EPIC {{arts & entertainment}}

EQUAL VISION RECORDS SIGNS
THE DEAR & DEPARTED

Indie/new wave act, THE DEAR & DEPARTED, have signed to Equal Vision Records.  The band recently wrapped up recording with New Found Glory guitarist, Chad Gilbert (H2O, Fireworks), and will release the new material as a digital EP and 7” later this year and tour to support.

“EVR have always supported us and after constant frustration with other labels, we feel it’s a great decision,” expressed vocalist, Dan Smith (aka Dan Under).  “That’s all you can really ask for these days, honest support. We have all been fans of EVR bands since we were young and its nice to have that history and nostalgia with a label, even though so much has changed over the years.”

In their short existence as a band, the Orange County transplants – Smith (vocals), Darren Parkinson (guitar), Cortney Miner (guitar), and Jimmy Walsh (drums) – have built a devoted following and boast quite a story.  There have been many triumphs for THE DEAR & DEPARTED, including sharing stages with Saosin, Norma Jean, Tiger Army, AFI and Avenged Sevenfold.

Dan Smith, a tattoo artist for over 7 years, will join the cast of LA Ink - the hit show on TLC starring Kat Von D.  Smith will be introduced on the episode airing Thursday, August 13th at 10pm.  LA Ink will also visit the band in the studio in a later episode.

Honestly, if a band has it going for them right now it has to be THE DEAR & DEPARTED. For those of you who love your fix of “reality” television, tattooes, and a good band keep an eye and an ear open to catch Dan Smith and THE DEAR & DEPARTED on LA Ink. And also, a big congrats to the band for joining the EVR family along with the likes of BANE, CHIODOS, and FEAR BEFORE!