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The Dear and Departed

Written by Jeanette Nguyen

Wednesday, 05 September 2007

It was approximately 9:15 pm as vocalist Dan Under, of new wave/gothic rock 5-piece The Dear & Departed, excused himself from the after show Ventura Warped Tour BBQ in search of a quiet location to chat with HYPEzine. The band, composed of Under, drummer Joel Bourne, bassist David Williams, guitarists Simon O'Gorman and Darren Parkinson, are originally from various destinations around the globe, with members from England, New Zealand and Australia. Despite coming from rather distinct upbringings, their passion for music crossed international lines, bonding them to several California bands. This became the act's primary motivation to reside in Orange County. "The reason we came over was because of people we met overseas and were lucky enough to become friends with," Under remembers, referring to OC acts such as Saosin and Avenged Sevenfold. "It's definitely a lot different than what we're used to. It was a big change and a pretty exciting move. We're close to LA, but not in the middle of it. So if we want to take off for a little bit we can."

The title of their debut Something Quite Peculiar, produced by former Nine Inch nails drummer Chris Vrenna (U2, The Smashing Pumpkins) and AFI guitarist Jade Puget, was also sparked by relocating to The Golden State. "Getting five people who were not born in America to somehow end up in Southern California, to have been through the things we've been through and to record a record like that is something pretty peculiar," he explains. "Literally, we thought it was great."

In addition, Something Quite Peculiar is a line on closing track "Under The Milky Way," notably recognized as a cover of 80's Aussie rock outfit The Church. It is one of Under's favorites since Jessica Origliasso of The Veronicas, who he met while living in Australia, contributed vocals.

Furthermore, fans may also recognize Under's voice on Tiger Army's latest release Music From Regions Beyond as well as AFI's platinum smash Decemberunderground. As a token of appreciation for lending his time and voice, AFI frontman Davey Havok presented Under with an exclusive necklace bearing AFI's "rabbit" trademark. "It was a gift because I was lucky enough to get asked to sing on their record," he says, tugging on the silver chain dangling around his neck. "Basically, the people who contributed to that record got them, like me and Nick 13 from Tiger Army. They made regular ones, but mine has a black diamond for the eye. I love it."

Under's kinship with Havok is very tight-knit. Each band is remarkably supportive of one another, and Havok is prone to giving encouragement in regards to the pressures of stardom. "Davey is especially there for me whenever I need him to be. Obviously, I've been through a lot within the last 10 years," Under reveals. "[AFI have] gone from playing small clubs to Warped to where they are now. It's good to know that if I ever need advice I can go straight to someone."

Under even sings on Havok's side project Blaqk Audio. "I sung on maybe four or five songs," he explains, sounding excited about the new material. "It's pretty different. It's electronic and more of the kind of music Davey and Jade are into and experimenting with."

Influenced by legendary songwriters such as Morrissey and Robert Smith, the band's lyrics, according to Under, simply derive from "life experiences." "There's definitely some singers I admire who are really abstract and poetic that there really isn't a literal sense when you're reading the lyrics. My favorite lyricists are honest and just sing about life," he says. "To me, music comes down to what mood you're in, and you go off of that. I love bands that can make you feel amazing when you're in a really good mood, and they can totally identify with you when you feel like you've got nowhere else to go."

The Dear & Departed have consequently dealt with their share of misfortune and according to the act's official bio; they've "watched 'sure thing' record deals fall apart.' Fortunately, the band refused to let a few setbacks intimidate them from making a career as musicians. "In the industry you get promised a lot, and people like to talk the talk. We've built our band on the strength of our word and being respectful, being honest and caring people," Under explains, speaking on behalf of the band. "When things fall through for you it's really frustrating and disappointing. On the other hand, it's the industry. It's a horrible state of affairs." He continues with a chuckle, "It's not like we're crying at night before we go to sleep or anything, but we all have a pretty decent story to tell."

They eventually signed with LA based boutique label Science Records and have continued to tour nonstop ever since. Interestingly, The Dear & Departed are also sponsored by Nike shoes and own custom pairs embroidered with their band logos. "Simon actually wore them on our video for 'Tonight's The Night,'" he muses.

When Under and his band mates aren't occupied with performing, one can usually find them perfecting their footsies. Too bad Warped isn't an ideal spot for a soccer match. "We've been kicking a ball around a little bit, but it's too dusty. You kick up too many dust clouds!" smiles Under, genuinely passionate about the subject. "I grew up on English football. Well, we all did. Dave's from Wales, so he is. Darren's from Liverpool, so he's a huge Liverpool fan. Being from New Zealand and Australia, it has a big English influence, be it food, music, comedy, whatever. So that's sort of how we grew up." So what is Under's opinion of English soccer star David Beckham's contract with the LA Galaxies? "Well, I don't know. Obviously, it's the money. People are gonna diss him for it, but you can't really say until you're in that situation, having millions of pounds thrown in your face. As long as he's happy, I'm good," replies Under with a laugh. "He never played for my team anyway!" Under surprisingly admits to owning a David Beckham jersey and can relate to Beckham's yearning to leave his home turf, something very similar to his own story. "It's the same if you're in a band," he explains. "You wanna travel and play in other countries. It's the same if you're in football. You can't sit in your home country your whole life."

Along with soccer, another one of Under's talents lies in artwork. He has designed for clothing companies Hurley, To Die For and Finish Strong. Under is also an established tattoo artist. He started developing his craft in New Zealand; around the time he got his first tattoo at 16, frankly due to boredom. "I met Dean Parkin, who is one of my best friends now. He had a shop, more of a studio. I got exposed to all this amazing artwork and amazing people really early on, " he says. "I like to thank him for me turning out the way I did. A lot of kids nowadays just think anything's cool. Like whatever's on the wall is cool, you know? And it really isn't about that. He's an amazing artist, and he taught me his work ethics from a young age, so I like to think I've adopted that in some sense."

Under's latest inking is still healing, an amateur "no smoking" sign tattooed by MySpace Impact Award Winner and Skate4Cancer founder Rob Dyer. "He did it for MTV the other night. It's right here," Under shows his arm, while erupting in laughter. "I really don't care that he can't tattoo at all! I think it's the message and what he stands for. Skate4Cancer is a really worthwhile organization. He does so much. I think he needs to be recognized for that. As a band, we're totally behind him." Under continues about his new tattoo, "It was just a spur of the moment idea. I tattoo him, he tattoos me. It was funny. I like to get close friends to do that because it gives me a little memento as well."

Many fans may have also noticed "LOVE" and "BRIZ" lettered on his knuckles. It turns out Briz was Under's best-friend and inspiration to much of the lyrics. The Dear & Departed's whole album was dedicated to him and his family, who tragically lost their lives in a car crash. "His name was Bryce, but he nickname was Briz," reveals Under, his voice sounding softer. "Him and his wife and baby passed away three years ago."

On a lighter note, catch The Dear & Departed on tour with Saosin and Alexisonfire this fall after they wrap up The Warped Tour. The band sincerely thanks their fans for helping them live their dreams. "It's always such a good feeling to know that you worked so hard on something from the start, and it's what you want to do for a long time. Certain things happen where you're like, 'Whoa, I never would've thought that would happen!'" exclaims Under. "Everything in life I figure is just people. If you're honest, a compassionate and caring person, good people will come to you, and you'll be around good people. Everybody goes to the top together."

myspace.com/thedearanddeparted

thedearanddeparted.com

Fun Questions w/ Dan Under of The Dear & Departed

HYPEzine: Just wondering if this is really a true story: You got lost at Heathrow Airport in London when you were six, and The Bee Gees found you?

Under: [Laughs.] Yes, that is very true.

HZ: And Joel was born in a taxicab?

Under: [Laughs.] That may not be so true…

The guy with the beard from The Bee Gees found me. Things were different back then, I'm sure, at the airports. There wasn't as strict security. My parents got to meet them. I'm not really a fan of The Bee Gees, but if it's going to be a claim to fame then maybe it will work! [Laughs.]

HZ: What are some of your favorite places to hang out at in Orange County now that you live there?

Under: I love Jan's Health Bar on Main St. in Huntington Beach. I try to eat there as much as I can. I'll probably just name a bunch of restaurants because that's where I hang out. [Laughs.]

I kinda stick to myself a lot, you know? I just like my own time. I like drawing and painting at my house.

HZ: Can you teach us some English slang?

Under: Sure, sure. What do you want to know?

HZ: Anything.

Under: Well, let's start with…there's definitely a lot of "bogens" at The Warped Tour.

HZ: What's that? Are they like "bros?"

Under: A "bogen" is, you know, you see those kinds of guys who, you look at them and they have no idea what's going on. They're just kinda getting dragged around by something. Usually they'll have like a Megadeth or Metallica t-shirt on. So we call them "bogens," the same people who would love Cannibal Corpse and death metal, but who would also love Sublime. [Laughs.] We call "bro" dudes "slabbers."

HZ: "Slapper?"

Under: No, "slabbers." So definitely a lot of "slabbers" at The Warped Tour…

[Laughs.] A "slapper" is actually a name for a girl. You probably don't wanna hear that one!

Thanks to Dan Under and Mike at Earshot Media for arranging this interview!