Dead Can Dance Members, Gear & Sound
Australian musical project
Members
Select a Dead Can Dance band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Dead Can Dance is an Australian musical group known for their eclectic fusion of post-punk, neoclassical darkwave, and medieval folk elements. Formed in Melbourne in 1981, the band is anchored by the core duo of Brendan Perry (vocals, guitar, multi-instrumentalist) and Lisa Gerrard (vocals, yangqin). Over the years, Dead Can Dance has evolved to include a variety of additional musicians, creating a rich and diverse sound that seamlessly blends European folk influences with ambient and worldbeat textures. Their relocation to London in the early 1980s marked the beginning of a successful career with the 4AD label, leading to critically acclaimed albums that have left a lasting impact on the ethereal and gothic music scenes.
How to Sound Like Dead Can Dance
Dead Can Dance's sound is characterized by its atmospheric and ethereal textures, often creating a haunting, otherworldly ambiance. The music incorporates lush, reverberant vocals and a tapestry of world instruments, contributing to its unique sonic landscape. To emulate their vibe, musicians might focus on creating deep atmospheric soundscapes with the use of multi-effects processors, such as the Eventide H9 Max, and vibrato effects like those from the Boss VB-2W Vibrato. These tools, combined with the rich harmonic layers of instruments like the Greek Bouzouki and Traditional Yangqin Hammered Dulcimer, can help musicians recreate the mystical and expansive aura that defines Dead Can Dance's music.
Discography
Dead Can Dance (Remastered)
1984
Spleen and Ideal (Remastered)
1985
Within the Realm of a Dying Sun (Remastered)
1987
The Serpent's Egg (Remastered)
1988
Aion (Remastered)
1990
A Passage in Time
1991
Into the Labyrinth (Remastered)
1993
Toward the Within (Remastered)
1994
Spiritchaser (Remastered)
1996
Wake
2002
Anastasis
2012
In Concert (Live)
2013
Garden of the Arcane Delights + Peel Sessions
2016
Dionysus
2018
Live from Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA. September 17th, 2005
2021
Live from Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Ireland. March 10th, 2005
2021
Live from Massey Hall, Toronto, ON. October 1st, 2005
2021
Live from Palais Des Congrès, Paris, France. March 14th, 2005
2021
Live from Lille Grand Palais, Lille, France. March 16th, 2005
2021
Live from Théâtre St-Denis, Montreal, QC. October 2nd, 2005
2021
Live from Paleis Voor Schone Kunsten, Brussels, Belgium. March 17th, 2005
2021
Live from Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid, Spain. March 21st, 2005
2021
Live from Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA. October 5th, 2005
2021
Live from Auditori Forum, Barcelona, Spain. March 22nd, 2005
2021
Live from Teatro Dal Verme, Milan, Italy. March 24th, 2005
2021
Live from the Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD. October 10th, 2005
2021
Live from Kölner Philharmonie, Cologne, Germany. March 26th, 2005
2022
Live from Münchner Philharmoniker, Munich, Germany. March 27th, 2005
2022
Live from Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL. October 12th, 2005
2022
Live from Barbican Theatre, London. April 6th, 2005
2022
Live from Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA. September 18th, 2005
2022
Live from The Forum, London, UK. April 7th, 2005
2022
Live from Théâtre St-Denis, Montreal, QC. October 4th, 2005
2022
Live from Prins Willem Alexander zaal, the Hague, Netherlands. March 12th, 2005
2022
Selections from North America 2005
2022
Get the Dead Can Dance Sound
Want to sound like Dead Can Dance? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.