Blood on the Dance Floor (band)

Blood on the Dance Floor were an American electronic music group from Orlando, Florida, formed in 2006. The group's longest-standing lineup, from 2009 to 2016, consisted of Jesus David Torres also known as Dahvie Vanity (born 1984) and Jayy Von Monroe (born 1991). The group released nine studio albums before breaking up in 2016 following Von Monroe's departure. It was reformed by Vanity the following year, initially with Fallon Vendetta. After Vendetta's departure, Vanity became the sole member of the group.

Blood on the Dance Floor
Members Jayy Von Monroe (left) and Dahvie Vanity (right) performing in 2013.
Background information
Also known asLove the Fashion, BOTDF
OriginOrlando, Florida, U.S.
Genres
Years active
  • 2006–2016
  • 2017–2019
LabelsDark Fantasy
Associated acts
Past members
  • Dahvie Vanity
  • Fallon Vendetta
  • Jayy Von Monroe
  • Christopher Mongillo
  • Rebecca Fugate
  • Garrett Ecstasy
  • Matty M

History

Beginnings and first albums

Around September 2006, Jesus David Torres, also known as "Dahvie Vanity", on his 22nd birthday, started a trio called Love the Fashion with Christopher Mongillo and Rebecca Fugate. The group was originally nothing but a joke, which soon developed into Blood on the Dance Floor in 2007. The group self-released their first album, Let's Start a Riot, in April 2008. Not being able to tour, Mongillo and Fugate left the band while Vanity toured the Orlando, Florida area.[1]

During the recording of their second album, It's Hard to be a Diamond in a Rhinestone World, Mongillo and Fugate left, and the band was picked up by producer and writer Rusty Wilmot. During the recording of this album, Garrett Marshal McLaughlin ("Garrett Ecstasy") was recruited to do backup vocals and screaming. The CD was self-released in October 2008. Only 300 copies were made.

Extended plays and Epic (2009–2010)

Vanity and Ecstasy recorded the singles "Siq With a Q" and "Suicide Club" as a duo in 2008, and released three extended plays over the first half of 2009, I Scream I Scream, OMFG Sneak Peak, and Extended Play. The duo embarked on the OMFG Tour with other local bands Electric Valentine, Weston Buck, The Greenlight District, and The Crush in promotion of their upcoming album then titled OMFG.

As the OMFG tour continued and concluded without Vanity, Garrett was replaced by Jeremy Brian Griffis, known by his stage name "Jayy Von Monroe", at age 18. Along with Monroe, Vanity and the group's new drummer and rapper, Nick "Nasty" Wenzel, released "Horrifically Delicious".

Many of the songs originally recorded with Garrett intended for the upcoming album OMFG were re-recorded with new vocals by Jayyvon. The previous concept of the OMFG album was scrapped, and re-branded as EPIC, set for release in 2010. The band went on tour over spring and summer 2010 to promote the release of Epic. With Jeffree Star they recorded three songs for that album. However, the collaboration was short-lived since during the Looking Hot & Dangerous Tour, Star accused Vanity of being a pedophile and a predator, claiming to have witnessed suspect behavior. Star later chose to go back on his accusations and sweep what he claimed to have seen under the rug and later was featured on their 2014 single "Poison Apple", from the album Bitchcraft.[2] As with the previous conflict with Garrett, the three singles featuring Jeffree's vocals were re-recorded with vocals by Jayyvon, and the original tracks were not featured on the final album.

In October 2010, the album Epic charted No. 5 on the dance/electronic Billboard chart.[3] The band headlined the Epic Tour and the Epic Tour Part II in support of the album.[4]

All the Rage!!, Evolution and The Anthem of the Outcast (2011–2012)

Even before the release of Epic, recording began for Blood on the Dance Floor's fourth album, All the Rage!!. The duo collaborated with several artists for the album, including Lady Nogrady, JJ Demon, and Nick Nasty. The album was preceded by several singles to promote the release, including "Bewitched", "Yo Ho", and "P.L.U.R." The band embarked on Warped Tour 2011 in June 2011,[5] and released the album while on tour.

A music video for their hit single from the album, "Bewitched", featured Nicole "Lady" Nogrady, who later said that she felt disrespected by the band during production of the album as well as on the music video, and found herself having to confront the band directly in order for her name to appear on the credits of her work with them.[6] The song was subsequently performed by other female vocalists in place of Nogrady at live shows, and was re-recorded with vocals by Haley Rose for their 2013 acoustic album Blood Unplugged.

The album peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Top Electronic Albums chart.[3] At the end of 2011, the duo headlined the All the Rage Tour and was planning the 'Tis the Season to be Killing Tour.[7]

In celebration of BOTDF's fourth anniversary, a digital compilation album entitled The Legend of Blood on the Dance Floor was set to be released on Halloween.[1] The compilation's release date was pushed back, originally planned to be released as a CD, it was released as a soundcloud playlist instead. The compilation features remastered versions of songs from the band's first four albums.

Blood on the Dance Floor's fifth album, Evolution, was released on June 19, 2012[8] along with a deluxe edition that featured acoustic versions of two songs. Two music videos and four singles were released from the album.

The album featured tracks in collaboration with Haley Rose, Amelia Arsenic, Shawn Brandon, Joel Madden of the band Good Charlotte, Elena Vladimirova, and Deuce for the upcoming album.[9]

As a thank you to the fans they released the three-song free EP Clubbed to Death! on June 20, 2012, for free through an app on Facebook.[10] Their sixth EP, The Anthem of the Outcast, was released on October 30, 2012.[11]

Bad Blood, Cruel Pornography, Scissors & Von Monroe's departure (2013–2016)

Rumors of a breakup in 2013 proved to be a hoax.[12][13] Bad Blood was slated for release in September 2013.[14] On February 18, 2013, the lead single "I Refuse to Sink! (Fuck the Fame)" was released,[13] followed by the second single, "Crucified by Your Lies",[15] and a third, "Something Grimm", on July 2, 2013.[16]

Andrew "Drew" Apathy joined in early 2014,[17] and a new EP, Bitchcraft, was released in June 2014. Their single "We're Takin over!" featuring Deuce was released February 7.[18]

Blood on the Dance Floor released their first single off their EP Cruel Pornography: "The Sexorcist". In August, they released their new project and started planning the "Reign of Blood" tour. On February 14, 2016, the band released the single "Safe Word" on iTunes.

Mid-2016 marked the end of producing and co-writing by Rusty Wilmot (2008–2016).

In April 2016, Blood on the Dance Floor announced a 24-date tour with Steven Joseph and BrokenCYDE. On August 17, BOTDF released their September 30-scheduled album Scissors on Apple Music.

On September 14, 2016, Dahvie Vanity said that the group would be disbanding after one final tour as a result of Jayy's departure earlier that month. For a while afterwards, Vanity created and worked on a new project called Sinners Are Winners, releasing an EP titled For Beginners and full-length The Invocation.

Kawaii Monster and Haunted (2017–2019)

In April 2017, Vanity announced there would be a new member, and that Blood on the Dance Floor would be returning on May 5 of that year (without Jayy Von Monroe). In May 2017, it was revealed that Dahvie's girlfriend, Fallon Vendetta, had temporarily joined Blood on the Dance Floor. They have since released the singles "Resurrection Spell", "Love Like Voodoo", "Six Feet Under", "Yo Ho 2 (Pirate's Life)", "Ghosting" and "Destroy". Their album Kawaii Monster was released on October 31, 2017. Kawaii Monster pre-orders included a second disc, a remastered edition of Let's Start a Riot. The band also released an exclusive EP: You Are the Heart. In 2018, they released Haunted, followed by Cinema Erotica and You Are the Heart. Vendetta departed the group shortly after. Vanity continues to release music as Kawaii Monster and the Most Vivid Nightmares.

Musical style and influences

The group's style couples hypersexual lyrics with electronica[19] or electronic,[20] but also heavily incorporates electropop,[3][21] dance-pop,[22] and crunkcore.[23]

Vanity stated in an interview that American synth-pop artist Jeffree Star is a huge influence on BOTDF.

Sexual assault allegations against Dahvie Vanity

Since the allegations first surfaced in 2009, at least 21 women have made sexual assault and rape allegations against Vanity.[24] Former bandmates Garrett Ecstasy, who left the band in 2009, and Jayy Von Monroe, who left in 2016, have described Vanity as a sexual predator.[24] Jeffree Star and New Years Day members Ash Costello and Nikki Misery have stated that they observed Vanity engage in questionable or illegal sexual behavior during a "Vans Warped Tour" and "All the Rage Tour 2012" around the early 2010s.[25][26] Many of the accusers were underage during the alleged attacks.[24][27][28][29][30][31] In response to the allegations, Combichrist removed Blood on the Dance Floor from their tour in 2014.[32] Merchandising website Big Cartel removed the band's products in 2018 in response to the allegations,[33] while Spotify and Google Play removed the band's music in April 2019.[34][35][36] Vanity has responded to the accusations on multiple occasions, usually with denial or evasion.[37]

In early 2020 American television journalist Chris Hansen announced an investigation on Vanity, including having multiple interviews with those who claim Vanity abused or raped them.[38] The FBI has confirmed that they are also currently investigating the allegations against Vanity.[39]

Members

Final line-up

  • Dahvie Vanity – vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, synthesizer, programming (2006–2016, 2017–2019)

Former members

  • Christopher Mongillo – vocals, guitars (2007–2008)
  • Matty M – vocals, drums (2007)
  • Rebecca Fugate – vocals, keyboards (2007–2008)
  • Garrett Ecstasy – vocals (2008–2009)
  • Jayy Von Monroe – vocals, guitars (2009–2016)
  • Ryan Malory – guitars (2012)
  • Nick Nasty – vocals, drums (2009)
  • Fallon Vendetta – vocals (2017–2018)

Touring musicians

  • Brandy Wynn – violin (2012–2013)
  • Haley Rose – vocals (2012–2013)
  • Nick Nasty – drums, vocals, keyboards (2010–2011)
  • Carter Harris – keyboards (2011–2012)
  • Johnny Awford – bass, drums (2011)
  • Rusty Wilmot – guitars, drums (2009–2011)
  • Alex Gilbertson – bass (2011)
  • Brian Carpenter – drums (2012)

Timeline

Discography
Main article: Blood on the Dance Floor discography

Albums as Blood on the Dance Floor
  • Let's Start a Riot (2008)
  • It's Hard to Be a Diamond in a Rhinestone World (2008)
  • Epic (2010)
  • All the Rage!! (2011)
  • Evolution (2012)
  • Bad Blood (2013)
  • Bitchcraft (2014)
  • Scissors (2016)
  • Kawaii Monster (2017)
  • Haunted (2018)
  • Cinema Erotica (2018)
  • You Are the Heart (2018)
  • Hollywood Death Star (2019)

Albums as Kawaii Monster
  • Poison Love - EP (2019)
  • Love From Hell (2019)
  • The Balance (2020)

Albums as Master of Death
  • Master of Death (2015)

Albums as Sinners Are Winners
  • For Beginners (2016)
  • The Invocation (2017)

References
  1. Exclusive Interview: Blood On The Dance Floor. Critic Studio (January 26, 2012). Retrieved on October 21, 2015.
  2. "Jeffree Star and BOTDF at war". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
  3. "Blood on the Dance Floor". Allmusic.
  4. The Epic Tour!!! – Top Spot USA – September 29th 2010 Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. Top Spot USA (September 29, 2010). Retrieved on October 21, 2015.
  5. "Vans Warped Tour / Bands / June 16th – August 5th / Tickets On Sale Now / Blood On The Dance Floor". Vanswarpedtour.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
  6. "Lady Nogrady Speaks Out". Lemonade Magazine. July 2012. Archived from the original on February 15, 2013.
  7. "Blood On The Dance Floor:. All The Rage [Tour Dates]". Eurotrash Music. October 4, 2011. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014.
  8. "Evolution – Blood on the Dance Floor". Allmusic.
  9. "Blood On The Dance Floor interview w/ Robert Herrera". YouTube. October 16, 2011. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
  10. "Blood On The Dance Floor – Double Header Review: Evolution and Clubbed To Death". Nataliezworld.
  11. "Blood on the Dance Floor Announce "Anthem of the Outcast" EP Release Date". Alter the Press!. September 2012.
  12. "Blood on the Dance Floor Not Breaking Up Despite Rumors". Zack Zarillo. February 19, 2013.
  13. "DAMMIT: Blood On The Dance Floor Deny Break Up Rumors; Release New Single". Under the Gun Review. February 19, 2013.
  14. "Blood on the Dance Floor Confirm New Album". Alter the Press!. February 2013.
  15. "Blood On The Dance Floor Release New Song; Liken Themselves To Christ & Address Rape Allegations". Under the Gun Review. March 13, 2013.
  16. "Blood On The Dance Floor Release New Song "Something Grimm"". Alter the Press!. July 2013.
  17. "Id like to announce that @DrewApath..." Blood On The Dance Floor. January 2014.
  18. "Blood On The Dance Floor". Blood On The Dance Floor. February 2014.
  19. "Come get messy with Blood on the Dance Floor". Ace of Spades. June 6, 2013. Archived from the original on June 10, 2013.
  20. Blood on the Dance Floor – 5 Tour Essentials – Fuse. Fuse.tv (October 31, 2012). Retrieved on October 21, 2015.
  21. Phares, Heather. "Blood on the Dance Floor". AllMusic. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
  22. "Blood on the Dance Floor – Evolution". Alternative Press. June 19, 2012.
  23. Breeding, Kennedy. (January 4, 2012) Concert review: Blood on the Dance Floor | www.themountaineagle.com Archived August 8, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. Mountain Eagle. Retrieved on October 21, 2015.
  24. Cook, Jesselyn; Murdock, Sebastian (April 5, 2019). "Dahvie Vanity Raped A Child. Police Gave Him A Warning. Now 21 Women Accuse Him Of Sexual Assault". Huffington Post.
  25. Rachel Campbell (August 1, 2018) Blood On The Dance Floor's Dahvie Vanity accused of sexual assault, Alternative Press, accessed March 18, 2020
  26. Schaffner, Lauryn. "Ash Costello Sheds Light on Dahvie Vanity Allegations". Loudwire.
  27. "Blood on the Dance Floor Discuss Jesus and Allegations in New Song". Music Feeds. April 1, 2013.
  28. "Scene Singer Dahvie Vanity Is A Rapist Who Preys On Minors, A Dozen Women Say". Huffington Post. December 18, 2018.
  29. "Blood on the Dance Floor's Dahvie Vanity accused of underage sexual assault by 21 women". April 8, 2019.
  30. "Blood On The Dance Floor Accused Of Child Sex By Fans, Support Acts And Crew". Music Feeds. March 1, 2013.
  31. "Blood on the Dance Floor's Dahvie Vanity Accused of Sexually Assaulting Multiple Women, Many While They Were Underage". MetalSucks. August 1, 2018.
  32. Hartmann, Graham. "Combichrist Boot Blood on the Dance Floor From Tour Due to Allegations". Loudwire.
  33. "Big Cartel drops Dahvie Vanity store after more sexual assault allegations". December 19, 2018.
  34. Murdock, Sebastian; Cook, Jesselyn (April 23, 2019). "Spotify Drops Dahvie Vanity After HuffPost Investigation Into Alleged Rapes". HuffPost.
  35. "Blood On The Dance Floor off Spotify following Dahvie Vanity allegations". April 23, 2019.
  36. "Blood On The Dance Floor". www.facebook.com.
  37. Summan, Yasmin. "Dahvie Vanity has responded to Spotify removing his music | DISCOVERED MAGAZINE".
  38. Murdock, Sebastian; Cook, Jesselyn (March 10, 2020). "Chris Hansen To Investigate Alleged Rapist Dahvie Vanity Following HuffPost Coverage". HuffPost.
  39. Tenbarge, Kat (July 2, 2020). "Myspace-famous musician Dahvie Vanity was accused of child sex abuse for years. Now the FBI is involved". Insider. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
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