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Exuberant dance-rock group DNCE broke into the mainstream in 2015 with the EP Swaay and single "Cake by the Ocean," a multi-platinum international hit that helped propel their 2016 self-titled debut LP into the U.S.
Top 20.
Formed in 2015, DNCE (which stands for dance) is centered on former Jonas Brothers singer Joe Jonas and also includes Korean-born guitarist JinJoo Lee (Jordin Sparks, Charlie XCX, Cee Lo Green), bassist/keyboardist Cole Whittle (Semi-Precious Weapons), and drummer Jack Lawless (Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus). With the breakup of his phenomenally popular band the Jonas Brothers in 2013, Jonas began percolating the concept of forming another act. However, rather than choosing to hire studio musicians, he eventually wrangled the talents of former Jonas Brothers touring drummer Lawless, along with Lee, who opened for the Brothers while touring with Jordin Sparks. Jonas then brought on Semi-Precious Weapons member Whittle, and DNCE were complete. In September 2015, DNCE released the single "Cake by the Ocean," premiering the track on New York's Z100, with the fully fledged Swaay EP appearing a month later.
In 2016, they released the full-length DNCE, featuring production and songwriting contributions from a handful of industry luminaries including Sir Nolan, Ilya, and Mattman & Robin, as well as former Semi-Precious Weapons frontman Justin Tranter. Buoyed by the previously released "Cake by the Ocean" as well as the leadoff single "Body Moves," the album performed well, landing in the Top 20 of the Billboard 200. Following extensive touring, DNCE returned in 2018 with the People to People EP, featuring the singles "TV in the Morning" and "Still Good." ~ Matt Collar