In their short existence as a band, the Orange County transplants – Dan Smith (vocals), Darren Parkinson (guitar), Cortney Miner (guitar), Keath Moon (bass), and Jimmy Walsh (drums) – have built a devoted following and boast quite a story. There have been many triumphs for The Dear & Departed, including sharing stages with Saosin, Norma Jean, Tiger Army, AFI and Avenged Sevenfold, as well as patronage from platinum bands (like AFI, who invited Smith to sing on 2007’s Decemberunderground) and mutual respect from cult artists alike.

The Dear & Departed has won an international fanbase and developed even further into a potent outfit that mixes in influences from New Order to Placebo, whilst always maintaining a sound unique to only them. The band released Something Quite Peculiar in May 2007, produced by Chris Vrenna, whose production resume includes U2 and Smashing Pumpkins in addition to his work as drummer/programmer for Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson and Gnarls Barkley, with additional production from AFI's Jade Puget.

If the previous hasn’t made The Dear & Departed a household name yet, then they surely will be soon. Smith, a tattoo artist for over 7 years, will join the cast of LA Ink - the hit show on TLC starring Kat Von D. Smith will be introduced on the episode airing Thursday, August 13th at 10pm. LA Ink will also visit the band in the studio in a later episode.