The Dears Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a The Dears band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
The Dears is a Canadian indie rock band originating from Montreal, Quebec. Known for their emotionally intense and melodically sophisticated sound, the group is led by the charismatic Murray Lightburn (vocals, guitar) and features Natalia Yanchak (keyboards, vocals), who joined the band in 1998. Over the years, The Dears have been a dynamic collective with a revolving lineup, but Lightburn and Yanchak have remained its core members. The band is celebrated for blending elements of orchestral pop, chamber pop, and indie rock, creating a uniquely dramatic and introspective musical experience.
How to Sound Like The Dears
The Dears' music is characterized by a rich, cinematic sound that combines melancholic melodies with lush arrangements. Their sonic palette leans towards the emotive and atmospheric, often using layered guitars and expansive keyboards to create a sense of grandeur. The use of effects like the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer and Eventide TimeFactor Twin Delay enhances their music's emotional depth, providing a blend of overdrive warmth and complex echoes that adds texture to their sound. Lightburn’s cabaret-style vocals are complemented by the dramatic dynamics and rhythmic precision of the band, allowing them to craft songs that are both intimate and epic in scope.
Discography
End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story
2000
No Cities Left
2003
Thank You Goodnight Sold Out
2004
Gang of Losers
2006
Missiles
2008
Degeneration Street
2011
Live at Pasaguero
2012
Times Infinity Volume 1
2015
Times Infinity Volume 2
2017
Lovers Rock
2020
Return to Lover's Rock
2022
No Cities Left: The Definitive 20th Anniversary Edition
2024
Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful!
2025
Get the The Dears Sound
Want to sound like The Dears? 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.