This article relies on references to primary sources or sources affiliated with the subject, rather than references from independent authors and third-party publications. Please add citations from reliable sources. (January 2011)

Dead by April
Dead by April at Gröna Lund, 2009. Left to right: Pontus Hjelm, Alexander Svenningson, Jimmie Strimell and former guitarist Johan Olsson
Background information
Origin	Gothenburg, Sweden
Genres	Alternative metal Melodic Death Metal
Years active	2007–present
Labels	Universal, Spinefarm
Associated acts	Nightrage, By Night, Cipher System, DeathDestruction, The Unguided, Misty Mono, Lyracis, Lazee, Lena Philipsson
Website	www.deadbyapril.com
Members
Jimmie Strimell Zandro Santiago Marcus Wesslén Alex Svenningsson Pontus Hjelm
Past members
Johan Olsson Henric Carlsson

Dead by April is a Swedish Pop-Metal band from Gothenburg, formed in February 2007. The band consists of Jimmie Strimell, Zandro Santiago, Marcus Wesslén, Alex Svenningsson and Pontus Hjelm. They released their self-titled debut album in May 2009. In 2010 the two guitarists, Pontus Hjelm and Johan Olsson, left the band. Pontus, remained a songwriter for the band, however rejoined as the "session" guitarist, then later as a permanent member.

Background[link]

Early days and debut album (2007-2010)[link]

The band was formed in early 2007, when Jimmie Strimell, the lead singer of Nightrage, decided to collaborate with songwriter and former Cipher System member Pontus Hjelm to form Dead by April. During the band's early days in 2007 and 2008, the band did not release any physical media, though most of the songs that they gave to friends were quickly leaked out to several peer-to-peer-sites, with the first songs being "Lost" and "Stronger".^[1] During this time, they also played in local venues around Gothenburg.

On March 27, 2010, Dead by April headlined the Norwegian festival 'Rock mot Rus' together with several Norwegian acts such as Turdus Musicus, Moddi, Cyaneed, Jodski, Purified in Blood etc.^[2] The band continued touring with Purified in Blood until early May.^[3]

[edit] New line-up, Stronger and Incomparable (2010-present)

Jimmie Strimell performing at Sonisphere Festival, Hultsfred, Sweden 2009.

On April 23, 2010, it was announced on the band's official MySpace page that Pontus Hjelm (guitarist, songwriter and singer) had officially left Dead by April. The reason for his departure was because he didn't want to continue as a band member, he wanted to focus on being a songwriter. Although Pontus would no longer be an official band member, he wanted to continue writing music for Dead by April, telling the fans that "nothing is different in the songwriting department". The replacement for Pontus Hjelm became Zandro Santiago. Although Zandro only provides vocals, the band felt that it did not change much of the sound to continue with only one guitarist.^[4]

On May 17, the band released the fourth single of their debut album. Unlike any other Dead by April-single release, this single was a double A-Side entitled "Love Like Blood/Promise Me". Besides that "Love Like Blood" is a Killing Joke cover, it marks the very first track recorded by Dead by April with their new singer, Zandro Santiago. "Promise Me", however, already appeared on the album.^[3]

On October 22, 2010, it was announced that Johan would be leaving the band, citing "personal issues", as well as focusing on his clothing range.^[5] The band searched for a new guitarist via FaceBook and YouTube.^[6] However, they later revealed on their Facebook page that Pontus would act as a "session" player on their upcoming album and whilst on tour.

During Dead by April's UK tour with My Passion, Johan was replaced by guitarist Joel Nilsson.

In August, 2010, they released a teaser for a new song called "Within My Heart", which was released, along with the new album, in early 2011. The album is heavier and more dynamic than their self-titled album.^[7] The song "More Than Yesterday" has been played live on tour in the UK and Sweden and will feature on the new album, as well as the compilation album, "Stronger". Jimmie released a demo recording of it on his YouTube channel.^[8]

Dead by April made an appearance on the soundtrack for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit as a featured artist on the song "Stronger" by Lazee (not to be confused with their song with the same name).

On December 7, it was announced that a new compilation album called "Stronger" would be released on January 25, 2011. It contains a demo version of "More Than Yesterday", three heavier versions of their songs and some tracks that have already been released.

During shows in Russia, DeathDestruction drummer Jonas Ekdahl, was replacing Alexander while he is resting his ears. Jonas will remain as a session drummer for the coming 3 to 5 months.^[9][10]

On January 24, 2011, Dead by April released the compilation album Stronger. On April 19, 2011, Dead by April confirmed the mixing was complete for their newest album via their Facebook page. On May 2, 2011, Dead by April announced that their first single of their second album would be "Within My Heart". This was released digitally on May 16, 2011 and included two more songs - a new song called "Two Faced" and a re-recorded version of "Unhateable". Later it was confirmed that the band would perform at the Sonisphere Festival in Sweden on July 9.

Dead By April performed in Melodifestivalen in early 2012 and went into the finals. The band placed 7th, using the song "Mystery". They have also announced that they are currently working on a new album, which includes former guitarist Pontus Hjelm. He is believed to be back in the band.

Members[link]

Current members

• Jimmie Strimell – scream/clean vocals (2007–present)
• Zandro Santiago – clean vocals (2010–present)
• Pontus Hjelm - guitars, keyboards, electronics, backing vocals (2007–2010 2011–present), vocals (2007–2010)
• Marcus Wesslén – bass (2007–present)
• Alexander Svenningson – drums (2007–present)

Session/touring members

• Joel Nilsson – guitars (2010)
• Jonas Ekdahl - drums (2010)

Former members

• Johan Olsson – guitars, backing screams (2007–2010)
• Henric Carlsson – bass guitar (2007)
• Martin Meyerman - guitars

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

Compilations[link]

Singles[link]

As featured artist

Music videos

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009)

"Can I Get a Witness" is a 1963 hit song by Marvin Gaye on the Tamla (Motown) label. Written and produced by Motown songwriting and producing team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song was built among gospel-styled music and heralded Gaye's beginnings in the church with a rhythm and blues/rock and roll setting. The song featured Gaye on piano, playing a boogie pattern, The Funk Brothers, and members of The Supremes in the background accompanying Gaye. The song became a hit in both the U.S. and the United Kingdom, and British musicians Lulu, Dusty Springfield, The Rolling Stones, Sam Brown and Steampacket (which featured a very young Rod Stewart) recorded cover versions of the song. Gaye's version peaked at #22 on the Hot 100 chart and its title soon became a catchphrase. Lee Michaels' 1971 version reached #39 on the Hot 100; both his and Gaye's versions peaked during Christmas week.

In popular culture[link]

• Gaye's recording is featured in the 1999 biographical film The Hurricane.

Personnel[link]

• Lead vocals by Marvin Gaye
• Background vocals by The Supremes: Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson
• Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers