Like a sailboat flailing around the ocean, New Wavers You Say Party! We Say Die! somehow managed to right themselves. They stuck together after brawling with each other in Berlin and after bassist Stephen O’Shea got banned for crossing the border without a work permit.
But when drummer Devon Clifford suddenly died from a brain hemorrhage last April, it seemed their sails had been ripped away. After two months of staying silent, You Say Party! We Say Die! open up about the band’s future. A statement on their website announces they’re setting sail once again.
Considering the closeness the band felt towards each other, it wouldn’t have been unusual for the remaining four to call it quits. O’Shea, singer Becky Ninkovic keyboardist Krista Loewen and guitarist Derek Adam consulted with Clifford’s parents. “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.” 
So it’s a little surprising founding member Loewen also announced she will leave the band. Exhausted by touring, the online message states, “She’s choosing a home, a garden, some gluten-free baking and a proper education.” Robert Andow and Bobby Siadat of Vancouver band “Gang Violence” will take over keyboards and drums. Banishing any morbid connotations, they’ve dropped the “We Say Die!” from their name.
The European tour which You Say Party canceled after Clifford’s death will be rescheduled for the fall. They hope to play some shows with the new lineup before then.
photo by Kevin Gustafson
Article comments