Tilian Pearson

Tilian Pearson (born July 12, 1987),^[4] also known mononymously as Tilian, is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer born in Clearwater, Florida. He is best known as the clean vocalist in post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance.

In 2007, he formed the progressive rock band Tides of Man releasing one self-titled EP and 2 studio albums, Empire Theory (2009) and Dreamhouse (2010) through Rise Records. In 2010, he departed from the band to write for several other bands such as Saosin, Emarosa, and Night Verses.

As a solo musician, he has released 2 studio albums, Material Me (2013) and Perfect Enemy (2015), and one EP, Future Friends (2014) through Vital Records.^[5] In 2012, he became a member of Dance Gavin Dance, replacing Jonny Craig on vocals, and released the albums Acceptance Speech (2013), Instant Gratification (2015), and Mothership (2016) with the band through Rise Records.^[6][7]

Music career

2007–2010: Formation of Tides of Man

In early 2007, Pearson formed progressive rock band Tides of Man consisting of lead guitarist Spencer Gill, rhythm guitarist Adam Sene, bass guitarist Alan Jaye, and percussionist Josh Gould, at the time. The band recorded their debut full-length studio album titled Empire Theory throughout September 2008 with producer Matt Malpass and was released through Rise Records on August 4, 2009.^[8] They also released their sophomore studio album, Dreamhouse, in 2010. After touring for 2 years, he announced his departure from the band on December 20, 2010 through a message on Myspace. Since Pearson's departure, Tides of Man has become an instrumental and progressive rock band consisting of little-to-no vocal use in their recent material.^[9]

2011–2012: Writing for other bands

Following his departure from Tides of Man, he began working with post-hardcore bands Emarosa and Archives (currently known as Night Verses), and was an in-studio member for alternative rock band Saosin.^[10] The demos for the Emarosa tracks "Supercrow"^[11] and "Mamba"^[12] were leaked onto the Internet throughout 2012. The demo version of "Exfoliator", a song performed by Saosin, was leaked onto the web in 2013.^[13]

2013–2016: Joining Dance Gavin Dance and solo albums

Following the departure of Jonny Craig from his band Dance Gavin Dance on August 21, 2012, it was rumored that Pearson would be serving as a temporary touring member to pursue clean vocal duties for the band. Despite the fact that Pearson was in the midst of recording a full-length follow-up album to his debut album Material Me (2013), he subsequently became a permanent member and recorded vocals for the band's fifth studio album, Acceptance Speech. The album was released on October 8, 2013 through Rise Records. The album received mixed and positive reviews from critics, with praise being directed towards certain aspects of the album. However, Pearson's vocals received lukewarm reviews, along with the unique mix of genres. Deadpress concluded their review by saying "what we have here is a refreshing DGD who've managed to maintain their identity regardless, and maybe we'll also have a consistent line-up for the foreseeable future" and gave the album a rating of 8/10.^[14] The album spawned the single "Strawberry Swisher Pt. 3", which was released on October 10, 2013, accompanied by its music video which premiered on October 31, 2013.^[15]

In support of Acceptance Speech, Pearson toured with the band extensively in support of the album. The band embarked on The Acceptance Speech Tour on April 16 in Seattle, Washington and concluded on May 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. On September 14, 2014, it was announced that the band was to headline the annual Rise Records tour beginning on November 16 in Seattle. The tour concluded in Santa Cruz, California on December 7, 2014 with supporting acts SECRETS, Alive Like Me, and Defeat The Low.^[16]

On February 9, 2015, it was announced that Dance Gavin Dance were releasing their sixth studio album, Instant Gratification on April 14, 2015 through Rise Records, being the second album featuring Pearson on vocals. "On the Run" was released as the lead single on February 12, 2015 and the second single, "We Own the Night", was released on March 13, 2015. In support of the album, the band embarked on the Instant Gratification Tour and served as supporting acts on the Take Action! Tour with metalcore band Memphis May Fire, Palisades, and Crown the Empire.^[17] He featured on post-hardcore band Slaves' song "Winter Everywhere", from their album Routine Breathing.

Tilian released his solo extended play, Future Friends, on December 16, 2014 through Vital Records.^[18] On June 29, 2015, Pearson announced that he would be entering the studio and recording new material with producer Kris Crummett on September 1.^[19] Tilian began recording vocals for the album on September 9.^[20] Two weeks later, Pearson finished recording the album.^[21] He released his single "Tug Of War" along with its music video on October 16, 2015.^[22]

On October 29, 2015, he announced his sophomore studio album Perfect Enemy, which was released on November 27, 2015 through Vital Records.^[23] In support of the album, he announced his headlining solo tour with supporting act Myke Terry (formerly of metalcore band Bury Your Dead). The tour took place from January 28 to February 5, 2016.^[24]

Tilian toured with Dance Gavin Dance throughout November and December 2015 on the 10 year anniversary tour with supporting acts Slaves, A Lot Like Birds, Dayshell, and Strawberry Girls. Throughout the tour, Tilian switched out as lead vocalist with the band's former vocalists Jonny Craig and Kurt Travis.^[25]

2016–present

Tilian Pearson released his collaborative single, "Back to Life", with recording artist Jonny Craig, on April 18, 2016. As a solo artist, Pearson toured as a co-headliner on a U.S. tour with Jonny Craig and Kurt Travis spanning from April 15 to May 22, 2016.^[26]

Dance Gavin Dance announced a string of international tour dates for 2016, including their U.S. fall tour from September 22 to October 27 and a European tour from November 3 to November 16.^[27][28] They released the live concert album, Tree City Sessions, on May 13, 2016 through Rise Records. Dance Gavin Dance is set to released their seventh studio album, Mothership, on October 7, 2016. The lead single, "Chucky Vs. the Giant Tortoise", was released on August 18, 2016 for digital download and streaming.

Discography

Solo

Studio albums

• Material Me (Vital, 2013)
• Perfect Enemy (Vital, 2015)
• TBA (2017)

EPs

• Future Friends (Vital, 2014)

with Dance Gavin Dance

• Acceptance Speech (Rise, 2013)
• Instant Gratification (Rise, 2015)
• Tree City Sessions (Rise, 2016)
• Mothership (Rise, 2016)

with Tides of Man

• Tides of Man EP (Rise, 2008)
• Empire Theory (Rise, 2009)
• Dreamhouse (Rise, 2010)

Music videos

Guest appearances

• "Life, Barefoot" by Makari (2012)
• "Year of The Light" by Stolas from the album Living Creatures (2013)
• "Everything Is Chrome in the Future" by Cinsera from the album Coryphee (2014)
• "Winter Everywhere" by Slaves from the album Routine Breathing (2015)
• "All I Have" by Amarionette from the album Repeating History (2016)

References