Unfiltered & Uncensored: The internet's hottest viral band

"What people call offensive, that's what's happening, that's what's real."
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Updated: 11/07/2012 11:47 pm
JACKSONVILLE (ActionNewsJax.com) --   Streaming through the internet at lightning speed, a Jacksonville area man is part of one of the hottest underground bands around.   “Blood on the Dance Floor” delivers an in-your-face manifesto on life.  The band’s explicit songs tackle teenage sex, self-image and bullying.

Action News traveled to Orlando, where BOTDF gave us an all-access pass, and a no-holds-barred interview with the two stars of the show, Davie Vanity and Jayy Von Monroe.

Sitting down with the pair, you’re struck by their elaborate makeup, tattoos, spiked hair—and Vanity’s colorful contact lenses. But beneath the glam exterior, were two well-spoken, articulate, and polite young men.

Vanity, the bands founding member, draws his inspiration through experience.  He admits he was bullied in school, saying “Me and Jayy had it rough growing up,” Vanity said, “When I started standing up for myself, I started living better and music was my freedom.”

One of the band’s most popular videos is for the song “Rise and Shine.”  A boy is being picked on at school. The adults don’t appear to care about what’s happening.  In a Columbine-style dream sequence; he imagines he’s gunned down the bullies.

Monroe, who admits he was kicked out of Middleburg High School for wearing makeup to class, says parents have this band  all wrong,  "What people call offensive, that's what's happening, that's what's real--and if you don't enlighten people they have no idea what's going on in their kids life." 

Blood on the Dance Floor
Blood on the Dance Floor
"People who don't understand, I don't spent time trying to convince them. They're stuck in their ways, back in the 80's. The only way you can do that is to have them listen to the message and the music.”
BOTDF has a following, with fans as young as nine, plugging in their headsets to listen to some very adult-themed music.

During their concert, we asked a young fan what she thought about the graphic lyrics.

“That’s what makes it fun,” she said.

At the Orlando concert we saw several parents who accompanied their kids to the show.  Monroe has a special appreciation for them saying, “Every time I see a mom at the show, I applaud.  You actually give a (expletive) about your kid!”

Traveling with the band is singer Haley Rose.  She talked about why BOTDF’s music seems to resonate with girls. She said, “To have a band that’s conveying a message that’s like, we’re all different here and we accept that, is such a powerful thing for girls to have.”

It’s a kind of rock-inspired reverse psychology.  Many of the bands songs are written about things they hate.   They’re songs to spark a dialogue, and Monroe says it’s not their fault if parents don’t get what they’re saying.

"People who don't understand, I don't spent time trying to convince them.  They're stuck in their ways, back in the 80's.  The only way you can do that is to have them listen to the message and the music.”

Blood on the Dance Floor will soon tour overseas with stops in England and Scotland.

 

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Action News Jacksonville

ufgirl76 - 11/9/2012 3:51 PM
1 Vote
I am a parent and I am appauled by this story, not because of the band's music, but because the story didn't show the positive side of these guys. There was a nice little blurb at the end which mentioned their positive music, but none of those lyrics were shown on the screen. Guess it's better to show the bad than the good.Do they have "inappropriate" songs, yes but turn onn a radio station and listen to most of the mainstream rappers. BOTDF writes songs about anti-bullying, suicide prevention, believing in yourself and being yourself, even if you are "different." I listen to BOTDF with my child, not because I'm trying to be her "buddy" as another parent put it, but because they do have a positive message, maybe not in every song, but in most of them.If people would take the time to listen, instead of judging them based on their looks and most of their old songs, they would see what these guys truly stand for.I've met Dahvie and Jayy more than once and they are very sweet, caring guys that go out of their way for their fans.The so called "interview" was a joke and really didn't amount to much.I have seen kids meet them with tears in their eyes and tell them that their music saved their lives. They had considered suicide and their music gave them hope and showed that people care.Listen to "You Are the Heart," "Rise and Shine," "Don't Wanna Be Like You," and "Right to Love" and see if you still have the same opinion.Until then, I will continue to rock out with my daughter to BOTDF and support what they really stand for! SGTC forever!

cryptkeeper - 11/9/2012 2:59 PM
2 Votes
This band has saved many people. They are not out to hurt anyone!! There love is universal and they should not be judged!! People only see what is on the outside but forget what is on the inside! Listen to what there message is. Don't hate on this amazing and life changing band.

Gunny48 - 11/9/2012 10:05 AM
1 Vote
Rock on!!! Better than gangsta rap garbage.

natalierenee - 11/8/2012 5:36 AM
4 Votes
I agree with Mallory. I've listened to this band since I was 14. I'm now 20. They spend unbelievable amounts of time with fans and making them feel like they belong to a family. The fanbase is a family. I got in touch with Dahvie this year because I had nowhere else to turn. One of my close friends has cancer and her one wish was to meet him before she passed away. He met her at Warped Tour and he made accomadations for us and everything. We didnt even have to wait in line to meet the band and they brought us backstage for the show. Not only that, this past weekend they were playing in chicago and he saw her and gave her a guitar and brought her on the tour bus for a few hours and dedicated a song to her onstage. This band is way more than what this interview shows. They're trying to make a very valid point. Look up their most recent songs. This doesnt do justice for them. They're genuinely nice people who care about their fans. Thats what they mean by "guidance". There are kids I know who have emailed Dahvie and they were ready to give up and he talked them out of it. Theres just so much this band does that is good. Please focus on that a bit more.

Truthseeker - 11/8/2012 5:08 AM
2 Votes
This is just another example of what comes from the lack of parenting in our society today. Then again you can't totally blame the parents. If you are a strict parent and try to bring your child up within boundaries, then you are considered abusive and may be taken to court. Todays laws prevent the parents from parenting so what do we expect to happen. I guarantee you that my children would not have even considered listening to a group like this. I wasn't abusive but I was their father - not their buddy!!!

mallorydances - 11/8/2012 2:58 AM
4 Votes
I don't believe this gave the band justice. They have many other songs that are inspiring, positive, and relateable. Also, why not focus on how dedicated and generous they are towards their fans? They are known as the "Fan's Band" always interacting with their fans and giving out free merch and tickets, why not emphasize more of the good they possess? Why not show lyrics to other songs that are positive and easy listening? I appreciate that there was some positivity towards the band, but their music was displayed very one sided.They have so much more variety among their musical spectrum such as, Frankenstein & The bride, Believe, You Are The Heart and a lot of others from their Albums. I recommend you check out their albums All The Rage and Evolution. They sing about equality amongst age,gender, sexual orientation, and interests. They encourage self confidence, following dreams, being one's self, and the ability to keep moving forward through life and all of it's obstacles. They may have a "bad reputation" But if you truly look deeper, you will see beautiful, real,raw expression of life. I've been listening to them and attending all of their local shows for almost 5 years. I have been with them through their transformation, and I understand that their music is meant to please the listener. Even the songs about sex;sex is a pleasurable,spiritual, and natural experience. They write about things they've experienced; things they love, things that have challenged them, and things that have changed them. I believe they are one of a kind. Never have I heard one band incorporate so many genres, produce so much music in so little time, spend time interacting with fans, and stay true to who they are than Blood On The Dance Floor. They aren't even signed to a label! Its truly amazing to see them prosper, it gives many young people hope that they can achieve their own dreams. I myself have changed for the better because of them and I will support them for a very long time.
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