength from these as we navigate this difficult time. Losing Devon has been a profound loss for the family this band has grown to become. We have taken some time out of the spotlight these last few months to heal, process, reflect and reevaluate the future of this band. We have talked at great length with each other and our families and friends about the future. Devon’s parents have encouraged us to continue on and given us their blessing. It is their opinion (as well as ours) that Devon would never have wanted his death to end the band. He would have wanted us to continue on.”
The band has officially changed their name to You Say Party.
A new line-up has been unveiled as well.
Read more at their official site.
MP3: You Say Party – Dark Days
So tragic. They’ve just released the following statement: “It is with absolute sadness to report that our dear friend Devon Clifford passed away just hours ago in a Vancouver hospital surrounded by his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. I request that we respect the family’s privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Earlier this month, I interviewed YSPWSD.
MP3: You Say Party! We Say Die! – Dark Days
Earlier today, I chatted with Becky Ninkovic. Enjoy our full exchange below:
1. What are 3 differences b/w XXXX and YSPWSD’s earlier LPs?
A) We worked with a new producer, Howard Redekopp. Our last two albums were produced by Shawn Cole. B) XXXX was created over a longer period of time and we had a larger budget to work with, thus giving it more of a chance to be a finished piece of work. C) We poured our hearts into XXXX. Where the last two albums caught us in our youth or immaturity, high energy and frenzy, or lost in the chaos of touring and crazy times and whatever else. We broke through a lot of difficulties and found new strength, new heart and ultimately new love for ourselves, each other and the music.
2. What’s the inspiration behind the video for ‘There Is XXXX’?
I had been visualizing the video for ‘There Is XXXX” since I wrote the lyrics. Dreams of “XXXX” as a bird coming to me through the darkness. And I love to make costumes that give me the motion and grace like a bird, with wings outstretched. My dear friend Vanessa Fischer made all the costumes.
Read the remainder of this interview AFTER THE JUMP…
(Read the article)
Our new guest blogger, Jordon Chiarelli, shares his thoughts on the album. Vancouver’s You Say Party! We Say Die! has been filling the need for two-and-a-half minute dance-pop punk songs since February 9th, when their third LP, XXXX was unleashed on the American public. The band remains loyal to their new wave sound but XXXX is more mature, slick and tighter than their previous recordings. YSPWSD’s newfound maturity is something not to be ignored. They’ve managed to sound a little less like The B-52s than fans are accustomed to and more like Siouxsie & The Banshees – darker and driven by more emotion. The first track, ‘There Is XXXX (Within My Heart)’ is one of the album’s danciest – fusing a groovy base line drenched in synth harmonies. This selection also allows the listener to decipher the meaning of XXXX – love. ‘Glory’, the next tune, pays homage to bands like Be Your Own Pet from a few years ago. It’s also one of the LP’s few guitar driven songs. Other notable tracks include the Devo-esque ‘Cosmic Wanship Avengers’ & ‘Heart Of Gold’ (which undoubtedly exemplifies YSPWSD’s aforementioned emotional fondness). It’s the mellowest but clearly the most epic.
Watch the official video for ‘There Is XXXX (Within My Heart)’ here.
MP3: You Say Party! We Say Die! – Dark Days
Enjoy ‘There Is XXXX (Within My Heart)’ below. Watch ‘Dark Days’ here.
MP3: You Say Party! We Say Die! – Dark Days
Catch ‘em next year at:
9-Mar – Seattle, WA – Chop Suey
10-Mar – Portland, OR – Doug Fir
12-Mar – San Fran, CA – Bottom Of The Hill
13-Mar – Los Angeles, CA – Echoplex
15-Mar – Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room
17-Mar – Austin, TX – SXSW
18-Mar – Austin, TX – SXSW
19-Mar – Austin, TX – SXSW
21-Mar – Memphis, TN – Hi Tone
22-Mar – Atlanta, GA – The Earl
23-Mar – Charlotte, NC – Snug Harbor
24-Mar – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar
26-Mar – New York, NY – Knitting Factory
27-Mar – Boston, MA – TT The Bears
29-Mar – New York, NY – Pianos
30-Mar – Detroit, MI – Pike Room
31-Mar – Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
They recently chatted with AUX TV.
XXXX is out soon!
MP3: You Say Party! We Say Die! – Dark Days
