Music

You Say Party will continue with new name and line-up

by Ciaran Thompson

Back in April You Say Party! We Say Die! drummer Devon Clifford died following a brain hemorrhage. The band has released their first public statement on their website regarding the future of the group.

They will continue playing and out of respect for their deceased drummer have changed their name simply to You Say Party. “Devon’s parents have encouraged us to continue on and given us their blessing,” the post says. “It is their opinion (as well as ours) that Devon would never have wanted his death to end the band. He would have wanted us to continue on.”

Krista Loewen, who plays keyboards and sings has left the band and Robert Andow and Bobby Siadat from Vancouver band Gang Violence have joined the newly named You Say Party.

“Krista has decided that her time with us has come to an end as she no longer desires the long drives, poor sleeps and revolting selection of road food,” the statement says. “Instead she’s choosing a home, a garden, some gluten-free baking and a proper education.  We will miss Krista very much and she remains a part of our lives.”

The band’s latest album called XXXX was recently long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize. Their canceled European tour will take place this fall and they’ll also be performing more shows later this year.

“Heartfelt thanks for all the messages of love and condolences that you have sent since Devon’s passing. We have drawn a lot of strength from these as we navigate this difficult time.  Losing Devon has been a profound loss for the family this band has grown to become.  We have taken some time out of the spotlight these last few months to heal, process, reflect and reevaluate the future of this band.”

The band has also formed a new facebook page which reflects the name change. Head over here and ‘like’ it.