Jon Mess

Jonathan Mess is an American musician and painter born in Sacramento, California. He is best known as the unclean vocalist for the post-hardcore bands Dance Gavin Dance and Secret Band.

He helped amalgamate Dance Gavin Dance in 2005 and has since recorded every studio album with the band, with the exception of their third studio album Happiness (2009), through Rise Records. He also helped form Secret Band and has released one self-titled EP and one self-titled studio album through Blue Swan Records. As a solo musician, he independently released his debut studio album, Defying Gravity, in September 2012. Mess is also well known for his homemade paintings he sells at concerts and online.

Career

Dance Gavin Dance (2005–present)

Jon Mess began his musical career as the screaming vocalist in the post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance in 2005. With the band, they signed to Rise Records and released their debut studio extended play (EP), Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean, on November 14, 2006. The band released their full-length debut studio album, Downtown Battle Mountain, on May 15, 2007. The following year, vocalist Jonny Craig and guitarist Sean O'Sullivan departed from the band and were subsequently replaced by vocalist Kurt Travis and guitarist Zachary Garren (of Strawberry Girls), later releasing their sophomore studio album, Dance Gavin Dance, on August 19, 2008. Due to obtaining Lyme's disease and other unconfirmed health issues, Mess dismissed himself from the tour in support of Dance Gavin Dance to seek improvement. Dance Gavin Dance wrote and recorded their third studio album, Happiness, with guitarist Will Swan pursuing both guitar parts and screaming vocals. The album was later released on June 9, 2009 and was praised for its funk rock and experimental rock sound.